Activeport’s AI NNI Exchange Could Reshape MENA Telecom Connectivity Risks
Activeport Group launches the Middle East and North Africa’s inaugural AI-powered Network-to-Network Interconnect Exchange, aiming to tap into the region’s booming A$112 billion telecom market driven by hyperscale AI data centre growth.
- Launch of MENA’s first AI-enabled NNI Exchange
- Integration plans with major regional telcos including Etisalat and Saudi Telecom
- Cross-regional connectivity linking MENA with Asia and Europe
- Recurring revenue expected to commence in Q3 FY26
- Software automation to streamline network interconnections and billing
A Strategic Leap into MENA’s Telecom Landscape
Activeport Group Ltd (ASX, ATV) has announced a significant milestone with the launch of the Middle East and North Africa’s first AI-enabled Network-to-Network Interconnect (NNI) Exchange. This move positions Activeport at the heart of a telecommunications market valued at A$112 billion, which is rapidly expanding due to the surge in hyperscale AI data centre deployments.
The company’s software-orchestrated NNI gateways facilitate seamless interconnection between telecom providers, AI data centres, and cloud platforms. This innovation is timely, as hyperscale data centre capacity in the MENA region is projected to triple from 1 gigawatt in 2025 to 3.3 gigawatts within five years, driven by major investments from global players like Amazon and Groq.
Collaborations with Regional Telecom Giants
Activeport is already engaging with leading regional telecommunications operators such as Etisalat, Saudi Telecom, Zain, Ooredoo, and Omantel. These carriers dominate the MENA communications market and are actively seeking faster, more efficient ways to interconnect with each other and with emerging AI infrastructure.
The NNI Exchange will enable these telcos to expand their network reach beyond traditional boundaries, offering high-speed access to AI cloud platforms. Activeport’s software automation will streamline the provisioning process, integrate billing, and reduce the time required to activate new services, enhancing operational efficiency.
Cross-Regional Connectivity and Revenue Prospects
Beyond the MENA region, Activeport plans to link this new gateway with its existing Asia gateway, creating a cross-regional network that will eventually extend to Europe. This interconnected infrastructure promises to open new avenues for international customers seeking access to the region’s burgeoning AI data centre ecosystem.
Activeport anticipates that recurring revenue from the NNI Exchange service will begin in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, with rapid acceleration expected as more carriers adopt the platform. This revenue stream could become a significant contributor to the company’s growth, reflecting the increasing demand for cross-border enterprise connectivity and AI workloads.
Positioning for the Future of Telecom Infrastructure
Peter Christie, Chairman and CEO of Activeport, highlighted the strategic importance of the NNI gateway in linking carriers across Asia, India, Africa, and Europe to AI cloud infrastructure in the Middle East. As the digital economy in the region surges, the demand for seamless inter-carrier connectivity and cloud on-ramps is set to explode, making Activeport’s offering a critical asset.
With the backing of major AI infrastructure investments from companies like Groq, Cerebras, and Tenstorrent, Activeport’s software-enabled NNI Exchange is well positioned to capture a substantial share of the telecommunications market’s growth in MENA and beyond.
Bottom Line?
Activeport’s AI-powered NNI Exchange launch marks a pivotal step in connecting MENA’s telecom networks to the global AI cloud economy.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will major regional telcos fully integrate and adopt Activeport’s NNI Exchange?
- What competitive responses might emerge from other telecom infrastructure providers in MENA?
- How will Activeport’s cross-regional connectivity strategy evolve beyond Asia and Europe?
