Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Careem will suspend its Pakistan operations on July 18 due to macroeconomic challenges, stiff competition, and capital constraints. This move ends a key chapter in Pakistan’s digital transport evolution, underscoring broader strains in the country’s startup ecosystem and shifting strategies among global ride-hailing firms.
Egyptian fintech Octane raised $5.2 million led by Shorooq Partners, Algebra Ventures, and SC Holding to expand its digital fleet expense management platform across Egypt and MENA. The platform consolidates fuel, maintenance, and petty cash payments into a single wallet with AI features for fraud detection and route optimization, serving 1,600+ corporate clients nationwide.
Kale Logistics Solutions and Novel Muscat have won a contract from Oman’s Ministry of Transport to develop the National Port Community System, a digital platform to streamline cargo operations across Oman’s transport hubs. The initiative supports Oman’s Logistics Sector Strategy 2040 and aims to enhance trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and economic growth.
Kale Logistics Solutions and Novel Muscat’s contract to deliver Oman’s National Port Community System marks a pivotal step in the country’s logistics modernization. By integrating cargo operations digitally across multiple transport modes, the NPCS will enhance trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and job creation aligned with Oman’s 2040 logistics strategy.
Esbaar is set to revolutionize Oman’s logistics sector with its first heavy-duty drone cargo delivery service, targeting diverse industries and remote locations. Leveraging advanced UAV technology and BVLOS operations, the initiative promises faster, more efficient, and greener cargo transport, alongside new employment opportunities for Omanis.
SITE awarded €140 million contracts for telecom, power, and cybersecurity integration on Morocco’s Kénitra–Marrakech high-speed rail. The project aligns with Morocco’s national rail expansion and infrastructure readiness for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Egyptian startup Turuq offers SMEs a tech-enabled last-mile delivery platform combining automation, transparency, and operational efficiency. With strong customer retention and delivery success rates, Turuq is enhancing logistics reliability and helping e-commerce businesses focus on growth.
Kale Logistics Solutions and Novel Muscat have been contracted by Oman’s Ministry of Transport to develop the National Port Community System (NPCS), which will integrate operations across Oman’s ports, airports, and free zones. The initiative aims to enhance trade and logistics efficiency, strengthening Oman’s position as a regional hub.
Oman is investing $260 million in its logistics sector, aiming to boost growth by developing free trade zones, airports, and ports. The sector, which currently accounts for 6% of GDP, targets an increase to $93 billion by 2040. Last year, Oman attracted over $10 billion in logistics-related investments.
Oman has signed 18 investment agreements worth over RO100 million to strengthen its logistics sector and boost its position as a regional trade hub. The agreements cover areas such as ports, airports, transportation, and warehousing, incorporating smart technologies to enhance operational efficiency and foster economic growth in line with Oman Vision 2040.