Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Ethio Telecom, with Huawei, has deployed Africa’s first Solar-on-Tower solution in Addis Ababa. The technology integrates solar panels onto telecom towers, reducing diesel generator use by 40%, cutting emissions, and setting a new standard for green, space-efficient ICT energy infrastructure in Africa.
Telecom Egypt has preliminarily approved Helios’ binding offer to acquire a 75–80% stake in its Regional Data Hub subsidiary, valuing RDH at USD 230–260 million. Telecom Egypt will retain a minority stake, with EFG Hermes as financial advisor and ADSERO & A&O Shearman providing legal counsel.
Bangladesh ranks sixth in South Asia for internet usage, with only 44 users per 100 people, lagging behind India and Bhutan, according to the ADB. However, the country ranks second in 4G coverage (98.9%) and fourth in mobile subscriptions, underscoring both progress and challenges in its digital transformation.
Money20/20 Middle East will debut in Riyadh this September with founding partners including AlRajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, STC Bank, Saudi National Bank, Tamara, Visa, and Vision Bank. The event expects 45,000+ attendees, 600 investors, and 450 exhibitors, cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a rising global fintech hub.
Zain Bahrain has been honored at the inaugural GCC labor ministers’ ceremony in Kuwait for achieving a 93.33% Bahraini workforce ratio. The recognition elevates the company as a regional benchmark for workforce localization, reflecting its commitment to empowering local talent and advancing Bahrain’s development goals.
Northstar Telecom has partnered with Kingston 10 in Bahrain to provide enterprise-grade internet and IO by HFCL Wi-Fi access points. The deployment ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity for the Caribbean restaurant and lounge, enhancing guest experience and supporting advanced ICT solutions.
Microsoft Azure services in the Middle East have been disrupted by undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea, affecting internet connectivity across the region and beyond. The outages highlight global dependence on submarine fiber optic infrastructure, which supports 97% of internet traffic and remains vulnerable to damage and regional instability.
BTCL has launched free Wi-Fi and telephone services at Sylhet Osmani International Airport to boost connectivity for travelers. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications confirmed that full airport-wide Wi-Fi coverage will follow, marking a step toward improved digital services for passengers.
Severed Red Sea cables disrupted internet services across the Middle East, India, and Pakistan, affecting providers like Du, Etisalat, and Microsoft Azure. The outages highlight the fragility of subsea cable systems, which carry 97% of global internet traffic, and raise fresh concerns over regional digital security.