The Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META) region is showing a positive technology market trend as Q3 2025 concludes, with distribution revenue figures reported to be healthier than previous periods. AI investments across the region are driving this growth. Notably, Türkiye has made progress in volume growth, while a positive outlook pervades the META region with expectations of continued growth into 2026.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to drive AI investments, positioning themselves as leaders in the digital and Artificial Intelligence sector. Saudi Arabia announced a $1.3 billion investment in Big Data and AI in 2024, with plans to expand this to around $17 billion by 2034. The Red Sea Global Group revealed a strategic deal with STC Group to invest more than 1.2 billion Saudi riyals to enhance digital infrastructure and services.

The UAE’s commitment to AI dates back to 2008. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, reported that the country takes a multi-decade view in its planning. Microsoft announced a strategic investment to enable local processing for Microsoft 365 Copilot, available from early 2026, hosted in Abu Dhabi and Dubai data centres.

Analysis of META region technology distribution sales, based on CONTEXT data, shows mixed performance across countries and categories:

• South Africa: Server, disk, and software categories are performing above the previous two years’ levels, though overall revenue is slightly down in the value category.
• Türkiye: Growth is visible in desktop computing, server, and mobile computing categories.
• UAE: The server category remains strong, while desktop computing shows a minor decline. Overall, the UAE continues consistent growth, although Q3 2025 figures dipped below 2024 levels.

African technology developments continue, with Rwanda launching a cybersecurity development centre, the Cyber Hub, in partnership with Cisco, GIZ, and local organisations. In South Africa, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi reported that policy direction on equity equivalent investment for Starlink is close to finalisation, with Starlink planning to invest around $145 million.

These developments highlight sustained investment in AI, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity skills across the META region.

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