Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Vertiv has named MultiNet Communications as its distribution partner in Egypt to expand access to advanced IT infrastructure solutions. The collaboration leverages MultiNet’s regional expertise to support Egypt’s growing digital transformation needs in power, cooling, and IT management.
Qatar is rapidly expanding its digital infrastructure, leveraging cloud, AI, and cybersecurity technologies to support its National Vision 2030 goals. Investments like Google Cloud’s Doha region and local talent initiatives are fueling economic diversification, innovation, and job creation, positioning Qatar as a regional digital leader.
A consortium of four subsea operators—ZOI, PCCW Global, Sparkle, and Telecom Egypt—launches AAE-2, a cutting-edge subsea cable system linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, promising enhanced connectivity, bandwidth, and digital growth across emerging markets.
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.