Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The launch of 5G across North Africa in 2025 marks a turning point in digital transformation. Tunisia and Egypt’s early rollouts showcased major speed gains, while Algeria and Morocco prepare for rapid adoption. With infrastructure partnerships and policy support, 5G is set to boost competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth in the region.
AFR-IX Telecom has adopted VC4’s Service2Create to centralize and automate management of its Pan-African telecom backbone. The partnership enhances efficiency, transparency, and scalability, while supporting AFR-IX’s expansion projects like the Medusa Submarine Cable and Barcelona CLS. The move strengthens Africa’s position in global connectivity and digital transformation.
The GCC ministerial committee for cybersecurity held a meeting in Kuwait to advance regional cooperation on digital security. Member states reviewed joint efforts against cyber threats, discussed critical infrastructure protection, and planned future strategies to build expertise and safeguard the Gulf’s shared digital interests.
Kuwait has launched 5G Advanced technology with Knetco as the lead implementor for Huawei, achieving a nationwide rollout on a compressed schedule. Offering speeds up to ten times faster than 5G, the technology will drive smart cities, AI-powered industries, and sustainable digital transformation under Kuwait Vision 2035.
Intella, a Saudi-based AI startup specialising in Arabic dialect speech-to-text, raised $12.5M in Series A funding led by Prosus. With 95.73% transcription accuracy, it outperforms global tech giants. The capital will drive R&D, expand Ziila and IntellaCX, and support growth in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan’s Spectrum Advisory Committee met under Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to chart a roadmap for spectrum allocation. Officials, GSMA, and mobile operators emphasized spectrum’s role in boosting telecom growth, exports, and jobs. The government pledged timely reforms and inclusive policies to deliver affordable, high-quality connectivity nationwide.
Mamoura Diversified Global Holding is selling 7.5% of its stake in du through a DFM share sale, valued between Dh3.08B and Dh3.39B. The offering, open September 8–12, targets both retail and institutional investors, while du’s H1 2025 profits rose 15% to Dh921M.
A Qatar workshop led by cybersecurity expert Farhan Alsadi stressed the growing risks of cybercrime and the need for stronger defences. Backed by the NCSA, the session highlighted data protection, encryption, awareness training, and rapid response as key pillars of a resilient cybersecurity framework.
Morocco will launch 5G in November 2025, with BKGR estimating $4–6 billion in economic impact by 2030. Backed by MAD 80 billion in investment and 5G licenses for Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange, the rollout will cover eight cities initially, expanding to 70% of the population by 2030.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have launched Uni Fiber and Uni Tower to drive FTTH and 5G expansion in Morocco, targeting 1M fiber connections in two years and 6,000 towers in a decade. The joint ventures will invest MAD 4.4B in the first phase, offering open-access infrastructure to all operators.