Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Orange Middle East and Africa awarded three start-ups at the Orange Summer Challenge 2025, recognising technology-driven solutions addressing environmental and societal challenges. The initiative supports young entrepreneurs through funding, mentoring, and innovation programmes aimed at advancing digital inclusion and sustainable development across Africa and the Middle East.
iOCO has expanded into Saudi Arabia to support cloud adoption and digital transformation initiatives aligned with Vision 2030. Backed by its partnership with AWS, the company aims to help organisations modernise infrastructure, enhance governance, and deliver scalable digital services across the Kingdom’s evolving technology landscape.
Saudi fintech CASHIN has raised USD 16 million in Series A funding to digitise financial and operational management for fuel stations. The AI-driven platform aims to improve efficiency, governance, and supply safety while supporting the digital transformation of Saudi Arabia’s energy and infrastructure ecosystem.
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital has upgraded its EMR system using InterSystems TrakCare, improving clinical workflows, data integration, and patient-centered care delivery. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s healthcare digital transformation goals and establishes a foundation for future AI-enabled healthcare innovations.
Web Summit Qatar 2026 opened with new funding commitments and entrepreneur incentives as the country advances its ambition to become a global tech hub. With 30,000 attendees from 127 countries, the summit highlighted growing investment, startup momentum, and digital innovation across fintech, AI, and emerging technologies.
Ooredoo has appointed Ghanim Al Muftah as Brand Ambassador and launched its Ramadan 2026 initiatives focused on charity, culture, sports, and digital engagement. The programme aims to strengthen community connections while reinforcing the company’s commitment to social impact and inclusive engagement across Qatar.
Pakistan’s software industry association P@SHA has backed the government’s $1 billion AI investment plan, supporting initiatives to fund AI research, train one million professionals, and expand digital capabilities. The programme aims to strengthen IT exports, accelerate innovation, and position Pakistan competitively in the global AI economy.
Artificial Intelligence is being positioned as a core driver of Pakistan’s digital transformation, with national initiatives focusing on AI adoption across governance, industry, and education. Huawei highlighted its full-stack AI and ICT approach aimed at supporting infrastructure development, capacity building, and long-term digital ecosystem growth in the country.
PTA has opened public consultation on the proposed merger between Telenor Pakistan and Ufone’s parent PTML, following PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan. The regulator will assess competition, spectrum concentration, and consumer impact before granting approvals required to complete the telecom sector consolidation.
Pakistan has retained its ITU G5 regulator status with a score of 75.77 in the 2025 benchmark, reflecting progress in regulatory reform, spectrum management, and digital policy alignment. The achievement strengthens the country’s standing in international telecom forums and signals continued advancement toward higher regulatory maturity.