Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
DawaDose has closed its Pre-Seed round to establish its Saudi HQ and develop the region’s first integrated B2C and B2B pharmaceutical ecosystem. The startup will use the funding to scale AI-driven digital tools, expand pharmacy partnerships, and prepare for Gulf-wide growth in healthcare access.
Iraq is positioning itself as a digital transit hub with new subsea cable projects, including the 45,000 km Tawafrica system linking Europe, Africa, and Asia with a branch into Iraq. Anchored at Al-Faw Port, the projects aim to reduce latency, expand capacity, and attract investment in data centers.
Egypt has released its first AI Readiness Assessment Report with UNESCO and EU support, reviewing strengths and gaps in its digital ecosystem. The report underscores ethical, human-centred AI governance and is intended to guide reforms, investments, and capacity-building for sustainable and inclusive development.
Egypt’s NTRA participated in ITUGSR-25 in Riyadh, highlighting progress in 5G, IPv6, cloud regulation, and cybersecurity frameworks. The delegation signed an MoU with Georgia, met regulators from key countries, and held discussions with global tech firms, reinforcing Egypt’s role in global telecom governance and investment-friendly digital growth.
Egypt has unveiled its National Narrative for Economic Development, targeting 7% annual growth and greater private sector participation by 2030. The framework builds on the 2022 State Ownership Policy, focusing on competitiveness, green transition, high-productivity sectors, and restructuring state economic roles to strengthen long-term growth and job creation.
Walton received the Digital Bangladesh Award 2018 for its contribution to the country’s IT sector and support in building Digital Bangladesh. The award was presented at Digital Bangladesh Day-2018, where nine other individuals and organisations were also honoured for advancing the nation’s digital transformation.
Bangladesh risks falling short of its trillion-dollar digital economy target due to one of the world’s highest spectrum and tax burdens, a GSMA report warns. High costs are slowing 5G rollout and internet speeds, while reforms in spectrum pricing and taxation could unlock up to $45 billion in economic growth by 2035.
ADN Telecom has signed MoUs with South Korea’s PBS and CND Motors to collaborate on electric three-wheeler assembly, AI-based traffic management, and solar streetlight projects in Bangladesh. The partnerships will combine Korean technology with local execution to foster sustainability, job creation, and technological advancement.
Bangladesh has approved its Telecom Networking Licence Policy 2025, aiming to streamline licensing, enhance competition, and improve nationwide service quality. While Grameenphone and Banglalink welcomed reforms, Robi Axiata voiced disappointment over unaddressed industry inputs. Analysts say the policy’s success hinges on clear implementation guidelines and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
NanoPalm, a Saudi biotech startup specializing in AI-powered lipid nanoparticle platforms for gene therapy, has won KPMG’s Global Tech Innovator competition in Saudi Arabia. The company will represent the Kingdom at the global finals in Portugal this November, competing against winners from more than 20 countries.