Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Huawei Nepal has named five top students from its Seeds for the Future 2025 program to compete regionally in China. The program cultivates ICT skills, leadership, and global awareness through training, cultural exchange, and mentorship. It aims to empower Nepal’s future tech leaders with cutting-edge knowledge in AI, 5G, and cloud technologies.
Morocco’s Deputy Minister emphasized the urgent need to integrate AI into national strategies to protect sovereignty and promote social equity. Speaking at the inaugural National AI Conference, she urged the public sector to adapt and lead AI adoption aligned with Morocco’s Digital 2030 vision, reinforcing the country’s role in shaping Africa’s technological future.
UNITAR’s regional workshop in Rabat united aviation professionals to advance airport modernization using AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies, supporting Morocco’s role in global aviation ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The training strengthens capacities across Africa and beyond, fostering collaboration and innovation for future-ready airports.
Morocco’s startup funding surged to nearly $95 million in 2024, driven by a few high-value deals and growing interest in TravelTech and FinTech. However, early-stage dominance, limited exits, and a funding gap risk stalling growth. Strategic support in late-stage funding, M&A, and emerging tech is essential to unlock Morocco’s next phase of innovation-led economic expansion.
In Groupe has become Africa’s second leading provider in the smart identity sector through its partnership with IDEMIA, offering advanced biometric and identity management solutions. Together, they help African countries improve security, digital identity infrastructure, and public service delivery by tackling challenges such as identity fraud and lack of comprehensive civil registries. This progress highlights the growing role of secure digital identities in Africa’s socio-economic development.
Jahez Application and Kuwait Innovation Center have launched Kuwait’s first Food Innovation Hackathon, inviting youth and creative thinkers to develop AI-driven solutions for food delivery challenges. The multi-phase program includes workshops, mentorship, and cash prizes, supporting Kuwait’s Vision 2035 goals by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the food tech sector.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior highlights the rising threat of sophisticated cyber scams involving fake messages, fraudulent payment links, and fake online stores. With thousands of cases reported annually and significant funds protected, the ministry stresses public vigilance, legal enforcement, and technological collaboration to combat cybercrime and protect digital security.
Orange Jordan sponsored ICIT 2025, highlighting its role in advancing Jordan’s digital economy through youth empowerment and innovation. The conference fostered dialogue on emerging technologies, while Orange Jordan showcased initiatives like the Orange Digital Center and hackathons to prepare youth for the future of work. This engagement supports national goals for a tech-driven, inclusive society.
Jumia has opened its largest integrated warehouse in Egypt to enhance logistics and distribution across underserved regions and support pan-African e-commerce growth. The facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster the country’s digital economy, reflecting Jumia’s strategic commitment to Egypt as a key tech and operations hub. This move aligns with Jumia’s mission to increase access and affordability across Africa’s digital markets.
Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing delivery startup Ninja has secured $250 million in funding led by Riyad Capital, reaching a $1.5 billion valuation and becoming the Kingdom’s newest tech unicorn. The funding highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding venture capital ecosystem and startup scene, supporting the government’s efforts to diversify the economy. Ninja plans an IPO by 2027 and operates in multiple Gulf countries, reflecting regional growth in tech-driven logistics services.