Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Pakistan’s telecom sector reports strong revenue growth but a dip in tax contributions amid policy shifts. Broadband penetration and 4G coverage continue expanding, while 5G rollout and fiberisation plans advance. Cybersecurity ranks improve, supported by regulatory reforms and initiatives enhancing digital safety and network quality.
Orange Egypt and Vodafone Egypt have launched the country’s first commercial 5G networks, targeting high-traffic areas and key governorates. This rollout supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals for digital transformation, following recent spectrum license acquisitions. Other operators, e& and Telecom Egypt, are expected to launch 5G services soon.
Algeria has launched its official 5G technology tender, marking a major step toward digital transformation and economic growth. The phased rollout will focus on urban and industrial areas, with service expected to launch in Q3 2025. The initiative aims to position Algeria as a regional technology leader.
Morocco plans to launch 5G in six 2030 World Cup host cities, aiming for 25% national coverage by 2026 and 70% by 2030. Huawei leads the tender race alongside Western firms. With speeds 100x faster than 4G, 5G will enhance Morocco’s already high internet penetration of 90.7%.
Huawei, already partnering with Maroc Telecom and Orange Maroc, is set to lead Morocco’s 5G rollout. The country aims to provide 5G coverage to 25% of the population by 2026 and 70% by 2030, enhancing digital capabilities and preparing for the 2030 World Cup.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) will grant 5G licenses to NTC and Ncell within a week of receiving applications. Both companies are ready to launch 5G services, with NTC already conducting trials. The rollout is expected to begin soon, bringing faster internet speeds and advanced mobile connectivity to Nepal.