Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Following an $80 million loan, Orange Egypt has launched 5G services starting in high-demand areas, with nationwide expansion planned. The launch supports Egypt’s digital transformation efforts, including Smart City initiatives and growing demand for high-speed connectivity, while ensuring quality standards through collaboration with the NTRA.
Saudi Arabia’s CST and SCIT Group have partnered for a $100 million investment to enhance Air-to-Ground (A2G) communication technology. The initiative aims to improve aviation safety, passenger connectivity, and airline operations, while fostering local talent and regional expansion. This collaboration positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in aviation technology.
Ooredoo Group has secured a record QAR 2 billion financing deal to enhance its data centers and AI capabilities. This investment will expand infrastructure to meet increasing demand for AI and cloud services in the MENA region, marking a significant step in technological advancement.
Jordan ranked 49th globally in the Government AI Readiness Index 2024, improving from its 2023 position of 55th. The country outperformed Bahrain, Egypt, and Kuwait, reflecting its efforts in enhancing AI integration, including the AI-powered electricity load forecasting project aimed at boosting energy efficiency and accelerating renewable energy adoption.
du and Unilever Gulf have partnered to explore the use of Industry 4.0 technologies in UAE warehousing and supply chain operations. Their feasibility study aims to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation, setting a benchmark for innovation in the UAE’s manufacturing and logistics sectors.
### AOI Localizes Cellular Tower Manufacturing in Egypt
The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has inaugurated the Cellular Tower Manufacturing Center at its Aircraft Factory, marking a significant step in localizing the manufacturing of cellular towers in Egypt. Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairperson of the AOI, led the inauguration, which was attended by Abdul Rahman Osman, General Manager of AOI; Tarek Hassan, Chairperson of the Aircraft Factory; and several industry leaders.
This initiative is part of AOI’s ongoing efforts to localize technology, increase the percentage of local manufacturing, and produce items under the “Made in Egypt” banner. Abdel Latif highlighted the focus on localizing mobile phone communication tower technology and upgrading production lines with the latest digital manufacturing machines. The center features some of the world’s most advanced production lines for angle forming and cutting, with engineers and technicians trained to the latest Fourth Industrial Revolution standards.
The Aircraft Factory of AOI has successfully achieved 100% local manufacturing of mobile phone communication towers. The factory has begun supplying towers to Etisalat&e, fulfilling the company’s increasing demands. By June 2024, 67 communication towers had been manufactured and supplied to Etisalat&e, with 70 more towers in production for delivery by the end of September 2024.
Abdel Latif noted ongoing coordination to sign memorandums of understanding with Telecom Egypt and other major telecom companies to expand mass production of communication towers. He emphasized AOI’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with all Egyptian telecom companies and developing integrated smart solutions in design, manufacturing, and assembly, driven by Egyptian creativity and national manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aims to meet local market needs and expand exports to African and Arab countries.
Egypt has achieved a 181% increase in financial inclusion between December 2016 and June 2024, expanding financial access to 48.1 million citizens. MSMEs have also seen substantial growth, with microfinance funding rising 1,350%. Efforts include expanding financial technology and supporting women’s empowerment and public service improvements.
Daraz Bangladesh has launched “Choice,” a new shopping channel offering over 4,000 top-rated products, exclusive deals, and fast deliveries. With a focus on convenience, trusted brands, and customer-centric features like Free Delivery and hassle-free returns, Choice aims to transform online shopping in Bangladesh, especially during Ramadan and beyond.
Orange Jordan has launched its “Max it” super app, combining multiple services like My Orange, jood, Roamkit, Weinak, and Orange Money into one unified platform. The app, designed for enhanced user convenience, will soon be available across more countries in the Middle East and Africa, transforming customer experience.
Ooredoo Group has signed an agreement with Alcatel Submarine Networks to build the Fibre in Gulf (FIG) subsea cable, connecting six GCC countries and Iraq. The cable will offer high capacity and low-latency routes to Europe, benefiting businesses, data centers, and digital industries by enhancing connectivity and security.