Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iraq has reinstated a 20% tax on mobile and internet recharge cards to boost state revenues and reduce the budget gap. While the tax is legally imposed on telecom companies, critics warn costs may be passed to consumers, raising concerns over fairness and service quality.
Egyptian life sciences startup Nawah Scientific has raised $23 million in Series A funding to expand its digital testing platform. The round will support a new global R&D center, increased lab capacity in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and expansion across North Africa and Europe.
Egypt’s score in the Digitalization of Work and Training Index increased by 1.9 points to 80.3 in 2025, placing it in the Leading Level category. The progress reflects national initiatives focused on digital skills training, youth empowerment, and workforce readiness for the global digital economy.
Egypt has approved the creation of a unified digital platform to simplify company incorporation, operations, licensing, and liquidation. Led by GAFI-owned Misr Investment for Development, the initiative will centralize services on Egypt Digital Platform, reducing approval times and improving ease of doing business for investors.
Microsoft has appointed Mohamed Kassem as General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, effective December 1, 2025. With nearly 20 years at Microsoft, Kassem will lead strategy and operations, partnering with government and enterprises to accelerate Egypt’s digital transformation across cloud, AI, and cybersecurity.
Nice Deer has partnered with Telecom Egypt to digitize healthcare services for over 28,000 employees using its health insurance platform. The collaboration aims to automate operations, improve claims management, increase transparency, and enhance efficiency, marking a key milestone in Egypt’s digital health insurance transformation.
E-commerce has shifted power from sellers to consumers in Bangladesh by eliminating information gaps and enforcing transparency. Online price comparisons, reviews, and service expectations are reshaping both digital and physical retail, making trust and customer service essential for long-term competitiveness.
Bangladesh’s Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 proposes replacing the NTMC with a new surveillance body, but critics warn the reform lacks independence. With oversight mechanisms remaining under government control, human rights advocates argue the ordinance risks expanding state surveillance rather than delivering meaningful accountability.
Algeria has officially launched 5G services following regulatory approval and technical testing, enabling operators to begin nationwide rollout. The move supports the country’s digital economy strategy, with 5G expected to drive innovation, GDP growth, and advanced services across healthcare, industry, and education.
Algeria has officially launched 5G services following regulatory approval and technical testing, enabling operators to begin nationwide rollout. The move supports the country’s digital economy strategy, with 5G expected to drive innovation, GDP growth, and advanced services across healthcare, industry, and education.