Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Alibaba.com and Ignite have signed an MoU to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy by equipping SMEs with AI tools, training, and global market access. The partnership will expand export opportunities, support innovation, and boost Pakistan’s participation in global digital trade.
COMEX 2025 opens in Muscat on September 8, bringing together global innovators and investors. With strong Egyptian participation, the event underscores Oman’s $2.72B digital transformation market growth and regional partnerships, highlighting both countries’ roles in shaping the future of the digital economy.
Morocco will launch 5G in November 2025, with BKGR estimating $4–6 billion in economic impact by 2030. Backed by MAD 80 billion in investment and 5G licenses for Maroc Telecom, Inwi, and Orange, the rollout will cover eight cities initially, expanding to 70% of the population by 2030.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have launched Uni Fiber and Uni Tower to drive FTTH and 5G expansion in Morocco, targeting 1M fiber connections in two years and 6,000 towers in a decade. The joint ventures will invest MAD 4.4B in the first phase, offering open-access infrastructure to all operators.
Jordan’s TRC, led by Chairperson Bassam Sarhan, participated in the Global Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh, highlighting digital inclusion, ICT accessibility, and best practices. The Commission also held meetings with international firms to strengthen partnerships and align with global digital regulatory trends.
Jordan’s TRC confirmed Red Sea cable disruptions are causing slower internet speeds but no nationwide outage. Operators are rerouting traffic via terrestrial and Mediterranean cables, while repairs could take weeks. Jordan’s diverse connectivity routes help mitigate the impact and ensure continued resilience.
MENA startups are attracting strong investor interest, with Intella ($12.5m Series A), WheelsOn ($12.5m), Munify ($3m), Seraya ($1.8m), Sheba Joy ($293k), Justyol ($1m), and Addvocate.AI securing new funding. Basata announced a $7m expansion plan, while QIA joined Anthropic’s $13bn Series F.
Ethio Telecom, with Huawei, has deployed Africa’s first Solar-on-Tower solution in Addis Ababa. The technology integrates solar panels onto telecom towers, reducing diesel generator use by 40%, cutting emissions, and setting a new standard for green, space-efficient ICT energy infrastructure in Africa.
Telecom Egypt has preliminarily approved Helios’ binding offer to acquire a 75–80% stake in its Regional Data Hub subsidiary, valuing RDH at USD 230–260 million. Telecom Egypt will retain a minority stake, with EFG Hermes as financial advisor and ADSERO & A&O Shearman providing legal counsel.
Bangladesh ranks sixth in South Asia for internet usage, with only 44 users per 100 people, lagging behind India and Bhutan, according to the ADB. However, the country ranks second in 4G coverage (98.9%) and fourth in mobile subscriptions, underscoring both progress and challenges in its digital transformation.