Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have signed a strategic agreement to expand fiber-optic infrastructure and deploy 5G technology across Morocco. The partnership includes the creation of FiberCo and TowerCo, aimed at improving internet access and strengthening Morocco’s digital infrastructure. This initiative represents a major step in the country’s digital transformation.
Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy aims to activate 1 million digital IDs by year-end, enhancing public services’ efficiency and modernizing the citizen experience as part of a broader digital transformation strategy.
Bahrain’s Tamkeen has launched a national program with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop local talent in Artificial Intelligence. The initiative offers qualifications in generative AI, machine learning implementation, and technology application, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of Bahraini nationals in the evolving job market.
Strategy&, Deloitte, and Accuracy won key awards at the 2025 AMIC Private Equity Awards in Morocco, recognized for their strategic advisory and transaction support in large and mid-cap deals. The event celebrated the country’s thriving private equity market amid record capital raising and investments.
Robi Axiata has appointed M Riyaaz Rasheed as acting CEO, effective February 1, 2025, following Rajeev Sethi’s transition to a new role within Axiata Group. Rasheed, the current CFO, had previously served as acting CEO before Sethi’s appointment in 2022. Robi is the second-largest mobile operator in Bangladesh.
At the UNGA79 Summit of the Future, DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya emphasized the urgent need to address the global digital divide, highlighting disparities in AI capabilities, gender, and skills. She introduced the Digital Economy Navigator (DEN) to evaluate digital performance across 50 countries.
Huawei has signed an MoU with the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF) to collaborate on advancing esports and mobile gaming in the UAE. The agreement will focus on fostering innovation, supporting local talent, and creating new opportunities for gamers and developers, leveraging Huawei’s technology and EESF’s leadership in esports.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, held a meeting to discuss the Personal Data Protection Bill, Starlink operations, and telecom companies’ revenues. The Committee also reviewed the performance of the Telecom Foundation and its future direction in line with government policies.
Saudi Telecom (STC Group) has received approval from the Spanish government to increase its stake in Telefonica to 9.97%. The decision follows an analysis to ensure compliance with Spanish legislation and national defense interests. STC has stated that it does not seek control or a majority stake in Telefonica.
State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak announced the launch of 5G services at Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in October, following the prime minister’s directive to prioritize airports, seaports, business districts, and industrial zones. The announcement was made during a BTRC meeting in Dhaka.