Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain’s landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system boosts its connectivity capacity tenfold, advancing Economic Vision 2030. With 180 Tbps capacity, it supports emerging technologies and positions Bahrain as a key digital hub in the GCC and globally.
Vertiv held a training event in Riyadh showcasing modular power distribution solutions, including the Powerbar iMPB busway, to support Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven digital growth and Vision 2030. The company’s local presence enables tailored support for critical infrastructure in data centers and smart cities.
Qatar now enjoys nationwide access to Starlink satellite internet, enhancing connectivity for consumers, businesses, and aviation passengers, and positioning the country as a Middle Eastern digital pioneer.
Algeria’s government convened to accelerate flagship projects including Gara Djebilet mining and railway, digital infrastructure expansion, university service improvements, and enhanced summer transport logistics, reflecting strategic goals for industrial sovereignty, digital transformation, and citizen well-being.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to boost cooperation in AI, emerging technologies, and digital infrastructure, focusing on the Pakistan Digital Corridor connecting China and Central Asia. Discussions included training Pakistani youth in semiconductors and fostering joint tech ventures, reinforcing a strategic partnership for regional digital growth.
Turkey plans to issue the 5G network tender in August, aiming for a 2026 service launch. The phased rollout will focus on high-density areas, with strong government collaboration with telecom operators. The move comes amid a mature mobile market with over 94 million subscribers.
Egypt’s mobile subscriptions approached 120 million in 2024, driven by increased internet use and new services like eSIM and Wi-Fi Calling. The country advanced its digital infrastructure with full 5G licensing and phased rollout targeting key urban and economic areas.
LINX and Digital Realty are launching the LINX Accra IXP in Ghana’s new ACR2 data centre, expanding LINX’s African footprint. This initiative aims to enhance low-latency connectivity and digital resilience, complementing existing LINX IXPs in Nairobi and Mombasa and supporting Africa’s growing internet ecosystem.
iXAfrica and EdgeNext have partnered to expand East Africa’s digital infrastructure, combining hyperscale AI-ready data centers with a global edge platform. The collaboration aims to provide low-latency, secure, and scalable solutions to enterprises in finance, media, telecom, and cloud sectors across the region.
Kazakhstan plans to connect nearly all rural settlements to high-speed internet by 2027 via fiber-optic and satellite infrastructure, backed by a $470 million investment. This expansion aims to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in remote areas.