The Zain Syria investment marks one of the company’s biggest expansion projects in recent years. Kuwait’s telecom operator plans to invest more than $1.5 billion to operate and modernise a mobile network in Syria.
The investment comes more than 15 years after Zain exited most of its African operations. In 2010, the company sold its African business to Bharti Airtel for $10.7 billion. That transaction allowed the company to focus on opportunities across the Middle East.
Zain Wins Long-Term Syrian Telecom Licence
The Zain Syria investment follows the company’s successful bid for a 20-year licence. Zain secured the licence with a $747 million offer after a competitive tender organised by Syria’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
Under the agreement, Zain will own 75 per cent of the new operating company. Meanwhile, a Syrian government entity will retain the remaining 25 per cent.
The licence also includes an option to extend operations for another five years.
Furthermore, Zain expects to launch the Zain Syria brand during the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
Investment Will Upgrade Former MTN Network
The new licence gives Zain control of the former MTN Syria mobile network. The South African telecom operator exited the market after years of regulatory challenges.
During the transition period, Zain will work with the Syrian government and MTN’s local team. Together, they will maintain services for about 6.3 million existing subscribers.
Moreover, the company plans to invest more than $800 million over the next decade. The funding will support network expansion and introduce 5G and AI-powered digital technologies.
Combined with the licence payment, Zain’s total commitment exceeds $1.5 billion.
African Expansion Shaped Zain’s Growth
The latest Zain Syria investment follows a major chapter in the company’s African history.
In 2005, the Kuwaiti telecom operator acquired Celtel for $3.4 billion. British-Sudanese billionaire Mo Ibrahim founded Celtel in 1998, and the company became one of Africa’s leading mobile operators.
At its peak, Celtel served more than 21 million customers across 14 African countries. Its operations covered Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Chad, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Sierra Leone, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo.
However, Zain changed strategy in 2010. The company sold Zain Africa BV, excluding Morocco and Sudan, to Bharti Airtel in a deal worth $10.7 billion. The sale expanded Airtel’s customer base to about 179 million subscribers across 18 countries.
Company Sees Strong Future in Syria
Zain believes Syria offers long-term growth despite years of conflict.
Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer Bader Al-Kharafi described the project as more than a commercial investment. He said the company has confidence in Syria’s recovery and future development.
According to Al-Kharafi, the investment reflects Zain’s commitment to supporting digital transformation and economic rebuilding in the country.
Once operations begin, Syria will become Zain’s fifth 5G market after Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan.
The Zain Syria investment represents a significant strategic shift for the Kuwaiti telecom giant. After leaving most of its African business more than a decade ago, the company is now betting on Syria’s recovery through one of its largest investments in recent years.
If successful, the project will strengthen Syria’s telecommunications infrastructure while expanding Zain’s presence across the Middle East.
Leave a comment