Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iraq has announced the creation of a new state-backed mobile company to deliver 5G services nationwide. Backed by government entities and open to citizen investment, the initiative is designed to boost competition, enhance service quality, and support Iraq’s broader goal of diversifying its non-oil economy.
Iraq is set to launch Vodafone Iraq, a new state-backed operator introducing 5G services under a 20-year brand license with Vodafone. The operator will rely on Iraqi graduates trained by Vodafone, cover major cities in its first phase, and hold exclusive 5G rights for three years to accelerate adoption.
Pakistan is preparing for a nationwide 5G launch after doubling its internet spectrum, enhancing connectivity and digital inclusion with new infrastructure and AI training initiatives.
Orange Egypt’s 5G network rollout is set to revolutionize the country’s gaming and digital ecosystem by delivering superior speed and reliability, strengthening Egypt’s position as a rising technology hub in the region.
Morocco’s awarding of 5G licenses to its top telecom operators marks a major step in digital infrastructure development, supporting nationwide 5G coverage ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Morocco is launching 5G before AFCON 2025, aiming for 25% population coverage by end-2025 and 70% by 2030. Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt have already started 5G deployments, with the rest of Africa progressing at varying speeds toward super-fast internet.
Telenor’s Pakistan exit is delayed by regulatory hurdles, threatening digital progress and 5G rollout; the group focuses on stronger markets while urging faster approval for its PTCL sale.
Orange Egypt secured an $80 million syndicated loan from EBRD and Banque Misr to fund its 5G license acquisition and network expansion. The upgrade aims to improve connectivity, foster digital services growth, and reduce carbon emissions, supporting Egypt’s digital transformation and sustainability goals.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have created joint ventures to accelerate Morocco’s FTTH and 5G expansion, investing $486 million initially. Uni Fiber targets millions of fiber connections, while Uni Tower aims to build thousands of telecom towers, fostering open infrastructure access and national digital growth.
Egypt’s mobile subscriptions approached 120 million in 2024, with a 10% increase in mobile internet use. The country began 5G deployment, issuing licenses to all operators and launching services like eSIM and Wi-Fi Calling to improve connectivity nationwide.