Dispatches from the ground: September 4

Here are this week's biggest stories in tech from the regions that we cover. For more exclusive content, sign up for Rest of World's weekly global newsletter.

Image source: The Uruguayan company teaching people how to turn regular cars into EVs

Africa

Elon Musk’s Starlink is making Kenya’s largest telecommunications company, Safaricom, nervous. Last week, Safaricom asked the local communication authority to regulate satellite internet providers and require them to partner with local mobile network operators. The company is also reportedly seeking the help of Starlink’s competitor, AST SpaceMobile, to launch satellite internet service. This appears to be a reaction to the fact that Starlink provides the fastest and most affordable internet in the country, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya. —? dámiláre dòsùnmú from Lagos

China

Each spring, the Chinese government announces its annual GDP growth at the Great Hall of the People. As a former Beijing correspondent, I queued in line before dawn with other journalists to get the report. One year, the competition among media outlets to publish the figures first was so intense that a brawl broke out at the front of the line. Despite the fanfare, economists have long questioned the reliability of official figures, and China watchers are always on the lookout for hints about the true state of the economy. This could help explain why the stock for Pinduoduo Inc., Temu’s owner, plunged nearly 30% last week — losing more than $50 billion in market value — after PDD surprised investors with a gloomy sales outlook. If some Chinese consumers are struggling to afford even the cheapest goods, that spells trouble for any Chinese company.? — Joanna Chiu from Vancouver

Latin America

A battle is brewing between Argentina’s biggest e-commerce company and the country’s leading banks. Last week, MercadoLibre accused the banks of “cartelization” and “illegally concentrating” on one payments platform that competes against MercadoLibre’s fintech arm. The complaint targeted Modo, a popular e-wallet created by 36 banks in 2020, which allows users to pay by scanning a QR code with their cellphones. The two entities have been at each other’s throats for months: In May, Modo filed a complaint against MercadoLibre for restricting QR code payment options and “abusive conduct” on its digital payments platform. —? Karla Zabludovsky from Mexico City

South Asia

Apple is making a big push for its subscription services in India. Apple TV+ and Apple Music will soon come bundled with Airtel’s top-tier mobile and broadband plans. Airtel is India’s second-largest telecom operator with 281 million subscribers, and the deal gives Apple a shot at competing more strongly with the likes of Netflix and Amazon’s Prime Video. The company is yet to announce prices for its bundles with Apple. —?Ananya Bhattacharya from MumbaiSoutheast Asia TikTok is testing local service features in Indonesia and Thailand so users can order food, book hotels, and buy vouchers on the app. TikTok is partnering with platforms such as Gojek and Agoda in Indonesia for food delivery and hotel bookings, respectively. Regional e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada also offer flight and hotel bookings. TikTok Shop came under fire in Indonesia for sales on the app, and Chinese e-commerce platforms are facing growing scrutiny for their impact on local businesses. — Ananya Bhattacharya from Mumbai

Southeast Asia

TikTok is testing local service features in Indonesia and Thailand so users can order food, book hotels, and buy vouchers on the app. TikTok is partnering with platforms such as Gojek and Agoda in Indonesia for food delivery and hotel bookings, respectively. Regional e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada also offer flight and hotel bookings. TikTok Shop came under fire in Indonesia for sales on the app, and Chinese e-commerce platforms are facing growing scrutiny for their impact on local businesses. ?— Rina Chandran from Bangkok