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.
Talenteo, an Algerian HRTech startup, secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand into Tunisia and Francophone Africa. The AI-driven SaaS platform serves over 150 companies, helping SMEs digitize HR and payroll operations critical to Africa’s growing workforce.
Google’s 2024 Economic Impact Report estimates $8.3 billion in Saudi Arabia’s digital economy from its products and services. With broad adoption of AI tools like Gemini and strong developer growth, Google is fueling digital skills, job creation, and economic diversification aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
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.