Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt plans to increase local mobile phone production to 15 million units next year and begin exports, as part of a broader ICT strategy focused on manufacturing, digital exports, skills development, and infrastructure expansion.
Ethiopia’s two telecom operators have raised tariffs in response to currency depreciation, rising costs, and heavy infrastructure investment. Safaricom Ethiopia implemented a sharp data price increase amid foreign currency exposure, while Ethio Telecom introduced moderate adjustments to sustain service quality and network expansion.
Saudi Arabia has begun construction of the Hexagon Data Centre in Riyadh, set to become the world’s largest government data centre with 480MW capacity. Led by SDAIA, the Tier IV facility will support government digital services, strengthen national data infrastructure, and advance Vision 2030 goals for a knowledge-based, AI-driven economy.
Tunisia-based VB SMART is helping SME manufacturers digitise shop-floor operations through an IoT-enabled platform that unifies machines, people, and tasks. With early traction in North Africa, the startup is preparing to expand into Europe and West Africa.
PTCL has completed the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, creating a larger telecom platform pending full integration. The deal aims to strengthen customer experience, expand reach, and accelerate innovation under regulatory oversight.
Oman is strengthening its role as a regional investment hub through regulatory reform, digital government services, and investor-friendly policies aligned with Vision 2040. Simplified company setup, low costs, and rising FDI reflect growing confidence in the Sultanate’s business environment.
Nepal is targeting Rs 300 billion in annual IT exports by easing overseas investment rules and simplifying profit repatriation. Regulatory reforms, rising global demand, and a growing remote workforce are positioning the IT sector as a major driver of jobs, exports, and long-term digital economic growth.
Orange Jordan closed 2025 with major advances in network expansion, digital services, data centers, financial inclusion, and skills development, reinforcing its role as a responsible digital leader supporting Jordan’s digital transformation through innovation, sustainability, and strong community engagement.
Bahrain has started construction of a 100MW solar power plant at Al Dur, expanding renewable capacity as part of its energy transition strategy. The grid-connected project supports national goals to diversify energy sources and raise renewables to 20 per cent of the power mix by 2035.
Nigeria’s telecom industry is expected to enter a strong expansion phase in 2026 after a year of consolidation, driven by rising data demand, regulatory stability, and new government-led digital infrastructure initiatives, according to ATCON.