Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
BAGHDAD: Iraq is preparing to significantly expand its national fiber-optic internet rollout after a recent population census revealed that more than eight million homes were excluded from earlier plans, according to the Ministry of Communications.
Bahrain ranked 15th globally and second regionally in the World Bank’s 2025 GovTech Maturity Index, achieving a “very high digital maturity” score of 93.6 percent. The results highlight strong eGovernment performance, citizen engagement, and advanced digital infrastructure supporting national development goals.
Nigeria added 2.1 million new telecom subscriptions in November 2025, driven largely by MTN and Airtel, which together control over 85 per cent of the market. The rebound followed earlier subscriber losses linked to SIM-NIN enforcement and signals renewed momentum in the mobile-first sector.
India crossed one billion broadband subscribers in November 2025, driven by a decade of rapid digital expansion, strong telecom policy, and nationwide infrastructure rollout. TRAI data shows broadband users increased more than sixfold, supported by 5G deployment, rising data usage, and initiatives like National Broadband Mission 2.0.
Pakistan’s telecom subscriber base has reached 200 million, with broadband users crossing 150 million as sector revenues exceed Rs1 trillion. Strong investment, rising data usage, local handset manufacturing, and improved cybersecurity rankings highlight continued digital growth.
Jordan recorded measurable progress across more than 20 global indicators in 2025, including digital government, innovation, education, competitiveness, and governance. Advancements in World Bank, IMD, WIPO, and FIFA rankings highlight the impact of the Economic Modernization Vision and sustained reforms driving a knowledge-based, digitally enabled economy.
Jordan’s mobile subscriptions reached 8.48 million in Q3 2025, up 2.6% year-on-year, driven by rising data usage and rapid growth in 5G adoption. Strong increases in mobile broadband consumption highlight shifting consumer behavior and growing reliance on digital services across the economy.
Egypt’s score in the Digitalization of Work and Training Index increased by 1.9 points to 80.3 in 2025, placing it in the Leading Level category. The progress reflects national initiatives focused on digital skills training, youth empowerment, and workforce readiness for the global digital economy.
Jordan’s mobile subscriptions reached 8.48 million in Q3 2025, driven by rising data consumption and rapid growth in 5G adoption. While mobile and broadband usage continued to expand, fixed-line voice services declined, reflecting a broader shift toward digital-first connectivity and increasing pressure on operators to invest in network capacity.
Egypt improved its Digitalization of Work and Training Index score to 80.3 in 2025, advancing by 1.9 points year on year. The progress reflects successful national initiatives that focus on digital skills training, youth empowerment, and workforce readiness for the global digital economy.