Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kuwait’s Central Agency for Information Technology has opened applications for the sixth GCC Digital Government Award, celebrating digital transformation achievements across Gulf countries. The award features nine categories highlighting innovation in AI, open data, digital inclusion, and government services. Submission runs until August 31 via awards.cait.gov.kw.
Jordan’s Chambers of Commerce head Khalil Hajj Tawfiq announced upcoming Jordanian-Syrian technical and economic forums in Damascus as Syria’s reconstruction advances post-sanctions. Jordan aims to leverage its IT expertise and contribute to Syria’s rebuilding, urging Arab nations to support efforts across construction, technology, and education sectors.
Jordan’s Institute of Public Administration (IPA) outlined its strategic plans focused on administrative modernisation, enhanced training, and improved governance. Recent reforms established a new Board of Trustees with full policy authority, and the IPA now serves around 20,000 trainees annually across multiple learning formats. A digital training platform set to launch next year will boost accessibility and efficiency.
Starlink has officially launched its high-speed satellite internet service in Sri Lanka following regulatory approval. The service offers faster connectivity and broader coverage, including remote areas, marking Sri Lanka as the third South Asian country with Starlink access. The launch is part of Starlink’s global expansion, providing reliable internet through its extensive satellite constellation.
EQIQ has invested $3 million in the launch of Iraq’s first AI-powered digital bank, led by Hussain Qaragholi, as part of a $15 million funding round. The bank aims to modernize Iraq’s underserved banking sector with mobile-first fintech solutions, supporting EQIQ’s broader strategy to advance the country’s digital economy.
Roya Media Group and UAE-based 1001 OPS have signed a strategic partnership to share exclusive content across their streaming platforms in Jordan and Iraq. Roya will provide premium channels and originals to 1001, while 1001 will supply popular series to Roya’s platform, enhancing digital entertainment and regional collaboration in the MENA market.
Huawei has partnered with three leading Egyptian universities to integrate its AI courses into their curricula, offering over 25,000 students free, fully online access to foundational AI education through the Huawei Talent platform. The initiative aims to equip a new generation with essential digital skills and reflects collaboration with UNESCO to promote inclusive, technology-driven learning across Egypt.
ICP Hub Egypt has launched a groundbreaking initiative allowing Egyptian developers to build decentralized applications on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) while paying fees in local currency. Supported by Mercatura Forum, the hub invites developers to join the World Computer Hacker League 2025—a global hackathon offering $300,000+ in prizes. ICP uniquely enables AI on-chain, sovereign internet infrastructure, and enhanced privacy, positioning Egypt at the forefront of Web3 innovation.
Orange Egypt has launched 5G services across key governorates, responding to the surging demand for faster internet driven by digital learning, remote work, and content streaming. With a 15-year license secured in 2024, Orange’s 5G rollout promises faster speeds, higher capacity, and enhanced connectivity, supporting Egypt’s digital transformation and positioning the company as a regional technology leader.
Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted the critical role of SMEs in Bangladesh’s economy, urging enhanced financial access, expanded technological use, and stronger global market integration. He called for reforms in financing approaches, digital data infrastructure for SMEs, and greater export diversification. Salehuddin also emphasized women’s workforce participation through SMEs and advocated transparency in SME development organizations. He attributed the smaller national budget to reduced waste in government spending.