Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) achieved significant digital transformation milestones in H1 2024, including 4 million electronic transactions, BD374 million in digital payments, 35 new eServices, and partnerships with key entities. The iGA also launched major national systems and improved government service efficiency and effectiveness.
Kaspersky’s report reveals a surge in cyberattacks targeting telecom, mass media, and construction sectors in H1 2024. Telecoms faced the highest attacks due to sensitive data, while mass media and construction firms were also significantly targeted. Oman’s MTCIT managed over 460 cybersecurity incidents in 2023, showcasing resilience.
Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Beyon) announced stable Q2 2024 profits of BD19.8 million, consistent with Q2 2023. Revenues increased by 7% to BD112.5 million. H1 2024 saw a 2% profit rise to BD38.6 million and a 7% revenue increase to BD222.9 million, driven by mobile, datacoms, and digital services.
The GSMA is hosting its first Digital Nation Summit in Pakistan on August 7, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT & Telecom. The event will feature discussions on leveraging mobile technology for a sustainable and inclusive Digital Pakistan, with opportunities to engage with industry pioneers and thought leaders.
Vodafone Egypt has been ranked first in Umlaut’s latest network performance reports, covering November 2023 to April 2024. The company achieved top scores for mobile and fixed broadband performance. This recognition aligns with Vodafone Egypt’s commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous investment in network infrastructure to ensure reliable, high-quality connectivity.
STC Bahrain has launched its exclusive blockchain network, Intersect, on Avalanche, promoting digital transformation and Web3 innovation. The initiative includes a 30-day “Makeathon + Hackathon” event from August 12 to September 11, engaging developers and artists to showcase Intersect’s potential in revolutionizing various industries and enhancing digital services.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reports a rise in cellular subscribers from 192.32 million in May 2024 to 192.53 million in June 2024. The number of 3G and 4G users also increased, while NGMS penetration grew from 55.07% to 55.61%. Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone all saw varied changes in 3G and 4G user bases.
Ooredoo reported a 14% increase in normalised net profit to QR1.9 billion for H1 2024. Revenue grew by 3% to QR11.8 billion, and EBITDA rose by 6% to QR5.1 billion. The company completed the sale of Ooredoo Myanmar and launched several strategic initiatives, including the “walletii” mobile money app and MENA Digital hub.
Leading UAE telecom company e& reported a 6% increase in H1 2024 revenue, reaching AED28.3 billion ($7.7 billion), and a 17% rise in net profit to AED5.5 billion ($1.5 billion). The strong performance was driven by innovation and digital transformation, with the subscriber base growing to 175 million.
Du, in collaboration with Nokia and MediaTek, achieved a 70% boost in uplink performance on its 5G Advanced network in the MEA region. This trial, a first in the region, utilized advanced 5G technologies to enhance connectivity and indoor coverage, supporting high-demand applications like video conferencing and live streaming.