Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Mobile operator Ncell has begun issuing numbers under a new 971 prefix after receiving approval from Nepal’s telecom regulator. The new range was introduced as the company’s existing number series approached exhaustion. Ncell has asked government bodies, banks, and service providers to update their systems to ensure seamless OTP delivery, digital transactions, and mobile-based services.
Ncell CEO Michael Foley has called on the Nepal government to provide clear policy direction for the launch of 5G, citing uncertainty around spectrum, taxation, investment, and licensing as major barriers. He warned that outdated telecom laws and ambiguity over Ncell’s ownership status after 2029 are discouraging long-term investment. While 5G is seen as vital for Nepal’s digital future, Foley said government facilitation is essential to make nationwide deployment commercially viable.
Makhazen was recognized at the 2025 Kuwait Hackathon for its continued efforts to develop local cybersecurity talent through its long-term partnership with CODED Academy. The company has supported the training of more than 6,900 students since 2022 and renewed its sponsorship for a second consecutive year. The 2025 program delivered workshops to over 620 participants and hosted more than 220 competitors, reinforcing cybersecurity as a national priority and key pillar of Kuwait’s digital transformation.
GCC telecom operators are accelerating the commercial rollout of 5G-Advanced networks, with Zain KSA, Ooredoo Kuwait, stc Kuwait, du, and e& leading deployments. With over 10,000 5G-A sites and more than one million users across the UAE and Kuwait, the region is emerging as a global 5G-A hub. These developments will be explored at the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, focusing on monetization, AI integration, and cross-industry applications.
The MENA gaming market is expanding rapidly, led by sports, battle royale, RPG, and action-adventure games. Football titles dominate sports gaming, while PUBG and shooter games lead mobile playtime. RPGs generate the highest revenues, especially in Gulf countries. Puzzle, MOBA, and racing games also maintain strong regional engagement as mobile gaming continues to drive overall market growth.
Zain Group has launched three major disability inclusion initiatives to advance its WE ABLE 2030 vision, including a first-of-its-kind MENA partnership with the Business Disability Forum, a new GROW training program for graduates with disabilities, and personalized development plans for employees. The initiatives embed accessibility into hiring, procurement, and career progression, reinforcing Zain’s commitment to inclusive digital growth across the region.
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.
Egypt is actively expanding its technology ecosystem beyond Cairo through a growing network of regional innovation hubs led by ITIDA. Cities like Mansoura are emerging as major centres for digital skills, startups, freelancing, and offshoring services. Supported by government programs and private-sector investment, this shift aims to decentralize tech growth, improve economic inclusion, and position Egypt as a competitive global digital services hub.
e& Egypt has extended its partnership with Viu to give a wider range of subscribers access to premium Arabic and Asian entertainment content. Announced at GITEX Global 2025, the move strengthens e& Egypt’s digital ecosystem strategy by combining connectivity with streaming services. The collaboration is aimed at boosting customer engagement, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty through value-added digital experiences.
Taager has expanded into Morocco with the launch of a Casablanca office as part of its MENA growth strategy following a $6.75 million funding round earlier in 2025. The platform enables sellers to run online businesses without holding inventory, handling fulfillment on their behalf. Morocco’s high internet penetration and fast-growing social commerce market make it a strategic entry point for Taager’s North Africa expansion.