11 July 2025
Headlines

ICP Hub Egypt Launches to Unlock Blockchain Innovation and Sovereign Internet Infrastructure

Shahzaib03 mins

ICP Hub Egypt has launched a groundbreaking initiative allowing Egyptian developers to build decentralized applications on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) while paying fees in local currency. Supported by Mercatura Forum, the hub invites developers to join the World Computer Hacker League 2025—a global hackathon offering $300,000+ in prizes. ICP uniquely enables AI on-chain, sovereign internet infrastructure, and enhanced privacy, positioning Egypt at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

Read More

Orange Egypt Officially Launches 5G Services to Meet Growing Demand for High-Speed Internet

Shahzaib03 mins

Orange Egypt has launched 5G services across key governorates, responding to the surging demand for faster internet driven by digital learning, remote work, and content streaming. With a 15-year license secured in 2024, Orange’s 5G rollout promises faster speeds, higher capacity, and enhanced connectivity, supporting Egypt’s digital transformation and positioning the company as a regional technology leader.

Read More

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed Calls for Enhanced Financial Access and Technology for SMEs

Shahzaib03 mins

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted the critical role of SMEs in Bangladesh’s economy, urging enhanced financial access, expanded technological use, and stronger global market integration. He called for reforms in financing approaches, digital data infrastructure for SMEs, and greater export diversification. Salehuddin also emphasized women’s workforce participation through SMEs and advocated transparency in SME development organizations. He attributed the smaller national budget to reduced waste in government spending.

Read More

ISPAB Announces Price Reduction on Fixed Internet Packages Starting July 1

Shahzaib02 mins

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) is reducing the minimum fixed internet package price from Tk 700 to Tk 500 starting July 1. ISPs currently offer speeds averaging 10 Mbps, with plans to raise minimum speeds to 20 Mbps if government fees like the Social Obligation Fund are lifted. ISPAB also committed to collecting the 5% VAT on bills to be deposited into the national treasury, urging customers to use licensed ISPs and pay VAT accordingly.

Read More

GiveDirectly and Bangladesh Government Pilot AI-Powered Mobile Targeting to Improve Poverty Relief

Shahzaib02 mins

GiveDirectly partnered with Bangladesh’s government to pilot MobileAid, an AI-driven method using anonymized mobile phone data to identify low-income households quickly and cost-effectively. The approach outperformed community targeting and rivaled traditional surveys, enabling faster, cheaper poverty relief through mobile money transfers. Challenges for scaling include regulatory approvals, telecom cooperation, and building trust, highlighting the need for combining technology with community outreach. MobileAid shows strong potential for rapid social protection, especially in disaster response, by providing timely, accurate targeting aligned with real-world needs.

Read More

Saudi Quick-Commerce Firm Ninja Raises $250 Million, Achieves Unicorn Status

Shahzaib01 mins

Saudi quick-commerce company Ninja raised $250 million in a funding round led by Riyad Capital, reaching a $1.5 billion valuation and gaining unicorn status. Founded in 2022, Ninja delivers groceries and essentials across Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries. The funds will support expansion, logistics scaling, and preparation for a planned IPO on the Saudi Exchange by 2027. This investment highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing startup ecosystem and Riyad Capital’s key role in regional venture funding.

Read More

Bahrain’s Ministerial Committee for ICT Meets to Advance Digital Transformation and Consumer Protection

Shahzaib02 mins

Bahrain’s Ministerial Committee for ICT, led by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, convened to discuss advancements in the country’s digital transformation and consumer protection. The meeting highlighted Bahrain’s progress under royal directives, including initiatives to improve government service efficiency and strengthen e-commerce confidence through anti-fraud measures. Key agenda items included ICT projects in diplomacy, draft legislation for 2025, and a unified government website template. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing digital services for all citizens and residents.

Read More