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 has launched a National Innovation Centre to anchor its semiconductor and AI ambitions, backed by a $20 million investment with US-based Movandi. The initiative will train local talent, drive IP creation, and position the Sultanate as a regional innovation hub under Vision 2040.
Nepal Telecom is accelerating 4G and fiber expansion across Karnali Province, extending coverage to 37 municipalities and targeting remote areas such as Dolpa and Humla by year-end.
Morocco’s Chari has raised $12 million in Series A funding led by SPE Capital and Orange Ventures — the country’s largest to date. The YC-backed startup also secured a payment institution licence, paving the way for a merchant super app and Banking-as-a-Service offering.
Morocco recorded over 21 million cyberattack attempts in early 2025, exposing critical vulnerabilities across Web3 and AI systems. Experts urge faster regulatory action and advanced defense investment to protect key sectors and digital assets as AI-driven threats surge.
Kuwait City — The regional edition of Zain Great Idea (ZGI), the telecom group’s flagship tech startup accelerator, has officially kicked off with a series of intensive bootcamps across Zain markets. The program marks a new milestone as it expands beyond Kuwait to include founders from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, offering startups access to mentorship, funding, and global exposure.
Vietnam’s telecom experts are urging the activation of the remaining 180 MHz C-band spectrum to double 5G speeds, boost connectivity, and position the nation alongside global 5G leaders such as Korea and Qatar, unlocking vast economic and industrial potential.
Egypt’s NTRA has received the Regional Leadership Award from the Arab Organization for Communication and Information Technologies for its pioneering role in IPv6 adoption, advancing Internet infrastructure, and solidifying Egypt’s status as a digital innovation leader in the Arab and African regions.
Tamkeen has added DOO, an AI-powered Bahraini platform, to its Digital Enablement Programme, enabling SMEs to access advanced AI tools for automation, analytics, and customer engagement—strengthening Bahrain’s drive toward digital growth and sustainability.
Batelco by Beyon and Infobip have partnered to launch an AI-powered Omni-Channel CPaaS platform that will revolutionize customer communication across Bahrain’s SME, banking, and enterprise sectors, enhancing engagement, efficiency, and digital transformation.
Sama X, backed by Alghanim Industries, debuted at GITEX Global 2025 with Starlink-powered connectivity solutions for enterprises, governments, and communities across the Middle East, offering high-speed LEO satellite internet and regulatory-approved operations in multiple countries.