Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
TSMC has announced plans for its 1.4 nm chip technology, set to improve power handling by 30% and performance by 15%, offering 60% greater efficiency than current 3 nm chips. The technology, expected to enter production in 2028, will power future products from Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and others.
GITEX Africa 2025 exceeded expectations, attracting over 52,000 visitors, including global tech leaders and 740 startups, with 260 of them from Morocco. The event reinforced Morocco’s position as a key digital hub in Africa, showcasing the continent’s growing momentum in digital transformation and technological investment.
Ookla’s report reveals Morocco’s rapid progress in fixed broadband infrastructure, with fiber deployments improving network performance ahead of major events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Hotels in key cities show impressive Wi-Fi speeds, enhancing Morocco’s appeal as a digital tourist destination.
Jordan and Kazakhstan are exploring a strategic partnership in digital innovation and the aviation industry. The Kazakh delegation, led by ministers from Kazakhstan, held discussions with Jordanian institutions on collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space technologies, and UAV solutions, emphasizing bilateral cooperation to boost economic and technological growth.
Iran and Azerbaijan signed a strategic ICT agreement to enhance cooperation in communication infrastructure, including data transit and submarine cable development. The deal positions Iran as a digital hub, strengthening connectivity between Asia and Europe. Both countries will invest in infrastructure to boost North-South and East-West communication corridors.
Meta has launched its first standalone AI assistant app, offering personalized voice interactions and a social feed for sharing AI-generated content. The app also integrates with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and features a conversational AI mode. Meta’s open-source Llama model allows developers to customize AI software to their needs.
DPI Venture Capital, a new investment unit from DPI, has acquired Egyptian fintech fund manager Nclude, aiming to boost financial inclusion and access across Africa and the Middle East. The firm will focus on seed to Series C investments in tech companies enabling financial services for underserved consumers, particularly in Egypt.
Egypt plans a EGP 13 billion investment in its ICT sector for the 2025/2026 fiscal year to accelerate digital transformation and enhance infrastructure. The investment includes expanding mobile towers, training 600,000 workers, and boosting digital exports, with a focus on building long-term competitiveness in the regional tech market.
A GSMA report urges MENA policymakers to implement urgent reforms to unlock mobile investment, which is projected to contribute over $200 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030. The report highlights challenges like restrictive licensing and high taxes, recommending five key reforms to drive mobile network growth and digital transformation.
Tencent has expressed interest in entering the Bangladeshi market, with plans to collaborate on growing the local gaming and digital sectors. The company, known for its global gaming influence and services like cloud computing, aims to partner with local players to contribute to the country’s digital economy and GDP growth.