Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
INWI has landed the MEDUSA submarine cable in Nador, securing a high-capacity link to Marseille that boosts Morocco’s international connectivity. The project enhances network resilience, supports the country’s Digital 2030 strategy, and reinforces Morocco’s ambitions to become a regional digital hub.
The five-year agreement between Ericsson and stc Group reinforces their long-standing partnership and supports Saudi Arabia’s push for advanced digital infrastructure. By accelerating 5G and cloud-native network deployment, the collaboration aims to enhance network performance, enable new consumer and enterprise services, and strengthen digital inclusion across the Kingdom.
Helios and Fipar-Holding have launched 3MDC, a hybrid-cloud digital infrastructure platform formed through the acquisition of Maroc Datacenter, Munisys, and Medasys. With a balanced ownership structure and strong local governance, 3MDC aims to accelerate Morocco’s digital transformation and expand its role as a regional tech hub.
Iraq saw a dramatic 410+ percent rise in fiber-optic internet subscriptions in 2024, growing from about 217,000 users to nearly 1.1 million. The growth is driven by nationwide FTTH and next-generation network deployments, with Baghdad leading adoption. However, major regional disparities remain, as southern provinces lag behind. Mobile internet still dominates with over 21 million users nationwide.
Ooredoo’s $500 million investment in a new land-based fiber network aims to create a resilient data corridor linking the Arabian Peninsula to Europe via Oman, Iraq, Turkey, and France. The project reduces reliance on high-risk maritime routes, strengthens regional digital integration, and supports Qatar’s ambitions to become a global digital and AI infrastructure hub aligned with its knowledge-economy strategy.
Telkom Indonesia has inaugurated its first neuCentrIX data centre in Papua, expanding its national network to 28 facilities. Located in Jayapura, the new Tier-II standard facility features 96 racks and will support government and business digital needs across the region. The project aligns with Indonesia’s Asta Cita program to equalise digital infrastructure nationwide and strengthen national digital sovereignty. Telkom says the new facility will play a key role in accelerating regional digital transformation and building long-term digital resilience in eastern Indonesia.
Beyon has submitted the master plan for its $1.5 billion Digital City Bahrain project to the national urban planning authority for formal review. The large-scale development will combine commercial, education, R&D, residential, and lifestyle infrastructure at Beyon’s Hamala headquarters. The project is positioned as a national model for smart, sustainable, and innovation-driven urban development.
Kuwait is accelerating its digital transformation through upgraded infrastructure, strong government backing, and initiatives to strengthen talent, SMEs, and telecom readiness. Nexus 2025 highlights the country’s commitment to innovation, showcasing emerging technologies and fostering public–private collaboration aimed at advancing Kuwait’s Vision 2035 digital economy.
Umniah will invest JD300 million over five years to expand 5G, fiber, cloud, and data-center infrastructure in Jordan. CEO Faisal Al-Jalahma highlighted major upgrades, education-sector connectivity, and partnerships with global tech firms. The company’s initiatives support national digital transformation, sustainability goals, and social development across underserved communities.
EDOTCO Bangladesh and Summit Communications have renewed their partnership through a Space and Power Lease Agreement, combining Summit’s nationwide fiber backbone with EDOTCO’s tower network to strengthen Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure. The five-year deal enhances network reliability, supports rural expansion, and prepares for 4G/5G growth, reinforcing national digital transformation goals.