Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ufone and Jazz rank first in PTA’s Q2 2025 mobile coverage survey across 19 Pakistani cities, demonstrating the most reliable 4G/3G signal compliance. Zong follows closely, while Telenor lags with the highest non-compliance.
Ooredoo is expanding its digital footprint through AI-ready data centres, a subsea fibre network, and fintech growth, with Q1 2025 net profit up 5%. The strategic focus on Syntys, TowerCo, and Fintech positions it as a leading digital infrastructure provider in MENA.
DE-CIX Istanbul launched the region’s first AWS Cloud On-Ramp, enabling low-latency, secure, and cost-effective AWS access for enterprises in Türkiye. The exchange recently set a data throughput record and continues to expand its network, strengthening its role as a key digital hub between Europe and the Middle East.
Xtelify launched Airtel Cloud, a sovereign cloud platform for massive telco transaction handling, and AI-powered software platforms that improve telco operations worldwide. Partnerships include Singtel, Globe Telecom, and Airtel Africa to enhance field operations, customer engagement, and fraud protection.
MENA’s IT spending will rise 8.9% to $169 billion in 2026, driven by AI investments and data center expansion. Software and IT services growth reflect deep integration of generative AI, with CIOs urged to embed AI strategically to maintain competitive advantage.
Ooredoo Kuwait and FASTtelco have expanded their partnership with Kuwait Airways by launching Phase Two of Platform 51 on the airline’s in-flight system. This initiative promotes Kuwaiti culture through curated digital content, empowering local youth talents and enhancing Kuwait’s cultural visibility globally.
MTN Group and Agility Arabia collaborated on an Agile procurement overhaul, introducing Lean Agile Procurement across 16 African markets. This shift from waterfall to Agile delivery cut RFP cycle times by 55% and doubled stakeholder satisfaction, driven by widespread organisational adoption and targeted coaching.
Sri Lanka’s telecommunications regulator, TRCSL, will introduce number portability in 2026, allowing mobile users to retain their numbers when switching providers. A dedicated company has been formed and licensed to manage the system, and regulatory approvals are in place. The service will begin after technical upgrades and final preparations.
Ooredoo’s robust H1 2025 financials and strategic investments across data centres, fintech, tower assets, and subsea cables position it as a regional digital transformation leader. The Group continues expanding 5G and AI services while maintaining strong profitability and customer growth.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications launched phase three of AdopTech, supporting 15 AI and emerging tech projects to drive innovation, public-private partnerships, and technology adoption in industrial and logistics sectors.