Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
NCC enforces President Tinubu’s Executive Order criminalizing telecom infrastructure damage, addressing vandalism, theft, and access issues. The commission promotes public awareness, stakeholder coordination, and media collaboration to protect critical assets and ensure reliable nationwide services.
Bangladesh’s government plans to establish a national fibre optic bank to centralize and monetize underutilized fibre assets from public agencies. This initiative aims to lower costs, improve internet speeds, enable nationwide 5G deployment, and enhance digital inclusion, while ensuring transparency and fair competition in the telecom sector.
Pakistan is progressing swiftly on 5G rollout, improving infrastructure, policy frameworks, and spectrum management. Trials are active, and expert guidance is shaping auctions, positioning the country for enhanced connectivity and economic benefits.
Engro Holdings finalizes its acquisition of Jazz’s 10,500-tower infrastructure subsidiary, Deodar, following regulatory and court approvals. The deal, effective June 3, 2025, marks a pivotal development in Pakistan’s telecom sector, strengthening digital connectivity and network infrastructure under Engro Connect’s management.
Turkcell has secured a $150 million Shariah-compliant Murabaha financing facility from Dubai Islamic Bank to fund its digital infrastructure projects, including data centers and renewable energy. This five-year deal supports Turkcell’s strategy to diversify funding sources and strengthen ties with Gulf-based investors.
PTCL Group upgrades IT core routing with Cisco solutions, enhancing network efficiency, customer experience, and operational agility through strategic collaboration with NETS International.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi propose creating FiberCo and TowerCo to share fibre and tower infrastructure, accelerating Morocco’s 5G and FTTH rollout. ANRT is consulting on market impact and access terms, with the $457 million project marking a major push in Morocco’s digital landscape.
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.
Nigeria’s telecom sector will see a major quality boost by Q3 2025, driven by a $1 billion equipment investment following tariff adjustments. The upgrade targets expanded 4G/5G coverage, improved broadband, and rural connectivity, combining private investment with government support to ensure nationwide digital inclusion.
Summit Group has acquired 2,012 telecom towers from Banglalink for $100 million, expanding its portfolio to over 4,000 towers and strengthening its position as a leading digital infrastructure provider in Bangladesh. This move supports infrastructure sharing, 5G readiness, and the country’s ongoing digital transformation and telecom sector growth.