Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zain KSA announced impressive H1 results with a 60% increase in net profit to SAR172 million ($45.8 million) and revenue of SAR5 billion ($1.3 billion). The growth was driven by enhanced customer experience, expanded 5G coverage, and increased demand during the Hajj season, alongside strong sustainability practices.
Egyptian fintech company MNT-Halan has secured US$157.5 million in funding to support its global expansion. Founded in 2018 to provide digital banking solutions for the unbanked, MNT-Halan’s ecosystem includes business lending, consumer finance, and e-commerce. With over 2.2 million active users, the company aims to extend its innovative financial services internationally.
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) reported a 46.3% increase in Q2 net profit to AED581 million, driven by 7.3% revenue growth. Mobile and fixed customer bases grew, with strong performance in enterprise and consumer products. EBITDA rose by 3.2%, and Capex moderation led to a 10.9% increase in free cash flow.
Leading Saudi telecom group stc has reported solid financial results for the first half of 2024, with a 4.79% increase in revenues, reaching SAR38.25 billion ($10.2 billion). Net profit surged by 7.73% to SAR6.6 billion, driven by growth in customer and carrier revenues, as well as subsidiary performance. The company’s “Dare 2.0” strategy and cost efficiency programs were key factors in achieving these results.
Veon subsidiary Jazz has secured a PKR75 billion (US$270 million) loan to expand its infrastructure and transition from a telecom company to a technology services provider. The credit facility, led by The Bank of Punjab, is the largest long-term private sector syndicated credit facility in Pakistan, enabling Jazz to enhance digital infrastructure and invest in cloud, software, and financial services.
Kuwait’s National Mobile Telecommunications Company (Ooredoo) reported a 9% increase in consolidated revenue for the first half of 2024, reaching KD346 million ($1.1 billion). The growth was driven by strong performance in Kuwait, Maldives, Tunisia, and Algeria. The customer base grew by 4% to 25.5 million, and EBITDA increased by 8% to KD125 million. Net profit attributable to NMTC decreased to KD25 million due to a one-time gain in H1 2023, but excluding this gain, net profit would have been 23% higher.
Ooredoo reported a 9% revenue growth in H1 2024, reaching KD346 million ($1.1 billion), driven by strong performance in Kuwait, Maldives, Tunisia, and Algeria. Customer base increased by 4% to 25.5 million, and EBITDA grew by 8% to KD125 million. Net profit attributable to NMTC decreased to KD25 million due to a one-time gain in H1 2023.
Egypt plans to boost its ICT sector’s contribution to GDP from 5.8% to 8% by 2030. Minister Amr Talaat emphasized strategic collaborations and investments in submarine cables, cloud computing, and local mobile manufacturing. Initiatives include training programs for 500,000 ICT professionals annually, expanding digital innovation centers, and enhancing digital infrastructure, including broadband coverage and fiber optic networks, to support these goals.
Grameenphone, Bangladesh’s largest mobile operator, reported a Tk 1,338 crore profit for Q1 2024, a 72% increase year-on-year. The growth was driven by reduced finance costs, foreign exchange gains, and lower income tax expenses, with revenue rising by 5% to Tk 3,734 crore.
Saudi Arabia saw a 14% annual increase in expatriate remittances in April, totaling SR11.35 billion. Payments from Saudis also rose by 30%, reaching SR4.94 billion. This growth is driven by new development projects, improved economic conditions, digitalization, and supportive regulatory reforms, enhancing the ease of doing business.