Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Afghanistan’s Acting Communications Minister, Maulvi Najibullah Hayat Haqqani, and Chinese MCC officials discussed collaboration in telecommunications, technology, and AI to enhance operations at the Mes Aynak copper mine. Afghan personnel are being trained in AI to improve mine management, with assurances made to resolve telecommunications issues at the site.
Orange Group has announced a leadership reshuffle, appointing Yasser Shaker as Executive Vice President and CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA), effective July 1, 2025. This strategic move reflects Orange’s focus on accelerating regional growth, leveraging Shaker’s extensive experience to lead the company’s Middle East and Africa operations.
Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber visited Baghdad to meet with Iraqi officials, focusing on enhancing cooperation in fuel supply, telecommunications, and the proposed oil pipeline project. The discussions also included fiber optic connections linking Lebanon to Europe and addressing outstanding financial obligations. Additionally, Jaber discussed Lebanon’s educational sector needs.
Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake raised concerns about the lack of access to Starlink’s data systems, which could pose a national security risk. Unlike local telecom providers, the initial agreement with Starlink didn’t include provisions for accessing data during security threats, though a dashboard is being developed.
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has introduced a new bylaw to regulate international telecommunications cables. The decision aims to strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure, attract investment, and improve service quality. It establishes a streamlined regulatory framework for cable installation, operation, and maintenance in Omani lands and waters.
Morocco will launch 5G mobile technology in November, ahead of the African Cup of Nations. The government aims to provide 5G access to 25% of the population by 2025, expanding to 70% by 2030. The deployment will prioritize urban centers, economic zones, and industries, enhancing connectivity across key sectors.
Bangladesh Bank has authorized mobile operators to accept roaming service payments from residents traveling abroad in Taka, simplifying the process. Customers can pay up to Tk 6,000 per trip and Tk 30,000 annually. This initiative eliminates the credit card requirement, boosting the telecommunications sector and retaining revenue within the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with China in space technology and telecommunications. During a meeting with Galaxy Space, the Chinese delegation expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s space sector and collaborating on joint projects with local space institutions and telecom companies.
Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, met with Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Hiyam al Yasiri, to discuss potential cooperation in telecommunications. The focus was on strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise, and stimulating investment and business opportunities between the two countries.
The African Egyptian Centre for Telecommunication Regulation (EG-ATRC) hosted an online training course on frequency spectrum monitoring from April 6-10. The course, attended by 28 experts worldwide, covered spectrum monitoring techniques, interference identification, and electromagnetic field measurements. This collaboration with the ITU Academy strengthens the Centre’s regional role in ICT training.