Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zain Great Idea Demo Day showcased 11 startups from six Arab markets, connecting entrepreneurs with investors and partners while reinforcing Zain Group’s strategy of linking innovation, venture investment, and digital technology to accelerate regional startup growth.
Ooredoo Group reported a 12 percent rise in net profit for 2025, driven by infrastructure investment, digital expansion, and strong performance across key markets as the operator accelerates its transition toward digital platforms and AI-ready infrastructure.
Iraq is emerging as a regional digital infrastructure opportunity as backbone investment, fibre expansion, and early data centre development shift the country from a transit route toward a domestic digital and connectivity hub.
Starlink’s launch in Tajikistan aims to extend broadband access to remote regions through low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity, addressing infrastructure gaps while raising questions around affordability and state-controlled internet governance.
Zain Bahrain reported higher revenue and stable profitability for 2025, driven by digital expansion, 5G investment, and ICT growth, while maintaining strong margins and continuing its transition toward a broader digital services and ICT-focused business model.
The UAE maintained regional leadership in internet speeds in 2025 as 5G rollouts across North Africa and regulatory interventions in GCC markets drove major shifts in connectivity rankings across the MEA region.
Morocco climbed sharply in global connectivity rankings after launching 5G, improving mobile speeds and fibre-driven broadband performance while reinforcing its position as North Africa’s leading mobile connectivity market.
Egypt’s parliament will meet telecom regulators and Telecom Egypt leadership to address public concerns over internet packages, service quality, and infrastructure development amid rising data demand and subscriber growth.
Bangladesh is developing a unified legal framework for data protection and cyber governance, including plans for a National Data Governance Authority to strengthen accountability, data security, and digital ecosystem regulation.
Dialog Axiata reported strong full-year 2025 results driven by higher margins, cost optimisation, and broadband expansion, with EBITDA rising 30 percent and net profit increasing 67 percent despite softer quarterly performance at the parent level.