Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) is reducing the minimum fixed internet package price from Tk 700 to Tk 500 starting July 1. ISPs currently offer speeds averaging 10 Mbps, with plans to raise minimum speeds to 20 Mbps if government fees like the Social Obligation Fund are lifted. ISPAB also committed to collecting the 5% VAT on bills to be deposited into the national treasury, urging customers to use licensed ISPs and pay VAT accordingly.
GiveDirectly partnered with Bangladesh’s government to pilot MobileAid, an AI-driven method using anonymized mobile phone data to identify low-income households quickly and cost-effectively. The approach outperformed community targeting and rivaled traditional surveys, enabling faster, cheaper poverty relief through mobile money transfers. Challenges for scaling include regulatory approvals, telecom cooperation, and building trust, highlighting the need for combining technology with community outreach. MobileAid shows strong potential for rapid social protection, especially in disaster response, by providing timely, accurate targeting aligned with real-world needs.
Saudi quick-commerce company Ninja raised $250 million in a funding round led by Riyad Capital, reaching a $1.5 billion valuation and gaining unicorn status. Founded in 2022, Ninja delivers groceries and essentials across Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries. The funds will support expansion, logistics scaling, and preparation for a planned IPO on the Saudi Exchange by 2027. This investment highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing startup ecosystem and Riyad Capital’s key role in regional venture funding.
Bahrain’s Ministerial Committee for ICT, led by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, convened to discuss advancements in the country’s digital transformation and consumer protection. The meeting highlighted Bahrain’s progress under royal directives, including initiatives to improve government service efficiency and strengthen e-commerce confidence through anti-fraud measures. Key agenda items included ICT projects in diplomacy, draft legislation for 2025, and a unified government website template. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing digital services for all citizens and residents.