Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Orange MEA and GIZ have launched the “Master Repair” initiative to enhance youth employability and foster entrepreneurship in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Egypt. The project offers training in electronics repair, solar tech, and fiber optics, targeting young women and people with disabilities, promoting self-employment and sustainable skills.
Kuwait’s e-commerce market is projected to reach KD 1.61 billion in 2024, showing a significant growth rate. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for e-commerce from 2024 to 2028 is expected to be 12.57%. The country’s robust digital infrastructure and consumer interest in online shopping are key drivers of this growth.
ITIDA and Flat6Labs have launched InvestIT, a program designed to support Egyptian tech startups at the seed and pre-Series A stages. Over six to eight months, 12 startups will receive personalized consultancy, training, and connections to investors, helping them become investment-ready and scale within Egypt’s growing digital economy.
Telecom Egypt reported a 5.59% YoY decline in consolidated net profit for the first nine months of 2024, totaling EGP 8.637 billion. Operating revenues rose to EGP 58.43 billion. The company’s standalone profit also decreased during the same period, reflecting a challenging year for the telecom operator.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia completed the sale of 100 million shares in Saudi Telecom Company (stc), raising $1.03 billion. The oversubscribed offering marks the largest accelerated bookbuild in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. PIF retains 62% of stc’s shares as part of its strategic capital recycling plan.
e& enterprise has partnered with Sergas Group to enhance the safety and sustainability of gas distribution networks in the GCC. This collaboration will develop digital solutions, including smart meters and IoT systems, to improve safety, enable early incident detection, and promote sustainability, all while adhering to regional regulations.
STC Group, through its subsidiaries STC Bahrain and Center3, has invested $300 million to construct a new data center park and inaugurate the 2Africa Pearl subsea cable in Bahrain. These initiatives aim to expand STC’s global footprint, supporting Bahrain’s 2030 Economic Vision with enhanced digital infrastructure and sustainability goals.
Orange Jordan showcased its innovative solutions at the inaugural “Makers’ Forum,” including the Spider Robot, Ender 2 Printer, and AI-driven drone for agriculture. The event highlighted Orange’s commitment to community empowerment and digital education, with a focus on economic participation and skill development for local communities.
Zong, in collaboration with ZTE, has launched the industry-first Omni 12T12R UBR Site in Pakistan. This innovation reduces RRU costs by 67% and tower space requirements while boosting data traffic and throughput. Zong remains committed to advancing network capabilities and enhancing the user experience with cutting-edge wireless technologies.
Egypt University of Informatics and SAP Egypt signed a partnership to enhance digital skills and AI education. This initiative incorporates SAP applications into curricula, offering hands-on training. Minister Amr Talaat highlighted Egypt’s progress in AI innovation, education reforms, and ICT growth, emphasizing AI’s transformative potential and the country’s commitment to responsible AI development.