Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
IO Kitchens, Oman’s leading cloud kitchen startup, has secured $2.8 million in seed funding, marking a key milestone in its mission to transform the food delivery industry. This funding will support expansion, technological advancements, and innovative food solutions, catering to the rising demand for high-quality food options.
The proposed merger between PTCL and Telenor Pakistan promises to advance the country’s telecom sector by driving infrastructure development, including 5G rollout. The merger aims to improve service quality, efficiency, and connectivity, particularly in rural areas, while fostering investment and enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in the regional market.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has revoked the licenses of two internet service providers, C Data Communication and Life Net, due to non-compliance with operating terms and failure to initiate the renewal process, respectively. Both companies must also fulfill required payments within 30 days as directed by the NTA.
MetLife Bangladesh has expanded its ‘One by MetLife’ app, now available across iOS, Android, and web platforms. Offering 24/7 telemedicine, online medicine delivery, health assessments, and financial planning, the app has surpassed 1.3 million downloads. This expansion supports the company’s goal to provide accessible digital healthcare and financial services in Bangladesh.
The UAE and Egypt signed an MoU to enhance collaboration in peaceful space activities, focusing on satellite technology, Earth observation, and space research. This partnership aims to advance sustainable development and knowledge exchange between the two nations. The agreement coincided with the opening of the African Space Agency’s headquarters in Cairo.
Oman has launched its National Programme for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Digital Technologies, aiming to integrate AI across sectors, increase the digital economy’s GDP contribution, and boost global AI readiness rankings. The initiative aligns with Vision 2040 goals for sustainable development.
Fitch Solutions projects Egypt’s IT market will grow from $3.5B in 2025 to $9.2B by 2031, driven by mega smart city projects, cloud adoption, and $256M in public digital infrastructure investment. Software and IT services will lead growth as Egypt builds a digitally advanced, investment-ready economy.
Zain Business teams up with Orchid Developers to provide ultra-fast internet to Orchid Towers residents, enhancing digital connectivity across Bahrain. This partnership supports Zain’s vision to drive digital transformation and deliver innovative, scalable solutions that improve living and working environments in the Kingdom’s premier high-rise developments.
Orange has partnered with Synamedia to launch a multi-CDN streaming solution in March 2025, combining Orange’s extensive CDN footprint with Quortex Switch technology. The service offers dynamic traffic balancing, seamless midstream switching, and regulatory compliance, targeting the booming streaming markets of the Middle East and Africa.
Sri Lanka will transition to digital TV to free up spectrum space for 5G deployment. The government is also constructing 276 towers to enhance broadband connectivity and support 5G rollout. A proposal for the establishment of a Digital Economy Authority is part of the country’s goal to expand its digital economy.