Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iraq is evaluating cloud seeding as a climate adaptation strategy to mitigate water shortages caused by drought and climate change. Officials are studying global best practices and technical feasibility, viewing the approach as a potential supplement to long-term water management and agricultural sustainability efforts.
Flat6Labs concluded its three-year StartMashreq Program with strong results across Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs, advancing inclusion, creating jobs, and unlocking significant startup funding. Backed by the Netherlands and IFC, the initiative demonstrated how targeted ecosystem support can drive resilient, cross-border entrepreneurship in challenging markets.
Iraq has reinstated a 20 percent tax on mobile and internet recharge cards to boost revenues and address budget constraints. Critics argue the move shifts the burden to consumers despite legal responsibility resting with telecom companies, raising concerns over service quality, fairness, and fiscal priorities.
Morocco has ranked among Africa’s top three tech entrepreneurship ecosystems in the 2025 Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Index, reflecting steady gains in digital infrastructure, governance, skills, and startup support. While global leaders remain ahead, Morocco’s rapid progress positions it as a rising North African hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Yango Ads has launched CPI Plus campaigns in the UAE, offering machine-learning-driven app install optimisation with pay-per-install pricing and full-funnel analytics. The solution supports scalable, predictable mobile user acquisition as the UAE’s mobile-first digital economy continues to expand.
Valu has partnered with Tactful AI to enhance customer experience through unified omnichannel engagement, AI-driven automation, and advanced insights. The collaboration supports faster, more personalized interactions across digital touchpoints while showcasing the growing strength of Egypt’s homegrown fintech and AI ecosystem.
Bangladesh has approved the Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, guaranteeing uninterrupted internet access by legally prohibiting shutdowns under any circumstances. The ordinance strengthens telecom regulation, protects data privacy, enhances national security safeguards, and aligns the sector with international standards to support investment and digital resilience.
BIBF has launched a flexible e-learning programme on sustainable development to strengthen ESG and SDG awareness across Bahrain’s workforce and student community. The initiative supports economic diversification, green-economy readiness, and carbon-neutral ambitions by combining interactive learning, case studies, expert insights, and practical tools for real-world application.
Bahrain’s Digital Economy Steering Committee reviewed progress on the National Digital Economy Strategy, highlighting completed initiatives, improved coordination, and strong gains in innovation, STEM education, and cybersecurity. The strategy is reinforcing digital governance and service efficiency while strengthening Bahrain’s position as a competitive digital economy.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming both innovation and cyber threats, according to speakers at the Oman AI Security Conference (AISEC) 2025, held in Muscat and inaugurated by Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali. Participants stressed that while AI capabilities are accelerating, so too are the sophistication and speed of cyberattacks.