Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Streaming platform 1001 has partnered exclusively with Wide.net to add over 8,000 hours of premium Arabic content, supporting Iraq’s shift toward legal digital media consumption. The deal expands 1001’s offerings and promotes licensed, culturally relevant entertainment for Iraqi audiences.
Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission has upgraded over 1,253 telecom towers and deployed AI-driven congestion prediction tools to support millions of pilgrims during the Ashura pilgrimage in Karbala. Network capacity has increased by nearly 500%, with full 4G coverage and 5G-ready infrastructure.
Huawei has partnered with Al-Azhar University, Egyptian-Russian University, and 6th of October University to launch the Huawei AI Program, providing over 25,000 Egyptian students with free, online AI education through the Huawei Talent platform. The program is inclusive, accessible, and designed to prepare youth for the digital era.
Egypt’s ICP Hub launch breaks blockchain barriers by enabling payments in Egyptian pounds and supporting decentralized apps with strong privacy. The World Computer Hacker League 2025 offers local developers a global platform to compete with substantial prizes. Operated by Mercatura Forum, ICP Hub Egypt aims to build national digital sovereignty and innovation.
Egypt’s NTI has launched a four-month Telecom Network Security training track under the Digital Egypt Youth – HireReady initiative, equipping recent engineering and computing graduates with practical cybersecurity skills for legacy and next-gen telecom systems. Applications close July 4, with training starting July 19, 2025.
Ten female-led startups across multiple sectors have been selected for Standard Chartered and Bahrain FinTech Bay’s Futuremakers Women in Tech Bahrain programme. The eight-week acceleration initiative supports entrepreneurial growth through mentorship, workshops, and networking, culminating in Demo Day with financial awards.
A Dutch government study found that the mobile phone ban in schools has improved student concentration, social interactions, and academic performance, with significant positive feedback from high schools. The ban, effective since early 2024, includes primary schools with limited impact at that level.
Algeria has improved its ICT Development Index ranking from 89th to 74th globally in 2025, surpassing averages for the world, the Arab region, Africa, and upper-middle-income countries. This progress underscores the country’s commitment to expanding universal and meaningful internet connectivity as part of its national digital vision.
Gamezop is investing $4 million to open its Middle East HQ in Bahrain, aiming to hire locally, expand its app portfolio, and increase revenue. The move strengthens ties between India and the Middle East and supports Bahrain’s growing gaming ecosystem, backed by government initiatives and digital infrastructure.
Algeria’s government convened to accelerate flagship projects including Gara Djebilet mining and railway, digital infrastructure expansion, university service improvements, and enhanced summer transport logistics, reflecting strategic goals for industrial sovereignty, digital transformation, and citizen well-being.