Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt launched the ‘Memory of the City’ app to provide an interactive guide to Cairo’s history, architecture, and notable locations. The app preserves cultural identity and engages new generations by combining historical documentation with modern technology, making heritage more accessible and appealing.
SPAYZ.io is expanding into South Africa, Egypt, and Cameroon, offering EFT Bank Transfers and Mobile Money solutions to capture growing digital payment markets. This research-driven expansion targets long-term stability in Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy, set to reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2030.
Africa’s smartphone market grew 6% in Q1 2025, led by Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa, with strong performances from Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and HONOR. Challenges like economic pressures and consumer debt persist, but 4G and early 5G adoption offer growth potential amid a cautious outlook for 2025.
Daraz has transformed Bangladesh’s e-commerce with 8 million active users, a nationwide logistics network, and inclusive seller training programs. Its campaigns offer deep discounts and reliable service, supporting rural and urban markets while building a full digital commerce ecosystem for the country’s future.
Huawei launches four intelligent networking solutions in Bangladesh—Xinghe Intelligent Fabric, Campus, WAN, and Unified Secure Access SASE—targeting core infrastructure challenges in finance, education, manufacturing, and public sectors to drive digital transformation and improve organizational communications.
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is collaborating with Starlink to launch satellite internet services, proposing to host Starlink gateways at key ground stations. Following successful terminal tests and regulatory progress, the partnership aims to boost connectivity nationwide, supporting underserved regions and advancing Bangladesh’s digital transformation.
DG Financial Technology and au Financial Service launch NESTA, a secure, scalable payment platform supporting 40+ payment methods with tokenization and zero downtime. Aligned with KDDI’s growth strategy, NESTA enhances Japan’s digital payments ecosystem, starting with au and UQ mobile services and planning wider expansion.
Touch partners with Zain Omantel International to offer preferential roaming rates for Gulf subscribers, supporting Lebanon’s telecom sector revival. The deal expands coverage and improves roaming services, making Lebanon more accessible for regional travelers from multiple Middle Eastern nations.
Egypt introduces tax-free startup zones offering customs and tax exemptions, simplified registration, and support services to retain tech talent amid currency shortages. Inspired by Gulf models, the initiative targets AI, fintech, and software sectors, aiming to boost investment and growth while addressing challenges like funding and regulatory hurdles.
Egypt and Algeria held talks to enhance cooperation in renewable energy and electricity grid modernization. Discussions covered high-voltage transmission, distribution networks, and transformer stations, with a focus on clean energy manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions. Algeria aims to collaborate with Egyptian firms to support its energy transition and decarbonization efforts.