Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing rose 8 percent year-on-year in November 2025, with local production meeting 93 percent of national demand. Output stabilised after earlier slowdowns, while analysts expect continued growth driven by currency stability, lower inflation, and stronger consumer demand.
Egypt’s ready-made garments sector achieved a record $3.1 billion in exports between January and November 2025, marking 22 percent annual growth. The milestone was driven by expansion in existing factories, strong export performance throughout the year, and continued government support for manufacturing and non-oil exports.
Robi Axiata has questioned the timing of Bangladesh’s planned 700MHz spectrum auction, warning that holding it ahead of national elections could deter investment due to political and regulatory uncertainty. While Robi continues to invest locally, executives stress that long-term capital commitments require stable governance and predictable telecom policies.
Egypt’s mobile device production rose to over 10 million units in 2025, driven by increased local manufacturing and foreign investment. The ICT sector continues to deliver strong growth, job creation, and export expansion, while Egypt advances in digital governance, 5G deployment, and emerging technologies to support its broader digital transformation agenda.
Aamir Ibrahim warns that dollar-linked 5G spectrum pricing will delay rollout and increase costs, urging the government to price spectrum in rupees. The telecom industry argues that pragmatic auction design, similar to the PIA privatisation model, is essential to accelerate connectivity, avoid GDP losses, and support Pakistan’s long-term digital growth.
Global telecom operators are recording higher carbon emissions in Bangladesh than in developed markets, driven by fossil-fuel-based power grids and diesel backup systems. While Bangladesh delivers strong revenues for firms like Telenor and Robi Axiata, activists warn weak climate enforcement allows multinationals to shift emissions burdens to developing economies.
Pakistan’s telecom industry is urging the government to adopt a pragmatic spectrum auction policy that reflects economic realities and prioritises long-term digital growth. With limited spectrum constraining connectivity, operators warn that misaligned pricing could slow investment, cost billions in GDP, and undermine 5G, financial inclusion, and digital transformation goals.
Huawei Cloud’s Saudi Arabia Partner Day highlighted the strength and diversity of its local ecosystem and underscored the company’s partner-first approach. By combining strategic investment, enablement programs, and collaborative innovation, Huawei Cloud is positioning its partners to play a central role in delivering scalable cloud solutions and supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term digital transformation goals.
Egypt has approved the creation of a unified digital platform to simplify company incorporation, operations, licensing, and liquidation. Led by GAFI-owned Misr Investment for Development, the initiative will centralize services on Egypt Digital Platform, reducing approval times and improving ease of doing business for investors.
Mobily has launched the Ever Closer brand platform to mark its 20th anniversary, repositioning itself as a human-centric TMT brand. Developed with FP7McCann Riyadh, the platform emphasizes emotional connection, shared experiences, and customer relationships as Mobily enters its next phase of digital transformation.