Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s TIEC continues to empower tech startups through its Start IT incubation program and new digital perks platform, while the Global Fatwa Index advances understanding of AI’s ethical use in Islamic legal rulings, underscoring Egypt’s leadership in innovation and religious scholarship in the digital era.
Visa’s 2025 Africa Fintech Accelerator program supports 22 startups across 12 countries tackling SME digitization, lending, cross-border payments, AI, and climate insurance, fueling financial inclusion and innovation across the continent.
Digified secured FRA approval to offer AI-powered digital onboarding, eKYC, and legally binding e-contracts for NBFIs in Egypt, enabling paperless, fully compliant fintech operations with broad regional impact.
Saudi startups Ninja and PetroApp raised $250M and $50M respectively, reflecting growing tech investment in Saudi Arabia and MENA, supporting rapid expansion, digital transformation, and Vision 2030 goals.
Banglalink and bKash have partnered to integrate digital and financial services, enhancing customer convenience through SMS solutions, data services, and simplified payments, supporting broader digital inclusion in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC has exceeded 4 Tbps of international internet bandwidth, fueled by policy support, pricing strategy, and regulatory changes promoting domestic submarine cable use. The SEA-ME-WE 6 cable will add 17 Tbps to capacity.
Salextra Limited launched the Xtra R24, Bangladesh’s first key-enabled 4G cloud feature phone with social media shortcut keys, priced at BDT 2,499. The phone supports digital inclusion by offering affordability, connectivity, and extended customer service.
Algeria and Slovenia are formalizing space collaboration with SkyLabs as a key partner for ASAL’s satellite missions. High-level meetings emphasized joint development of satellite technologies and the upcoming MoU’s strategic importance.
Algérie Télécom has launched an $11 million fund to support AI, cybersecurity, and robotics startups, aligning with Algeria’s national AI strategy to contribute 7% to GDP by 2027 through innovation, education, and infrastructure expansion.
Algeria Telecom has launched Africa’s first 1.6 Gbps FTTH internet service, setting a continental speed record and advancing Algeria’s digital transformation through expanded fiber connectivity and innovative offerings.