Highlights

  • Activeport unveils AI-enabled NNI exchange targeting fast-growing MENA connectivity demand.
  • First regional telcos are preparing integration ahead of the service’s planned Q3 FY26 start.
  • Cross-regional links aim to connect MENA, Asia and later Europe for multi-market reach.

Activeport Group Ltd (ASX:ATV) has announced the deployment of its Network-to-Network Interconnect (NNI) Exchange in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The initiative introduces a software-orchestrated interconnect framework that enables telecommunications carriers, AI data centres and cloud networks to establish automated and seamless cross-network links.

The launch is aligned with increasing hyperscale activity in the region, supported by projections that data-centre capacity will expand from 1 GW in 2025 to 3.3 GW over the next five years as global hyper-scalers, including Amazon, advance new infrastructure commitments exceeding AUD 10Bn.

Regional Telco Engagement and Integration Timelines

According to the Company, major telecommunications operators in the region are already collaborating with Activeport to prepare integration into the new NNI gateway ahead of its planned commencement in Q3 FY26. These preparations are expected to enable initial customers to establish connectivity as soon as the NNI exchange becomes operational. The Company also confirmed that participating carriers will use Activeport software to automate interconnections, streamline operational workflows, integrate billing processes and reduce time required for service activation.

Cross-Regional Linkages and Connectivity Expansion

Activeport is pairing its new MENA NNI gateway with its existing Asia gateway, establishing an extended connectivity corridor between the two regions. This framework is intended to create a multi-regional network footprint that supports carrier-to-carrier communication and access to data-centre infrastructure across markets. Additional gateway expansions are planned for other regions, including Europe.

Evolving Market Dynamics and Carrier Demand

Telecommunications markets in MENA, served by operators such as Etisalat, Saudi Telecom, Zain, Ooredoo and Omantel, continue to pursue faster methods of establishing cross-network access. The NNI service is positioned to support carriers seeking interconnect options for linking with other operators, AI-focused facilities and cloud environments. The Company expects recurring revenue from the service to begin in Q3 FY26 as carriers subscribe to capacity on the platform.

AI Infrastructure Momentum in the Region

MENA has attracted commitments from multiple AI infrastructure companies, including Groq, which has allocated AUD 2.3Bn to regional AI cloud deployments, alongside initiatives from Cerebras and Tenstorrent. Enhanced cross-connect capabilities are expected to increase accessibility for carriers and enterprise customers seeking high-speed pathways to new AI platforms.

Market Context

The MENA telecommunications sector—valued at approximately AUD 112Bn—is experiencing increased requirements for cross-border enterprise connectivity and AI workload support. Data-centre expansion, driven by global computational demand, underpins the rationale for broader NNI-based interconnection frameworks across the region.

Share Performance of ATV

ATV was trading 12.49% higher at AUD 0.027 per share as of 11 November 2025 at the time of writing.