Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal’s Communications Minister outlined ambitious plans positioning the next decade as the IT decade, focusing on expanding digital infrastructure, AI policy development, cybersecurity, media support, and integrating government services digitally to foster socio-economic progress and improved citizen access.
Vantage Payment Systems and Mastercard have partnered to boost Morocco’s digital payment ecosystem, introducing new Mastercard-branded cards, blockchain tokenization, and digital wallets. The collaboration enhances financial inclusion and aligns Morocco’s fintech scene with international standards amid increasing digital adoption.
Gulf Business Machines and Arab Open University have partnered to boost cybersecurity for digital education across the Arab region. Utilizing GBM’s COR. platform, the initiative offers comprehensive threat detection, response, and advisory services to protect academic data and ensure secure learning environments amid increasing cyber risks.
Orange Jordan’s 2025 “Inspiring Change” Award honored women-led projects advancing sustainable digital innovation, introducing a new fintech category. Winners included Wasil, Genskin, SOHO ERP, and BitMal. Supported by Capital Bank and Int@j, the initiative aims to boost women’s roles in tech entrepreneurship across Jordan.
Thales and Qatar Airways have expanded their partnership with a MoA to enhance inflight entertainment technology and establish a dedicated service centre in Doha. This move supports Qatar Airways’ fleet growth and digital transformation while contributing to Qatar’s aerospace ecosystem and job creation under Qatar Vision 2030.
Aria Ventures has launched a $1 million fund to support deep-tech startups by bridging research and market application. The venture studio plans to grow the fund to $4 million over four years while offering hands-on support and infrastructure. Their DeepTecher competition fosters innovation by mentoring and funding promising projects in AI, biotech, robotics, and related sectors.
Standard Chartered Egypt is expanding its role amid robust banking sector growth by focusing on women-led tech startups, financial inclusion, and corporate sector support. Its Futuremakers accelerator addresses funding and mentorship gaps, aiming to empower women entrepreneurs and create jobs, while leveraging a global network to boost trade and investment. Recent macroeconomic improvements underpin a positive outlook for the bank’s continued growth in Egypt.
Egypt renews its partnership with Arish University and ITIDA to enhance ICT skills for 7,200 youth in North Sinai over three years. The program emphasizes freelancing, entrepreneurship, internships, and sustainable local training to boost employment opportunities without relocation.
Morocco Telecom Group has raised over €272 million through its first private bond issuance, attracting strong investor interest and signaling financial strength. The funds will support network upgrades, digital initiatives, and expansion across Africa, boosting the company’s capacity for growth and innovation in a competitive telecom market.
Zain Omantel International (ZOI) secured four key global awards in 2025 for excellence in subsea and terrestrial connectivity, including honors for innovation, subsea cable leadership, and regional network operation. These accolades underscore ZOI’s vital role in connecting the Middle East to global digital markets, accelerating socio-economic growth and regional digital transformation.