Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
MENA startup funding hit $783M in July 2025, surpassing last year’s total in just seven months. Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominated with two unicorns—Ninja and XPANCEO—while Iraq and Morocco surprised with breakout deals. Deeptech and e-commerce led sector growth, but the gender funding gap remains severe.
The WTO praised Morocco for its leadership in trade, sustainability, and women’s empowerment, citing its role since the 1994 Marrakech Agreement. Success stories like Doum for Women highlight local impact, while new digital trade and investment agreements promise further opportunities for Morocco’s economy.
Morocco has joined the world’s top 15 automotive producers, reaching one million vehicles in 2025. Backed by Renault, Stellantis, and major port infrastructure, the Kingdom is Africa’s automotive leader and a growing competitor to Europe, combining investment appeal with a skilled workforce.
Yango Tech met Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima to explore AI partnerships and digital transformation opportunities. The collaboration aims to strengthen Pakistan’s IT ecosystem, boost exports, and deliver AI-driven solutions through Yango’s services spanning mobility, delivery, retail, and B2B tech.
Orange Jordan and Proparco concluded their Aqaba Coding Academy partnership with a 100% graduation rate. Over 1,000 youth have benefited since launch, with 80% employed. The program fosters digital skills, startup growth, and Aqaba’s vision as a regional innovation hub.
Jordan will pilot its first e-passport on September 1, offering biometric security, ICAO recognition, and online applications. The launch is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that includes new e-services and exploration of a central bank digital currency.
The 9th International Scientific Conference on Arbaeen urged Iraq to integrate Arbaeen’s values into education, adopt AI and drones for crowd management, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainability. It also recommended global partnerships, research grants, and greater youth and women’s participation.
Egypt’s handset market will grow from $2.5B in 2025 to $4.8B by 2031, driven by local assembly and policy incentives. Imports of finished phones have plunged, while major brands invest locally. Scaling production can boost exports, cut costs, and fuel digital inclusion across Africa and MENA.
Egypt’s e-commerce market hit $10.2B in 2025 and is forecast to reach $19.3B by 2030. With 96M internet users, 72% of sales via mobile, and platforms like Rabbit and Talabat Mart scaling regionally, local expertise and digital fluency are driving Egypt’s transformation into a regional e-commerce powerhouse.
Telecom Egypt and KareXpert will build a secure national digital healthcare platform, offering EMRs, hospital management, and digital billing. Hosted in Egypt for compliance and privacy, the system supports AI and IoT scalability, reinforcing Egypt Vision 2030’s push toward a smart healthcare ecosystem.