Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Netaj has launched Nawat, Iraq’s first venture capital studio, to accelerate 40 startups through mentorship, product development, and funding. The program’s hybrid investment model supports promising ventures with both in-kind resources and capital, aiming to strengthen Iraq’s startup ecosystem.
Egypt’s NTI has launched new digital skills training tracks at seven regional Creativity Hubs, targeting university graduates and final-year students. The program includes technical training, soft skills, and freelance coaching to prepare youth for technology careers and freelance work, supporting Egypt’s digital innovation goals.
Egypt’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Amr Talaat, strengthened ICT cooperation with Italian companies in Rome to boost Egypt’s offshoring sector. Key talks with Sparkle, Intesa Sanpaolo, and AlmavivA support Egypt’s Digital Egypt Strategy aiming for $9 billion in digital exports by 2026.
Egypt’s mobile subscriptions approached 120 million in 2024, with a 10% increase in mobile internet use. The country began 5G deployment, issuing licenses to all operators and launching services like eSIM and Wi-Fi Calling to improve connectivity nationwide.
Vertiv has named MultiNet Communications as its distribution partner in Egypt to expand access to advanced IT infrastructure solutions. The collaboration leverages MultiNet’s regional expertise to support Egypt’s growing digital transformation needs in power, cooling, and IT management.
Jazz has partnered with the British Council and Tech Valley to launch a two-year initiative expanding digital education and skill development across Pakistan. By combining Jazz’s connectivity, British Council’s expertise, and Tech Valley’s ed-tech innovation, the collaboration aims to bridge digital divides and promote inclusive learning nationwide.
Bangladesh’s National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate introduced the ‘Bazardor’ Android app to provide consumers with updated market prices for essential goods. The app’s launch involved senior officials and aims to enhance price transparency and consumer awareness.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator BTRC halted Citycell’s transmission after the operator failed to pay Tk. 4.95 crore in government debts. Despite a court-granted extension, the company couldn’t settle dues, prompting enforcement alongside security agencies to stop operations at Citycell’s Mohakhali headquarters.
Robi Axiata appointed telecom veteran Ziad Shatara as its new CEO starting September 1, with acting CEO M Riyaaz Rasheed transitioning back to CFO. Ziad’s extensive global experience in telecom leadership and transformation equips him to drive Robi’s next chapter of innovation and growth.
Bahrain’s Space Agency Director General, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, emphasized the Kingdom’s ambitions in space technology and economic diversification at a global seminar. The event highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to build local capabilities, foster international partnerships, and position itself as a regional hub for space innovation.