Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco’s “AI Made in Morocco” initiative targets a 100 billion dirham GDP boost and 50,000 new jobs by 2030. Key developments include the Al-Jazari Institute for Industry X.0 and a national network of centers of excellence. The strategy emphasizes technological sovereignty and ethical AI, positioning Morocco as a regional leader in digital transformation.
Morocco is establishing “Local Digital Access Points” to help citizens in rural areas access e-government services. Part of the Maroc Digital 2030 strategy, the program uses a pilot phase to test regional effectiveness before a national rollout. The initiative aims to reduce travel times and administrative delays by providing local digital assistance and high-speed internet in underserved zones.
Vodacom South Africa has debuted “SuperUpload,” a 5G-Advanced feature reaching 254 Mbps uplink speeds. The technology uses dual-channel data transmission to provide fiber-like upload performance on mobile devices. This African milestone targets the growing demand for stable, high-speed connectivity in video conferencing, cloud gaming, and professional file sharing.
Microsoft aims to train 3 million Africans in AI this year to counter the growing influence of China’s DeepSeek. Through a partnership with MTN Group and a $330 million infrastructure investment in South Africa, Microsoft is pushing for widespread adoption of its Copilot ecosystem. Projections suggest AI could contribute $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.
Morocco’s ICT market is set to reach $10.08 billion by 2030, driven by 5G industrial adoption and hyperscale cloud infrastructure. While cybersecurity and AI integration in the automotive sector are accelerating growth, the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled professionals. National digital strategies now focus on expanding training to meet a rising demand for 40,000 annual graduates.
Orange Morocco and ZTE have debuted the Livebox 7, the world’s first commercial router using the open-source prplOS 4.0. Featuring Wi-Fi 7 and a modular software architecture, the device allows third-party app integration, starting with Bitdefender security. Morocco serves as the lead market before a broader European rollout.
Pakistan is set to launch 5G pilot projects next week in major cities after raising $510 million in a spectrum auction. The initiative, confirmed by IT Minister Shaza Fatima, aims to boost internet speeds from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps, with full commercial rollout in provincial capitals expected mid-2026.
Network International and ADCB Egypt have launched the FICO Falcon Fraud Manager to enhance digital transaction security in Egypt. Utilizing AI and machine learning, the system provides real-time fraud detection through behavioral profiling. This partnership strengthens the region’s financial defenses and supports the growth of secure digital payments.
Algeria is leveraging its massive solar potential to become a leading green energy exporter to Europe. Key projects include the Medlink cable to Italy and the SouthH2 green hydrogen corridor. With 15,000 MW targeted by 2035, the nation is also integrating renewables to power domestic digital infrastructure and hyperscale data centers.
Pakistan raised $510 million through its landmark 5G spectrum auction in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. With the assignment stage complete, telecom operators will begin pilot services next week. The initiative aims to triple network capacity and significantly increase national internet speeds, accelerating the “Digital Pakistan” vision.