As Africa and Saudi Arabia invest in next-generation sports and entertainment infrastructure, networking is becoming central to the fan experience and the commercial success of venues. HPE Networking is drawing on its experience at major global sporting destinations to help stadiums deliver seamless connectivity, intelligent operations and new digital revenue opportunities. Jacob Chacko,

Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at HPE Networking, discusses the growing opportunities across the region and how intelligent network infrastructure is shaping the stadiums of the future.

Sports and entertainment has become an important vertical for HPE Networking globally. How significant is this opportunity in Saudi Arabia and Africa, and where are you seeing the strongest demand?

Sports and entertainment is a significant growth opportunity for HPE Networking, particularly as venues evolve into digitally connected destinations that must support thousands of users, critical operations and increasingly sophisticated fan experiences.

Our global experience demonstrates the importance of this vertical. At the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, HPE Networking supported one of the most geographically complex Olympic networks ever built, using AInative technology.

HPE Networking continues to earn the trust of similar leading sports and entertainment venues worldwide, delivering impactful outcomes and ensuring continuous innovation.

Saudi Arabia represents one of the strongest opportunities. The Kingdom is investing more than US $ 20 billion across 15 stadiums, alongside major entertainment destinations such as Qiddiya, which require always-on, high-density connectivity. This investment is closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the country’ s ambition to attract 150 million annual visitors by 2030. Arab News has reported that visitor numbers reached 122 million in 2025.

Africa is also presenting substantial opportunities. Morocco’ s preparations for major sports events are driving more than US $ 3 billion in infrastructure investment across six new and refurbished stadiums, according to MIPA. HPE Networking

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