Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Propeller has launched Kernel Camp, an eight-week San Francisco residency for early-stage MENA founders building AI infrastructure and core software. Running in April–May 2026, the programme offers product support, mentorship, full cost coverage, and direct access to Silicon Valley’s deep-tech ecosystem.
Umniah by Beyon has appointed Yusuf Sater as Chief Technical Officer and Dina Aldaoud as Executive Director of Brand and Corporate Communications. The appointments strengthen the company’s leadership as it advances its transformation into a modern digital telecom operator and reinforces its role in Jordan’s digital ecosystem.
MNZL has become the first fintech in Egypt to secure both a digital mortgage licence and a digital consumer finance licence. The approvals enable fully digital, regulated asset-backed lending for housing and vehicles, reducing processing time and improving access to household wealth.
Mastercard has partnered with Egypt-based Fuelin to digitize fleet fuel payments across MENA. The solution combines real-time controls, commercial cards, and advanced security to replace cash-based processes, reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and deliver richer operational and sustainability insights for fleet operators and fuel stations.
Egypt has successfully launched the SPNEX nanosatellite, which is now operating in orbit and transmitting data. Developed entirely by national institutions, the satellite supports ionospheric and climate research and strengthens Egypt’s capabilities in space system development and scientific research.
The Holding Company for Food Industries and e& Egypt have signed an agreement to digitise Carry On subsidised retail outlets through digital payments, cloud services, and upgraded infrastructure. The initiative supports financial inclusion, improves service quality, and aligns state-run outlets with modern retail standards.
Bangladesh’s digital transformation must now move beyond access to competitiveness. Digital Bangladesh 2.0 focuses on human capital, intelligent governance, advanced fintech, and trusted digital systems to shift the country from technology use to technology production, positioning it as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Mastercard has formed new blockchain alliances in the Middle East, including a collaboration with the ADI Foundation, to advance stablecoin payments and asset tokenization. New partners NEO PAY and INFINIOS are adopting stablecoin settlement, expanding faster, compliant digital payment options across the regional financial ecosystem.
VOLZ has secured nearly $5 million in the largest local-currency funding round ever for an Algerian startup, marking a milestone for the country’s travel-tech and venture ecosystem. The round enabled the first exit of the Algerian Startup Fund and will support VOLZ’s regional expansion and new corporate travel services.
Morocco has unveiled a USD 140 million funding package under its Digital 2030 strategy to accelerate startup growth. The initiative supports venture building, venture capital, and Technopark expansion, with targets to create 1,000 startups by 2026 and strengthen inclusive digital innovation nationwide.