Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
T-Vencubator has launched Tafweela, a transformative payment solution for the transportation sector in Egypt, founded by Marwan El Shayeb. This initiative aims to streamline operations and expand into B2C markets while benefitting from T-Vencubator’s comprehensive support to navigate a competitive landscape and regulatory challenges.
Saudi Media Company (SMC) has signed an MoU with Multiply Group to advance advertising technology, focusing on AI-powered solutions and programmatic advertising. The collaboration aims to drive digital transformation in the MENA region and globally, enhancing efficiency and creating new business models for long-term growth in the media sector.
Egypt has inaugurated the permanent headquarters of the African Space Agency in Cairo, marking a significant step towards enhancing continental cooperation in space science and technology. The agency aims to address key challenges such as food security, health, and climate change, and support sustainable development across Africa.
Vodafone Egypt hosted a roundtable in Cairo with the GSMA, focusing on regional mobile investment. The report highlighted outdated regulations and the need for better policies to boost infrastructure and bridge the digital gap. Collaborations between public and private sectors were emphasized to enable MENA’s digital transformation.
Zain Bahrain has partnered with Ericsson to launch a new hybrid power solution that combines a diesel generator with lithium batteries, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This initiative aligns with Bahrain’s sustainability goals and aims for a daily average reduction of 25% in fuel usage.
Batelco has launched Basma, an AI-powered digital assistant designed to enhance customer experience. Available 24/7 in English and Arabic, Basma assists with bill inquiries, usage tracking, package installments, and more. This initiative marks a significant step in Batelco’s digital transformation and technological advancement in Bahrain’s telecom sector.
AI-driven personalization in the GCC retail sector faces major challenges, primarily due to a lack of skilled professionals, data management issues, and executive support gaps, according to a new white paper from Al Futtaim Group. It calls for investment in talent development and ethical AI practices to meet evolving customer demands.
Tunisie Telecom has signed a strategic partnership with Medusa for a high-capacity fibre optic link between Tunisia and France, aimed at enhancing regional and international digital connectivity. The project, set to be completed by early 2026, will boost Tunisia’s digital infrastructure and sovereignty.
Egypt has been ranked third among Africa’s top technology investment destinations for 2024, securing $297 million across 89 deals. The country also leads in fixed broadband speeds and excels in internet speed, cybersecurity, and technological development, reinforcing its influence in Africa’s growing digital economy.
Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber visited Baghdad to meet with Iraqi officials, focusing on enhancing cooperation in fuel supply, telecommunications, and the proposed oil pipeline project. The discussions also included fiber optic connections linking Lebanon to Europe and addressing outstanding financial obligations. Additionally, Jaber discussed Lebanon’s educational sector needs.