Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Amber IT is deploying 500 Wi-Fi zones across Bangladesh in 2026, offering free access to its subscribers and low-cost coupons for others. Partnering with small businesses like tea stalls for hosting, the project aims to support students and freelancers while enhancing digital inclusion in both urban and rural public spaces.
Algeria is undergoing scheduled maintenance on the critical SMW4 submarine cable on March 10-11, 2026. Aimed at the power supply system, the work may cause temporary internet disruptions between Annaba and Palermo. Authorities have activated alternative routes to ensure service continuity and emphasize the intervention’s role in long-term network reliability.
PM Adviser Rehan Asad has unveiled a 30-year ICT roadmap for Bangladesh, prioritizing high-speed connectivity, digital sovereignty, and AI adoption. Key initiatives include free airport Wi-Fi by Eid, a review of 2025 telecom policies, and a crackdown on illegal devices to attract FDI. The plan aims to create 1 million tech-related jobs.
VEON’s Jazz secured 190 MHz in Pakistan’s 5G auction, the largest share among bidders, for approximately $239.5 million. The auction tripled the nation’s available spectrum, enabling Jazz to enhance 4G quality and launch 5G services in major cities by late 2026, supporting a transition to AI-driven digital services for 100 million users.
LTT and ZTE signed a landmark MoU at MWC26 to modernize Libya’s telecommunications and expand 4G/5G coverage. The partnership targets digital financial services, e-commerce, and high-performance hardware like FWA to bridge the digital divide. This strategic move aims to underpin Libya’s economic reconstruction through enhanced connectivity and a diversified digital ecosystem.
Pakistan raised $507 million in its inaugural 5G auction, with Jazz, Ufone, and Zong acquiring 480 MHz of spectrum. The move doubles national capacity, heralding faster 4G within months and 5G rollouts by late 2026. Notably, Pakistan also became the first Asian nation to eliminate right-of-way charges for fiber.
Jordan imported 389,000 tablets in 2025, valued at JD58 million. Despite a 75,000-unit decrease in volume compared to 2024, the total value rose due to average device prices surging from JD97 to JD149. The Association (Vision) attributes this to higher manufacturing costs in global production hubs.