Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Engro Connect has acquired all 10,500 telecom towers from Jazz for $560 million, pioneering Pakistan’s full tower infrastructure sale. The move enables Jazz to focus on digital services while Engro manages tower operations, supporting infrastructure sharing and expanding digital connectivity.
Veon and Engro have secured all regulatory approvals to combine their telecom infrastructure assets in Pakistan. Engro will acquire Deodar from Veon’s Jazz, enabling Jazz to operate as an asset-light company while maintaining service leases, supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation and infrastructure growth.
Pakistan’s data center industry is evolving rapidly, positioning the country as a regional hub for digital infrastructure. However, challenges like government competition with private players and the need for sustainable energy solutions must be addressed. Public-private collaborations and investment in human resources are essential for the sector’s growth.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), highlighted Pakistan’s upcoming presidency of the DCO in 2026 as part of its strategy to become a global digital leader. The country’s IT sector continues to grow, with exports aiming to surpass $4 billion by the end of FY2025.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced $700 million in foreign investment for Pakistan’s IT sector at the DFDI-2025 conference. He emphasized the country’s digital potential, driven by its young population, and highlighted collaborations with companies like Huawei. Pakistan’s growing influence in the global IT landscape was also acknowledged at the event.
Pakistan is considering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system, with a focus on developing an AI curriculum from primary to university levels. Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad emphasized the need to prepare students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global tech landscape.
Telecom companies in Pakistan have expressed frustration over being excluded from the government’s electricity tariff relief despite being granted industry status in 2004. They have also raised concerns about the tax regime and called for reforms, including tax relief for employees, a rollback of the Federal Excise Duty rate, and more equitable enforcement.
Despite reaching a $7.7 billion valuation in 2024, Pakistan’s e-commerce sector faces challenges, including unreliable internet, digital payment issues, and consumer skepticism. SMEs struggle to access global markets, and slow progress on government initiatives highlights the need for improvements in internet access and logistics infrastructure.
Huawei, in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), will train 300,000 Pakistanis in IT skills. The initiative will teach advanced IT to 60,000 participants and basic IT to 240,000, boosting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, increasing IT exports, and creating new employment opportunities.
Pakistan and China have agreed to enhance cooperation in digital technology, AI, and ICT development. During a key meeting, both countries discussed collaboration on e-governance, smart cities, and educational opportunities. China pledged support for Pakistan’s digital growth, including ICT infrastructure development and AI advancements.