Zain’s 15th anniversary of the ZGI accelerator program showcased the success of Kuwaiti entrepreneurs in a Demo Day event. Startups presented innovative solutions and connected with investors to expand their businesses. Zain Ventures and Rasameel Investment continue to support regional startups, advancing the ecosystem and fostering economic growth.
The Kuwait Municipality issued warnings to 34 housing properties and citations to 12 for illegally placing communication towers on rooftops. Despite warnings, the municipality removed encroachments from state property. Concerns regarding health risks from the proximity of towers to residential areas were referred to the Ministry of Health for further consultation.
IBM and Vodafone are collaborating to integrate quantum computing into telecommunications, aiming to enhance data services, network efficiency, and security. Their joint efforts will optimize global networks, reduce latency, and improve consumer experiences, setting a new standard for the telecom industry and shaping the future of connectivity.
Iran and Iraq are deepening scientific cooperation, focusing on establishing science and technology parks and educational exchanges. The recent Iran-Iraq Science Week facilitated agreements to grant scholarships, exchange professors, and expand research collaborations. Iraq looks to Iran’s expertise in modern technologies to enhance its scientific infrastructure.
Paymob has secured a full operating license from the UAE’s Central Bank, boosting its growth potential in the region. The company plans to expand its team and take advantage of the UAE’s standardized infrastructure and instant payment platform, Aani, to streamline merchant onboarding and offer instant settlement for payments.
The Egyptian Tax Authority is enhancing its digital services to support taxpayers, especially during tax filing season. This includes the establishment of a Digital Services Center and partnerships with professional syndicates to provide technical support. The Authority is expanding its digital services to ensure nationwide access and smoother compliance.
Omdia predicts that 5G penetration in Africa will rise from 1.4% in 2024 to 25.6% by 2029, driving growth in mobile data traffic. Mobile subscriptions will reach 1.78 billion by 2029, with fiber broadband also seeing significant expansion. Governments are encouraged to prioritize 5G spectrum allocation and device affordability.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has canceled the licenses of seven PSTN operators due to non-renewal. Companies like Tele Barta, Ranks Telecom, and National Telecom were affected. This leaves Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited as the sole national PSTN operator, with a few regional operators still active.
Bahrain’s startup ecosystem has generated USD 1.2 billion from July 2021 to December 2023, with fintech leading the way. Key players like Tamkeen, Bahrain FinTech Bay, and Central Bank of Bahrain support this growth. Tech startups such as Calo and Unipal continue to attract investment, signaling strong growth for 2025.
Bahrain has completed the installation of smart meters in taxis to enhance public transportation services. The initiative ensures transparency in fare calculation, supports electronic payments, and integrates modern delivery applications. The move aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, promoting efficient, sustainable, and reliable transport services.
