Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Middle East is emerging as a leading AI hub, with the UAE showing top productivity gains and strong investor confidence driving regional transformation. Global AI capital is shifting toward the Middle East, reinforcing its role as a center for innovation and digital growth.
A new FII Institute–Accenture report finds 87% of global investors plan to boost AI funding in the Global South, with India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East set to lead this next wave of innovation.
A new FII–Accenture report finds 87% of investors plan to expand AI investments in the Global South, targeting India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East to drive inclusive digital growth.
Cassava Technologies, led by Strive Masiyiwa, plans to invest up to USD 720 million in partnership with NVIDIA to build Africa’s first AI factory. The initiative will deploy 12,000 GPUs across South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco, boosting AI infrastructure and capabilities across the continent.
The latest BCG survey reveals that AI is a key priority for business leaders in 2025. The GCC region is focusing on reshaping operations and creating new AI-powered business models, with significant investments planned. The region is committed to integrating AI into all roles while addressing data privacy and regulatory concerns.
Al Moammar Information Systems Co. (MIS) sold its entire investment in OpenAI for $8.4 million, earning a profit of $3.4 million. The sale follows other strategic moves in AI and digital infrastructure, including partnerships and contracts in Saudi Arabia. MIS’s 2024 profits saw a 356% increase.
Algeria’s Algérie Télécom has launched an $11 million investment fund for AI, cybersecurity, and robotics startups. The initiative aims to foster digital transformation, with a goal of creating 20,000 startups and contributing 7% of the national GDP to AI by 2027. The country is expanding digital infrastructure to support innovation.
Salesforce is investing $500 million in AI initiatives in Saudi Arabia, unveiling Hyperforce and collaborating with major firms to expand its AI-driven customer service platform. The company will also establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh and upskill 30,000 Saudi citizens by 2030, contributing to the country’s AI ambitions.
Salesforce has announced a $500 million investment in Saudi Arabia, focusing on AI adoption, workforce development, and expanding its regional presence. The investment includes bringing Hyperforce and Agentforce to the Kingdom, upskilling 30,000 citizens in AI, and partnering with Princess Nourah University to empower women in the digital economy.
Middle Eastern organizations plan to increase AI investments by over 65% in the next year, despite facing challenges in talent and technology. A new Deloitte report highlights the growing opportunities in AI, as well as the hurdles in adopting and scaling AI solutions effectively across the region.