Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kazakhstan is reaping early benefits from its 2024 digitization plan, with blockchain saving $24M, AI centers launched, and 95% internet penetration. Meanwhile, Qatar Development Bank has integrated IBM’s Cloud Pak, Instana, and Turbonomic to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and prepare for CBDC and fintech-driven transformation.
Oman used COMEX 2025 to announce major digital initiatives, including the Digital Triangle Project, an AI zone, and the Green AI Alliance. With RO 42 million in new agreements, the debut of the “Maeen” AI model, and expanded digital services, Oman is accelerating its Vision 2040 tech-driven growth strategy.
Rihal, an Omani SaaS and AI solutions provider, has raised $7.5M in Series A funding led by ITHCA Group. The funds will fuel regional expansion, scale proprietary platforms like Jadawal and Eysal, and enhance AI-driven data solutions for clients in government, telecom, logistics, and oil and gas.
Morocco has signed an agreement to develop a sovereign national AI platform and LLM framework, ensuring tools reflect the country’s cultural, linguistic, and legal environment. The initiative will provide secure, rights-respecting AI services and position Morocco as a leader in ethical and responsible digital innovation.
Morocco has partnered with French AI firm Mistral AI to foster education, research, and ethical AI deployment. The deal supports Vision 2030 goals, positioning Morocco as a regional AI hub, boosting startups, and reducing reliance on foreign tech, while promising economic growth, job creation, and geopolitical influence.
Lebanon has granted a licence to Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite internet services through a newly formed local entity. Initially limited to companies with packages from $100 per month, the move breaks state monopoly over internet services and aims to boost connectivity in one of the region’s slowest markets.
BlackRock will open a Kuwait office and has appointed Ali AlQadhi to lead operations. The office, licensed by Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority, will include customer service, financial advisory, and Aladdin platform teams, reinforcing BlackRock’s Gulf expansion alongside offices in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha.
DawaDose has closed its Pre-Seed round to establish its Saudi HQ and develop the region’s first integrated B2C and B2B pharmaceutical ecosystem. The startup will use the funding to scale AI-driven digital tools, expand pharmacy partnerships, and prepare for Gulf-wide growth in healthcare access.
Iraq is positioning itself as a digital transit hub with new subsea cable projects, including the 45,000 km Tawafrica system linking Europe, Africa, and Asia with a branch into Iraq. Anchored at Al-Faw Port, the projects aim to reduce latency, expand capacity, and attract investment in data centers.
Egypt has released its first AI Readiness Assessment Report with UNESCO and EU support, reviewing strengths and gaps in its digital ecosystem. The report underscores ethical, human-centred AI governance and is intended to guide reforms, investments, and capacity-building for sustainable and inclusive development.