Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman and Belarus have signed three MoUs in Muscat covering industrial collaboration in automotive manufacturing and the introduction of advanced digital technologies. The partnerships involve Karwa Motors with Belarusian firms Amkodor and MAZ, and ONEIC with Delivery Software, aiming to drive industrial growth, knowledge transfer, and digital transformation.
Al Dhahirah Governorate launched a three-day tech innovation hackathon at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, engaging over 200 participants in developing solutions for local challenges. The event advances the governorate’s digital transformation agenda through collaboration, mentorship, and expert guidance, with prizes for top teams and plans to scale impactful projects.
Nepal’s smartphone imports surged 21% to nearly 2 million units worth over Rs. 32 billion in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2024/25. China remains the largest supplier, followed by India and other countries, contributing to increased government revenue and greater market availability.
Rabat Business School and AXA Services Maroc have signed a strategic agreement to deepen ties between academia and industry. The partnership includes internships, co-developing courses, corporate advisory roles, and continuing education, aiming to foster professional integration and innovation for Moroccan youth.
Maroc Telecom raised MAD 3 billion ($330 million) through its first private bond in Morocco’s domestic market, to refinance debt and invest in 5G and fiber infrastructure. Despite a slight profit decline in Q1 2025, the company expanded its customer base to 80 million and strengthened its African presence with IFC-backed credit for Chad and Mali.
The head of Jordan and Amman Chambers of Commerce announced a technical forum with Syria to be held in Damascus this month, focusing on reconstruction efforts. Jordan aims to support Syria’s recovery, especially in IT, construction, and education sectors, with plans also underway for an economic forum.
Jordan’s Institute of Public Administration (IPA) presented its strategic vision focused on administrative modernization, governance reforms, and expanding training through a new digital platform. The IPA trains 20,000 public sector employees annually via mixed learning formats and is restructuring governance to better meet sector needs.
Arkan Solutions, in partnership with BT, has launched PSTN integration for DHL Express in Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, extending DHL’s Genesys Cloud CX platform regional deployment. The managed service ensures regulatory compliance and high-quality voice connectivity, advancing DHL’s Middle East digital transformation.
UNDP and Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition have signed an agreement to strengthen inclusive digital transformation efforts across the Arab States and Africa, focusing on digital services, responsible AI, and sustainable development. The partnership builds on Morocco’s digital leadership and supports regional SDG-aligned development priorities.
UAE-based VC fund EQIQ has invested $3 million in InstaBank, a new AI-powered digital bank in Iraq, as part of a $15 million funding round. Led by finance veteran Hussain Qaragholi, InstaBank aims to transform Iraq’s financial sector with scalable, inclusive fintech services and serve as a core pillar of EQIQ’s regional digital ecosystem strategy.