Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi-based construction-tech startup Fitting has raised $500K in pre-seed funding to digitize the construction supply chain. Founded in 2024, the company connects suppliers, retailers, and developers via a digital marketplace, aiming to boost efficiency and transparency amid Vision 2030 megaprojects.
TechConnect 2025 brought together more than 300 government, telecom and technology leaders, highlighting Bangladesh’s renewed push toward an inclusive digital economy. Officials emphasized updated transformation strategies, stronger public-private partnerships and expanded digital services. Discussions focused on infrastructure, innovation, and reducing the digital divide, reinforcing Huawei’s continued collaboration with the ICT Division.
Qatar University announces the third annual AI Week, starting November 12, 2024, sponsored by Vodafone Qatar. This event aims to engage students with cutting-edge AI technologies and facilitate interactions with experts, enhancing their readiness for global technological advancements.
Dialog Axiata collaborates with ICTA and industry leaders to unveil the Innovation Challenge, welcoming Sri Lankans to lead the charge in digital innovation with substantial rewards and investment prospects.
Careem will suspend its Pakistan operations on July 18 due to macroeconomic challenges, stiff competition, and capital constraints. This move ends a key chapter in Pakistan’s digital transport evolution, underscoring broader strains in the country’s startup ecosystem and shifting strategies among global ride-hailing firms.
Starlink’s satellite backhaul is now powering over 100 rural base stations in Nigeria, improving mobile connectivity for underserved communities. This collaboration with Africa Mobile Networks has led to a 45% increase in traffic, empowering local businesses, healthcare providers, and residents with better communication tools.
HUTCH, in partnership with Trainocate, launched the “Srilankanization” initiative to enhance digital skills among Sri Lankans. The program offers training on digital applications through the RESET e-learning platform, providing affordable access to certifications from Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, and Cisco, aiming to strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
Revibe, a UAE-based marketplace for refurbished electronics, raised $7 million in its Series A round to expand its product offerings and accelerate growth in the MENA region. The company aims to enhance customer experience, reduce CO2 emissions, and continue its expansion in emerging markets with a focus on sustainability.
Naver Corp plans to establish its Middle Eastern headquarters, Naver Arabia, in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2024. This strategic expansion aims to harness AI, cloud computing, and robotics technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and enhancing Naver’s global business footprint.
Starlink is poised to launch in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance digital connectivity in remote areas. The initiative faces regulatory crafting and high costs, contrasting with local cheaper services, potentially reshaping the digital access landscape.