Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
KoçSistem participated in LEAP 2025 and expanded its presence in the Middle East with a new office in Riyadh. The company showcased its advanced technology solutions and signed a strategic partnership with ACES for the Pixage digital publishing solution, strengthening its regional competitiveness and export capabilities.
Morocco has relaunched the e-TAMKEEN program on Academia Raqmya to train more civil servants and professionals in digital skills. The program, running from 2018 to 2023, has already trained 6,800 participants, supporting Morocco’s national digital strategy, Maroc Digital 2030.
Ooredoo has become the first MENA operator to adopt GSMA Camara open-network APIs, boosting 5G and IoT personalization for customers and developers. The deployment, launched in the Maldives, will expand across Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Algeria, enhancing service reliability and enabling digital innovation for businesses.
MTN has officially transferred its Afghanistan operations to M1 New Ventures, a Lebanon-based investment firm, which will now operate under the brand ATOMA. The transition, completed under the Taliban’s regulatory framework, includes an auction for 48 megahertz of spectrum, generating around $100 million in leasing agreements.
LEAN, a Kuwaiti IT firm, partnered with Lenovo to build a reliable, locally hosted cloud infrastructure, providing data sovereignty and high performance. The collaboration has resulted in zero downtime and cost savings for LEAN, allowing the company to offer SLA-backed performance guarantees to clients, cementing its market leadership.
Maroc Telecom settles $640 million in damages with Inwi for unfair competition practices. This historic settlement, marking the largest ever penalty in Morocco’s telecom sector, underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny and competitiveness in the telecommunications market.
Egypt has been awarded the title of the fastest fixed internet in Africa for 2024 by Ookla at MWC 2025. The country’s investments in digital infrastructure have significantly improved internet speeds, with a major project underway to replace copper cables with fiber optics, extending high-speed access to rural areas.
A delegation from China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), led by Chairman Yang Jie, visited Pakistan’s Ministry of IT to discuss collaboration on AI-enabled data centers, 5G development, and digital partnerships under the CPEC framework. The meeting emphasized strengthening Pak-China ties and advancing Pakistan’s digital goals.
Al-Futtaim has launched Blue AI, an innovative feature within the Blue Rewards app that enhances customer experience through personalized recommendations and seamless shopping. Initially available in the UAE, it will expand to eight regional markets, empowering users with tailored insights and a smarter, more convenient shopping journey.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a digital guide in 16 languages, including Urdu, to assist pilgrims. The guide covers essential topics like Hajj rites, cybersecurity, health tips, financial guidance, and key pilgrimage sites. The ministry is committed to enhancing the Hajj experience for 2025.