Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ericsson and e& UAE have signed a multi-year deal to modernize the operator’s 5G core with cloud-native solutions, enabling faster service launches, enhanced reliability, and advanced enterprise connectivity aligned with the UAE’s digital transformation vision.
By 2030, 82% of MEA connections will rely on 4G and 5G networks, with the GCC leading at 91% 5G adoption. Nokia’s report highlights FWA growth, rising IoT applications, and 5G’s role in powering digital transformation.
Algeria’s Post and Telecommunications Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki has stressed research, innovation, and collaboration as the country prepares to launch 5G services. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen local technology industries, expand digital solutions, and safeguard Algeria’s digital sovereignty.
Turkcell successfully conducted Türkiye’s first high-altitude 5G field test at 1,250 meters in Rize’s Kaçkar Mountains during the UTMB ultramarathon. The event showcased the operator’s technological readiness in extreme conditions and introduced real-time athlete tracking, reinforcing both innovation and sports tourism for the region.
MTN South Africa and Ericsson have completed a landmark 5G core modernisation project, deploying cloud-native solutions to boost network performance, automation, and agility. The upgrade—executed with zero disruption to millions of live sessions—prepares MTN for a seamless transition to a 5G standalone core.
du has launched its 5G+ network in the UAE, based on 5G-Advanced, delivering up to 2x faster speeds than 5G. Supporting AI, AR, and UHD streaming, the network offers peak speeds of 5.4Gbps, enhanced reliability, and future-ready features like URLLC and mMTC for smart industries.
Grameenphone and Rakuten Symphony are rolling out South Asia’s first Open RAN pilot, starting with 4G and 5G NSA sites in Bangladesh. The initiative is expected to pave the way for a nationwide Open RAN deployment, reinforcing Grameenphone’s strategy for a flexible, future-ready network.
e& UAE outperformed rivals in the Opensignal 2025 report, won 12 of 13 national awards, and set a world record 5G uplink speed of 600Mbps. It launched the UAE’s first enterprise 5G slicing, partnered with Ericsson to expand 5G RAN, and continues to power the UAE’s global leadership in digital transformation under Vision 2031.
Egypt’s ICT sector is expanding rapidly, with 83 electronics design firms, 260 outsourcing centres, and strong start-up investment. President El-Sisi has directed investment in 5G, AI, and advanced training to build skilled talent and sustain Egypt’s role as a regional technology leader.
Telecom Egypt’s H1 2025 revenue rose 33% to EGP 50.6B, driven by data and international calls, with EBITDA up 43% and net profit up 50%. The company launched 5G, improved cash flow, and strengthened its debt position while committing to further investment and sustainable growth.