Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman’s Royal Academy of Management, in partnership with the Rising Omani Startups Programme, has launched the six-month Startup Leadership Programme to equip founders with strategic leadership, financial, and growth skills. The initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 by preparing startups for sustainable international expansion.
Morocco and UNDP have launched a $38M Digital for Sustainable Development Hub to accelerate AI-driven transformation in Africa and the Arab States. The platform will apply AI to health, education, climate, and governance while empowering youth and women, positioning Morocco as a Global South leader in digital cooperation.
Attijari Payment, Visa, and Woliz have partnered to expand digital payments in Morocco’s FMCG sector. The collaboration integrates acceptance solutions, leverages Visa’s global expertise, and emphasizes financial inclusion to help merchants transition to secure, simple, and efficient digital transactions.
Hytera Communications has reopened its upgraded Rabat office, reinforcing its long-term commitment to North and Francophone Africa. The facility now includes modern workspaces and a product showcase, enabling closer collaboration with partners and customers while strengthening support and digital transformation efforts.
The Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute signed an MoU with Ooredoo Kuwait to accelerate digital transformation, support Vision 2035, and strengthen Kuwait’s diplomatic role. The partnership will enhance training, media services, and public-private collaboration while boosting Kuwait’s regional and global standing.
Orange Jordan, in collaboration with MOTA, has launched a hackathon to empower students to design digital solutions for inclusive tourism. Running through December 2025, the initiative combines innovation, accessibility, and social responsibility to ensure people with disabilities can fully enjoy Jordan’s tourism experiences.
Orange Jordan sponsored the Evolve Conference at HTU’s Orange Village, connecting university students with global tech experts through workshops, panels, and competitions. The initiative reflects Orange’s commitment to empowering youth, strengthening digital skills, and supporting Jordan’s national digital transformation journey.
The World Bank has praised Iraq’s digital banking reforms as e-payment transactions hit $1.52B in August 2024, with 20M bank cards issued and financial inclusion surpassing 40%. Backed by the CBI, Iraq’s system now links to global payment networks, marking a major step in financial modernization.
Sadq, a Saudi digital-signature platform, raised $1M from Impact46 to expand product development, strengthen compliance, and scale regionally. Compliant with local regulations and global standards, Sadq aims to become a cornerstone of digital trust infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Sabika, a Sharia-compliant gold and silver investment platform, has raised a six-figure USD round led by M-Empire Angels to expand in Egypt and the Gulf. With 20,000 users and EGP 120M in transactions, the startup will enhance features, add AI tools, and enter Saudi Arabia in 2025.