Jordan’s “Jordan Source” programme, led by Minister Ahmad Hanandeh, promotes the country as a prime destination for tech investment, focusing on IT outsourcing, support services, and video game development. The initiative aims to attract global companies, create jobs, and enhance Jordan’s IT sector, with successful engagements in Singapore and global tech events.
Oman’s postpaid mobile subscriptions rose by 9% in the first half of 2024, reaching 1.89 million, while prepaid subscriptions dropped by 4.5%. Fixed internet subscriptions grew by 6.5%, but fixed-line subscriptions declined by 21.7%. Muscat led in fixed analogue lines, despite a 71.1% drop in this category.
Maroc Telecom invested 3.2 billion dirhams in the first half of 2024, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous year. The investment fueled a 5.1% rise in subscribers to 78.4 million. Despite a slight dip in revenue and EBITDA, the group’s adjusted net income grew by 0.3% to 2.94 billion dirhams.
Ooredoo has launched new Maktabi packages, offering an all-in-one business communication solution for small businesses in Oman. Starting at OMR 29.5 per month, these packages include high-speed internet, mobile and fixed-line communication, security solutions, Microsoft 365, TallyPrime, and 24/7 smart CCTV surveillance to support SMEs and SoHos in achieving their business goals.
Bahrain’s telecommunications sector showed strong growth in Q1 2024, with a 13.8% increase in mobile subscribers and a 10.2% rise in data consumption. Mobile and broadband sectors thrived, while fixed telephony saw a slight decline. The steady progress in fibre broadband infrastructure indicates a promising future for the sector.
Afghanistan’s IT Minister, Maulvi Najibullah Hayat Haqqani, met with Paktika Province tribal leaders to discuss communication issues. He announced plans to build 25 new communication sites across the province, aiming to improve connectivity and address local challenges. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing communication infrastructure in the region.
Damac Capital, the investment arm of Damac Group, reports strong ROI from its strategic investments in SpaceX and Stripe. These investments highlight the group’s commitment to advancing global technology and innovation. Damac Capital is also expanding into AI, supporting high-growth companies poised to lead in their industries and drive global economic progress.
Zain Group’s Q2 2024 results show a 79% net profit increase, with revenue growing 4% YoY to KD 479 million (USD 1.6 billion). Customer base soared 13% to 47.8 million. Key highlights include growth in 5G revenues, fintech services, and digital operator entities, despite challenges in Sudan.
Orange Jordan celebrated the one-year anniversary of its 5G services with a panel discussion at the Innovation Hub, featuring experts discussing the transformative impact of 5G on various sectors. The event emphasized the role of 5G in driving innovation and growth, aligning with Orange Jordan’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering technological advancements.
### AOI Localizes Cellular Tower Manufacturing in Egypt
The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has inaugurated the Cellular Tower Manufacturing Center at its Aircraft Factory, marking a significant step in localizing the manufacturing of cellular towers in Egypt. Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairperson of the AOI, led the inauguration, which was attended by Abdul Rahman Osman, General Manager of AOI; Tarek Hassan, Chairperson of the Aircraft Factory; and several industry leaders.
This initiative is part of AOI’s ongoing efforts to localize technology, increase the percentage of local manufacturing, and produce items under the “Made in Egypt” banner. Abdel Latif highlighted the focus on localizing mobile phone communication tower technology and upgrading production lines with the latest digital manufacturing machines. The center features some of the world’s most advanced production lines for angle forming and cutting, with engineers and technicians trained to the latest Fourth Industrial Revolution standards.
The Aircraft Factory of AOI has successfully achieved 100% local manufacturing of mobile phone communication towers. The factory has begun supplying towers to Etisalat&e, fulfilling the company’s increasing demands. By June 2024, 67 communication towers had been manufactured and supplied to Etisalat&e, with 70 more towers in production for delivery by the end of September 2024.
Abdel Latif noted ongoing coordination to sign memorandums of understanding with Telecom Egypt and other major telecom companies to expand mass production of communication towers. He emphasized AOI’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with all Egyptian telecom companies and developing integrated smart solutions in design, manufacturing, and assembly, driven by Egyptian creativity and national manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aims to meet local market needs and expand exports to African and Arab countries.
