Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s 2025-26 budget forecasts Rs22.6 billion from 4G/5G licenses and Rs1.1 trillion from PTA surplus, with increased mobile handset levy revenue. Regulatory authority revenues are budgeted lower amid recent downward revisions.
OpenAI is seeking a $40 billion funding round involving major global investors to accelerate AI development and infrastructure, reflecting growing interest from Middle Eastern and Indian tech giants in the company’s future.
Salus Cloud’s $3.7 million seed round strengthens its mission to close the secure CI/CD gap in Africa and MENA by delivering AI-enhanced, affordable DevOps solutions designed for emerging tech markets, enabling startups to focus on core business innovation.
The Syrian government is negotiating with leading Gulf telecom companies Zein, Etisalat, Saudi Telecom, and Ooredoo to execute a $300 million fibre optic expansion project. This initiative aims to modernize Syria’s digital infrastructure, boost internet connectivity, and stimulate economic development through enhanced telecommunications networks.
Nova raises $3.65 million to expand its AI-driven professional network and SaaS recruiting platform, focusing on Europe and the Middle East. The funding bolsters its mission to offer a vetted, high-quality LinkedIn alternative improving talent matching and recruitment processes.
ShipBee, an AI-driven logistics startup in Doha, raised $235,000 pre-seed funding led by GrowthX, positioning the company to expand technology, partnerships, and regional reach, supporting Qatar’s Vision 2030 for digital economy growth.
Kumulus Water raised $3.5 million to expand its atmospheric water generators that convert air moisture into clean drinking water. With remote monitoring and solar power options, the tech serves off-grid communities across multiple regions. The funding will support industrial-scale rollout and geographic expansion, including into Saudi Arabia.
Ghana and the UAE’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation have signed a $1 billion agreement to build a large-scale innovation hub near Accra. The project, launching in 2026, aims to position Ghana as a continental leader in AI and digital technology, leveraging local talent trained under Ghana’s “One Million Coders” program. The UAE’s PCFC will bring funding, technology, and global partnerships to the initiative, marking their first hub in Africa. This strategic move is expected to create thousands of jobs and accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
AXIAN Telecom has acquired an 8% stake in Jumia Technologies, reaffirming confidence in the e-commerce platform’s fintech and logistics strengths. This strategic move aligns with AXIAN’s mission to promote digital and financial inclusion across Africa. Jumia is focused on core markets and growth verticals under new leadership, signaling a strong turnaround.
Axian Telecom acquires an 8% stake in Jumia, reaffirming support for Africa’s digital economy amid Jumia’s restructuring and market challenges. The move aligns with Axian’s mission to expand inclusive digital services through its Yas and Mixx by Yas brands.