Fiber Connect Council MENA and Fiber Network Council APAC Sign Strategic Collaboration Agreement at FiberConnect APAC 2026
New partnership links the Middle East, North Africa and Asia-Pacific fiber, data center and AI infrastructure communities through joint events, research, sponsorship and member business development
A Bridge Between Two Fast-Growing Digital Regions
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – 15 October 2026 – Fiber Connect Council MENA and Fiber Network Council APAC today signed a strategic Collaboration Agreement at FiberConnect APAC 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. The agreement creates a formal framework for the two industry councils to advance fiber connectivity, data center ecosystems, AI infrastructure and broadband development across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia-Pacific.
The signing took place on the same stage where Fiber Connect Council MENA delivered its keynote, “Fiber & AI in MENA – No Fiber, No AI.” Both councils share a simple conviction: the AI economy runs on fiber, and the regions that build fiber, data centers and interconnection together will lead the next wave of digital growth.
What the Agreement Delivers
The agreement covers fifteen areas of cooperation, with clear commitments that turn the partnership into tangible value for members of both councils:
Speaker exchange: each council will offer at least one speaking opportunity a year to representatives nominated by the other, and both will co-develop conference programs on fiber, data centers, AI infrastructure and sustainability.
Reciprocal member benefits: members of each council will be eligible for member-rate registration at the other council’s conferences, webinars and workshops, with cross-promotion of flagship events.
Sponsorship collaboration: sponsors of one council’s flagship event may receive preferential terms at the other’s, and the councils will explore bundled packages for companies targeting both MENA and APAC markets.
Joint research: co-authored white papers, market studies and technical guides on topics such as fiber investment models, open access networks, Data Center Interconnect, submarine cables and cross-border digital infrastructure.
Data centers and AI: knowledge exchange and executive roundtables on hyperscale and edge data centers, AI-ready infrastructure, GPU clusters and AI factories, regional digital corridors and the fiber requirements of AI workloads.
Joint events: a minimum of two joint activities a year, including webinars, executive forums and technical workshops.
Business development: matchmaking, investor engagement, vendor introductions and regional delegation exchanges between members operating in both regions.
Capacity building and advocacy: joint training and certification initiatives, programs for women leaders and young professionals, and joint position papers supporting investment in digital infrastructure.
To ensure delivery, each council will appoint a dedicated coordinator, hold at least two strategic review meetings a year, and develop a joint annual activity plan.
Leadership Perspectives
“There is no AI without fiber, and no regional AI ambition without strong international connectivity,” said Kholoud Aldorgham, Director General, Fiber Connect Council MENA. “MENA and Asia-Pacific are building data centers, subsea routes and AI capacity at remarkable speed. By joining forces with Fiber Network Council APAC, we give our members direct access to a new market, new partners and new ideas, and we give investors and policymakers a stronger, combined voice for fiber.”
“Our members are increasingly working across both regions, from submarine cable landings to hyperscale campuses,” said Frank Jaffar, President, Fiber Network Council APAC. “This agreement turns that reality into a structured partnership. Together, we will share knowledge, open doors for business and help position APAC and MENA as global leaders in next-generation digital infrastructure.”
Next Steps
The two councils will publish a joint activity plan for 2027 in the coming months, setting out the first joint webinars, research topics and cross-regional events. Members of both councils interested in contributing to joint working groups, white papers or speaking opportunities are invited to contact their council’s secretariat.
About Fiber Connect Council MENA
Fiber Connect Council MENA (formerly FTTH Council MENA) is the industry association promoting fiber-based connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa. It brings together operators, service providers, technology vendors and consultants to accelerate fiber deployment, digital infrastructure and AI readiness through events, webinars, industry publications and member networking.
For more information, please visit: http://fiberconnectmena.org
About Fiber Connect Council MENA
The Fiber Connect Council Middle East and North Africa is an industry organization with a mission to accelerate FIBERCONNECT adoption by all broadband stakeholders through information and promotion, in order to accelerate the availability of fiber-based, ultra-high-speed access networks to consumers and businesses.