Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan is finalising its Mobile & Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33 to attract global giants Apple and Samsung. The government aims to boost local production, deepen supply chain integration, and position the country as a regional smartphone manufacturing hub.
PTA has mandated telecom operators to bid on the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in Pakistan’s upcoming 5G auction to ensure a practical nationwide rollout. The regulator will conduct a mock auction before bidding, with a USD 15 million bank guarantee required per operator.
Advances in AI, wearables, and video analytics are driving rapid growth in the athlete data industry. With forecasts placing Europe’s sports analytics market at $7.5 billion by 2032, performance data is becoming central to coaching, broadcasting, betting, and long-term fan engagement.
KAPP has secured conditional approval for a KD19.928 million fixed-line telecom upgrade project. The initiative targets nationwide fibre expansion to 90 percent of homes by 2028, speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and supports Kuwait’s digital transformation and New Kuwait 2035 vision.
An Iraqi-Emirati consortium plans to invest $700 million in WorldLink, a subsea-and-terrestrial cable connecting the UAE to Turkey via Iraq. The five-year project aims to reduce congestion, enhance route diversity, and strengthen regional AI-ready connectivity amid rising Gulf competition in digital infrastructure.
Middle East smartphone shipments rose 13 percent to 54.8 million units in 2025, driven by flagship launches and Gulf upgrade cycles. Samsung strengthened its premium and mid-range leadership alongside Apple, while HONOR posted rapid growth. The market is expected to moderate in 2026 amid tighter supply conditions.
Robi Axiata reported a record Tk 9.37 billion profit in 2025, up 33 per cent year-on-year, driven by lower operating costs and strong data growth. Revenue rose 1 per cent as voice income declined, while 4G expansion and high dividend payout underscored financial resilience.
Visa has created a new Egypt-Libya-Sudan sub-region to accelerate digital payments and financial inclusion, appointing Malak El Baba as country manager. The move strengthens regional integration, deepens partnerships, and supports government-led digital transformation across North Africa.
Omantel posted an 87.7 per cent surge in 2025 net profit to RO 371 million, supported by stronger EBITDA, IAS 29 adjustments and solid domestic growth. Group revenue rose 11.4 per cent, while Zain continued to drive overall performance across the regional portfolio.
Algérie Télécom has launched a Ramadan 2026 promotion offering up to 30 free internet days for customers who upgrade their connection speeds. The campaign also includes discounted fibre modems and Wi-Fi repeaters, supporting higher-speed adoption and national fibre expansion efforts.