Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s Minister of ICT Amr Talaat announced that tech startup investments have risen sevenfold since 2020, fueled by innovation-friendly reforms and global investor interest. Programs like Creativa and Start IT, along with the upgraded EgyptInnovate platform, are helping position Egypt as a leading regional hub for innovation.
Citadel Pathfinder and P@SHA have signed an MoU to prepare Pakistani startups for the Davos Startup Challenge 2026. The collaboration combines mentorship, training, and global industry networks to showcase Pakistan’s digital talent to top investors, boosting the country’s visibility in the global tech ecosystem.
Hub71 has launched its Startup Immersion Programme in Hong Kong, signing MoUs with HSITPL, Cyberport, and MTR Lab. The two-week programme will give Hong Kong startups direct access to Abu Dhabi’s investors, regulators, and partners, reinforcing the UAE capital’s role as a global launchpad for innovation.
Algeria’s National Investment Fund (FNI) has teamed up with Djezzy, IT-DEV, Inet, and Smart Test Spa to build a national technology hub. Focused on digital finance and public sector transformation, the hub will support Algeria’s 2030 strategy to modernize services, boost innovation, and strengthen competitiveness in the regional digital economy.
Egypt’s ITIDA has announced 33 startups joining the third cohort of the Creativa Incubation Program. Spanning edtech, renewable energy, e-commerce, and smart cities, the startups will receive funding, mentorship, workspaces, and investor access—underscoring Egypt’s commitment to scaling tech-driven entrepreneurship nationwide.
Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit backed 11 startups across MENA, South Asia, and Hong Kong with $100,000 each, focusing on innovation in logistics, fintech, mobility, and more. The program supports Saudi Vision 2030, scaling solutions that address regional challenges while connecting founders to global markets and investment networks.
Algerian innovators dominated competitions at IATF-2025, with start-up Qareeb winning best technological innovation for its smart farming solution, while young entrepreneurs earned recognition in healthcare and women’s health projects. The results highlight Algeria’s growing role in Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial transformation.
MENA startups are attracting strong investor interest, with Intella ($12.5m Series A), WheelsOn ($12.5m), Munify ($3m), Seraya ($1.8m), Sheba Joy ($293k), Justyol ($1m), and Addvocate.AI securing new funding. Basata announced a $7m expansion plan, while QIA joined Anthropic’s $13bn Series F.
AyaHQ graduated eight startups at its Accra Demo Day after selecting from over 300 applicants across Africa. With grants, mentorship, and innovation hubs, AyaHQ supports blockchain entrepreneurs in building sustainable ventures while fostering indigenous wealth creation and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
Zain Group has expanded its flagship Zain Great Idea (ZGI 2025) accelerator to six regional markets for the first time. Powered by Zain Ventures and ZainTECH, the program offers mentorship, investment opportunities, and a Silicon Valley intensive to help startups in fintech, AI, and digital services scale globally.