IFS Completes Acquisition of Softeon, Creating a Powerhouse in End-to-End Supply Chain Intelligence
IFS Softeon unites Industrial AI and best-in-class warehouse management to deliver unified supply chain excellence from the boardroom to the…
IFS Softeon unites Industrial AI and best-in-class warehouse management to deliver unified supply chain excellence from the boardroom to the…
By backing Yann LeCun’s venture, Shorooq is ensuring that the UAE’s AI strategy (anchored by initiatives like Falcon LLM) stays ahead of the curve. This investment likely signals future collaborations to bring AMI Labs’ “Causal AI” to the Gulf’s industrial, energy, and logistics sectors, where understanding the physical world is more valuable than just generating text.
The 8th Global Conference on Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH8) marks a major return to Riyadh, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for industrial innovation and worker welfare. Under the theme “Sustainable Safety for a Prosperous Future,” the 2026 edition is set to move beyond traditional compliance, focusing on how AI, robotics, and digital twin technology can proactively prevent workplace hazards.
Zong has successfully acquired 5G spectrum, doubling down on its commitment to a “Digital Pakistan.” The company will leverage its 17,000+ sites and new AI-ready cloud platforms to drive industrial modernization and high-speed consumer connectivity. The rollout will also see immediate improvements to 4G quality across its 44 million data users.
Oman’s digital economy is entering a high-growth phase, contributing approximately RO 800 million to the GDP as of 2023. This progress stems from the National Digital Economy Programme (2021–2025), which focused on foundational infrastructure, including 100% residential high-speed broadband coverage and significant investments in AI (RO 79m+).
Omantel achieved a group net profit of OMR 371 million in 2025 (+87.7% YoY) and revenue of OMR 3.41 billion (+11.4%). Growth was driven by a 56.7% surge in ICT services and Zain Group contributions. The company declared a 55% dividend, supported by 5G expansion and a regulatory reduction in mobile service royalties.
Nigeria’s internet penetration reached 83.2% in January 2026, with 151.6 million subscribers. While 4G dominates at 53.41% market share, 5G remains at 3.94%. To bridge the digital divide, the GSMA G6 coalition is piloting $40 4G smartphones, supporting a shift away from 2G and 3G networks.
Pan-African leader Netis Group has acquired a majority stake in Netcom Technologies Morocco to expand its portfolio into critical IT and digital security. This strategic move, backed by international investors like the IFC, aims to scale Netcom’s systems integration expertise across Netis’s 16-country African network, driving regional digital transformation.
Converted has acquired the Egyptian fashion marketplace Mitcha to launch an AI-driven “Ads-to-Orders” platform. The deal integrates real-time sales data into advertising campaigns, allowing merchants to optimize for revenue over clicks. Mitcha founder Hilda Louca joins Converted’s leadership to drive regional expansion across Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Orascom Group, led by Naguib Sawiris, is exploring investment opportunities in Togo following high-level talks in Lomé. Backed by a $170 million expansion fund, the Egyptian conglomerate is evaluating projects in infrastructure, tech, and construction. The move signals growing international investor confidence in Togo’s economic prospects and potential for large-scale job creation.