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 has successfully launched the SPNEX nanosatellite, which is now operating in orbit and transmitting data. Developed entirely by national institutions, the satellite supports ionospheric and climate research and strengthens Egypt’s capabilities in space system development and scientific research.
The Holding Company for Food Industries and e& Egypt have signed an agreement to digitise Carry On subsidised retail outlets through digital payments, cloud services, and upgraded infrastructure. The initiative supports financial inclusion, improves service quality, and aligns state-run outlets with modern retail standards.
Bangladesh’s digital transformation must now move beyond access to competitiveness. Digital Bangladesh 2.0 focuses on human capital, intelligent governance, advanced fintech, and trusted digital systems to shift the country from technology use to technology production, positioning it as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Mastercard has formed new blockchain alliances in the Middle East, including a collaboration with the ADI Foundation, to advance stablecoin payments and asset tokenization. New partners NEO PAY and INFINIOS are adopting stablecoin settlement, expanding faster, compliant digital payment options across the regional financial ecosystem.
VOLZ has secured nearly $5 million in the largest local-currency funding round ever for an Algerian startup, marking a milestone for the country’s travel-tech and venture ecosystem. The round enabled the first exit of the Algerian Startup Fund and will support VOLZ’s regional expansion and new corporate travel services.
Morocco has unveiled a USD 140 million funding package under its Digital 2030 strategy to accelerate startup growth. The initiative supports venture building, venture capital, and Technopark expansion, with targets to create 1,000 startups by 2026 and strengthen inclusive digital innovation nationwide.
Algeria plans to lay the foundation for a new submarine cable to strengthen international connectivity and improve internet speeds. The project complements expanding fibre optic coverage, now nearing three million subscribers, and aligns with national efforts to enhance digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
INWI has landed the MEDUSA submarine cable in Nador, securing a high-capacity link to Marseille that boosts Morocco’s international connectivity. The project enhances network resilience, supports the country’s Digital 2030 strategy, and reinforces Morocco’s ambitions to become a regional digital hub.
e& delivered strong first-half 2025 results with double-digit revenue growth, rising profitability, and expanding subscribers. The Group strengthened its leadership in AI, 5G, and digital services, advanced national digital infrastructure, and scaled fintech, media, enterprise, and lifestyle platforms across the UAE and beyond.
The 4th African Startup Conference in Algiers has brought together tens of thousands of participants, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With Rwanda as guest of honour, the event highlights startup growth, technology, and intra-African collaboration as drivers of economic sovereignty.