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 UAE’s mobile services market is set for steady, data-driven growth over the remainder of the decade, as widespread 5G adoption reshapes consumer and enterprise usage patterns. New analysis from GlobalData projects mobile service revenue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% between 2025 and 2030, driven primarily by rising data consumption despite continued declines in traditional voice revenues.
Ericsson’s Majda Lahlou Kassi discussed Africa’s growing 5G momentum at ATF 2025, citing 400 million expected 5G subscriptions by 2030, FWA-driven expansion, affordability challenges, and new use cases in mining, maritime, and stadium experiences. She also emphasized AI adoption, energy-efficient networks, and youth-focused digital skills development.
Iraq saw a dramatic 410+ percent rise in fiber-optic internet subscriptions in 2024, growing from about 217,000 users to nearly 1.1 million. The growth is driven by nationwide FTTH and next-generation network deployments, with Baghdad leading adoption. However, major regional disparities remain, as southern provinces lag behind. Mobile internet still dominates with over 21 million users nationwide.
Nigeria’s teledensity climbed to nearly 81 percent in October 2025 as active subscriptions reached 175 million, driven by over 1.5 million newly activated SIMs. Despite a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs earlier in the year, Nigerians continued to consume record volumes of data, spending around ₦2.5 trillion between February and September. 4G remains the dominant technology, while broadband penetration reached almost 50 percent. Operators such as MTN and Airtel recorded sharp growth in data revenues, highlighting Nigeria’s resilient appetite for digital connectivity despite rising costs.
A new Mubasher Capital Bahrain report confirms Beyon’s continued dominance in the Kingdom’s telecom sector, with over 70 percent broadband and 40 percent mobile market share. The company has demonstrated steady revenue growth, reaching BD460 million in 2024, supported mainly by traditional telecom services. Beyon is also expanding across digital finance, cloud, IT, and cybersecurity through multiple subsidiaries. Its international exposure, supported by infrastructure projects such as the SEA-ME-WE 6 cable, is strengthening long-term growth and diversification while remaining aligned with Bahrain’s Vision 2030.
Nigeria climbed slightly to 97th in Surfshark’s 2025 Digital Quality of Life Index but remains constrained by poor Internet affordability, weak infrastructure, and slow speeds. While digital security improved, Nigerians still pay among the highest costs for mobile and fixed Internet, limiting AI readiness, digital inclusion, and broader economic opportunities.
Ncell’s mobile app has surpassed 10 million downloads, prompting a 10-day celebration campaign offering 10GB data rewards to lucky users. The feature-rich app has become central to daily digital use in Nepal, enabling easy access to services, purchases, and account management. Ncell says the milestone reinforces its support for Nepal’s digital-transformation goals.
Nepal’s 4G users have reached 2.59 crore, with mobile broadband penetration rising to 89%. NTC and Ncell continue to drive growth, adding over 1.11 lakh users in a month. Carrier aggregation and nationwide 4G coverage fuel adoption as Nepal prepares to sunset legacy networks and move toward commercial 5G services.
Australia has introduced its digital Immi App in Pakistan, enabling eligible applicants to upload passport details and facial biometrics via smartphone instead of visiting collection centres. The initiative, part of Australia’s global visa service modernisation, expands the app’s availability to 34 countries. Officials say the rollout will benefit travellers, students and skilled workers by saving time and reducing costs.
Egypt’s exports of mobile phones and components jumped from $129,000 in 2019 to $12 million in 2024, driven by the Egypt Makes Electronics programme and a suite of tax, customs, and regulatory incentives. With 15 brands producing locally and capacity of 20 million units annually, Egypt is fast emerging as a regional smartphone manufacturing hub.