Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ninja, a Saudi-based quick commerce firm, is in talks for a funding round at a valuation over $1 billion, with Riyad Capital leading the deal. The company, preparing for an IPO by 2027, operates in multiple Gulf countries and aims to expand further within the region’s growing e-commerce market.
Cloudera will launch Cloudera Arabia in early 2026, giving Saudi clients direct access and local compliance support. The move aligns with Vision 2030, strengthening data sovereignty and governance capabilities while reinforcing Cloudera’s commitment to Saudi enterprise and government sectors.
Phygrid has partnered with VoiceComm and Microsoft to introduce innovative retail solutions to the U.S. market, enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. The collaboration aims to boost revenue, streamline operations, and drive data-driven decision-making for over 52,000 retail locations. This marks a key step in advancing retail digitalization.
Kenya has launched its broadband mapping system under the Africa-BB-Maps initiative, supported by the ITU and EU. The system will guide policy and investment, identify connectivity gaps, and accelerate universal digital access while linking broadband to socio-economic priorities like education, health, and commerce.
Huawei’s Digital Morocco Summit in Marrakech brought together over 200 leaders to discuss AI and digital transformation under the theme “Amplify Intelligence: Shaping the Future with Digital Morocco 2030.” The summit featured key speakers from government, industry, and academia, addressing AI’s impact on various sectors in Morocco’s digital future.
Oman is accelerating its digital transformation, with plans to digitize 80% of government services by 2025. The ‘Tahawul’ programme has reached 73% completion, improving efficiency, cybersecurity, and data sharing. The government is introducing new platforms and policies to align with Oman Vision 2040.
Pakistan’s cellular subscriber base shows continued growth, exceeding 193 million in September 2024.
The ‘Digital Sharjah’ platform, launched by the Sharjah Digital Department in 2021, has processed over 952,000 transactions and attracted 95,000 users. The platform offers more than 60 services, demonstrating significant growth in user engagement and downloads. It continues to advance digital transformation in Sharjah, providing seamless, secure access to various services.
Roshan has upgraded its internet service in Balkh province from 3G to 4G, enhancing connectivity for local residents. The company plans to expand this upgrade across Afghanistan in the coming year, while users express the need for improved speeds and lower prices.
Omantel Innovation Labs and stc group’s inspireU have joined forces to boost GCC startup growth through mentorship, market access, and cross-border collaboration. The partnership connects Oman and Saudi ecosystems to accelerate innovation, investment, and digital entrepreneurship.