Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Orange Egypt’s latest 5G campaign featuring Karim Abdel Aziz uses racing imagery and highway placements to associate network speed with car speed, targeting affluent early adopters. The campaign strengthens Orange’s premium position amid Egypt’s growing 5G competition.
Pakistan will host its first National Digital Summit on August 7, bringing together government and industry leaders to discuss digital transformation and telecom expansion. The summit supports Pakistan’s ambitions as a tech hub, backed by a large mobile user base, growing IT exports, and GSMA’s global involvement.
Opensignal’s report reveals that Saudi Arabia ranks third in 5G download speed among EMEA markets, with Qatar leading the group. Most GCC countries have average 5G speeds above 200Mbps. Download speeds in Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have improved significantly due to increased 5G adoption.
Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) is diversifying into technology by investing in data centers and cloud computing across Pakistan. The initiative includes building Tier III and IV data centers to meet increasing data demands in various sectors, following the creation of a dedicated digital infrastructure subsidiary.
Bayt.com has partnered with Oracle to streamline recruitment, allowing employers to easily post job openings and access a broad talent pool. The collaboration introduces seamless application processes, AI-powered assessments, and enhanced visibility for employers across the Middle East.
Ericsson has expanded its graduate recruitment and university partnerships as it opens its regional headquarters in Riyadh, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by developing local talent and driving innovation in 5G, IoT, and digital sustainability projects. The company’s ecosystem-focused approach aims to build inclusive, forward-looking digital infrastructure in the Kingdom and broader MENA region.
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan of Axiata Group highlights Bangladesh as a promising high-growth market, emphasizing the need for stable policies to attract long-term investments. Axiata’s strategic efforts aim to enhance digital infrastructure, preparing Bangladesh for advanced data consumption and future 5G deployment.
Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education, Kamel Baddari, launched three new digital platforms at CERIST in Algiers: a cloud computing system, a drone platform, and a business incubator. These initiatives aim to drive innovation, support startups, and enhance Algeria’s digital economy, with plans to expand to 100 startups annually by 2027.
Pakistan will deactivate nearly 5 million mobile SIMs tied to expired or invalid CNICs in a phased plan starting June 2025, aiming to curb network misuse and strengthen national security. Citizens are urged to renew their CNICs to avoid service disruption.
Global marketing company Monks has acquired a 25% stake in Hoorah, a leading digital marketing agency, to boost AI-driven marketing solutions across Africa. This partnership gives Hoorah access to Monks’ AI-first services, enhancing its ability to deliver innovative marketing at scale.