Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco has unveiled a USD 140 million funding package under its Digital 2030 strategy to accelerate startup growth. The initiative supports venture building, venture capital, and Technopark expansion, with targets to create 1,000 startups by 2026 and strengthen inclusive digital innovation nationwide.
Morocco is committing MAD 1.3 billion under its Digital 2030 strategy to support startups through venture building, venture capital, and Technopark expansion. The initiative aims to create 3,000 startups by 2030, strengthen private investment, promote inclusive digital growth, and position the country as a regional innovation hub.
Morocco’s E-Commerce Market Approaches $1.7 Billion in 2025 as Fashion, Electronics, and Beauty Drive Growth
Rabat: Morocco’s e-commerce market is projected to reach nearly $1.7 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting sustained growth fueled by digital adoption and rising consumer confidence in online shopping, according to an analysis by Concli.com based on Statista’s Digital Market Outlook data. Online spending in Morocco has more than doubled since 2017, driven primarily by fashion, consumer electronics, and beauty and personal care products.
Fashion remains the country’s largest online segment, with revenues expected to reach $556 million by the end of 2025. Apparel accounts for the majority of spending, followed by accessories and footwear. Growth is supported by a young, digitally engaged population, the popularity of fast-fashion platforms and social-commerce channels, and the growing availability of international brands through seasonal promotions.
Consumer electronics represent one of the fastest-growing categories, with revenues forecast to exceed $370 million in 2025. Smartphones account for nearly two-thirds of the segment, reflecting Morocco’s mobile-first consumer behaviour. Rising demand for mid-range devices, faster replacement cycles, increased availability of refurbished products, and broader use of digital payments continue to accelerate online electronics sales.
Beauty and personal care are also emerging as a dynamic growth area, with revenues projected to surpass $111 million this year. While personal care products remain the foundation of the segment, cosmetics and skincare are expanding most rapidly, driven by social media influence, rising interest in skincare routines, improved trust in certified sellers, and wider online availability of both local and international brands.
The continued expansion of e-commerce highlights Morocco’s maturing digital economy, supported by improved logistics, increased digital literacy, and wider adoption of electronic payments and mobile wallets. However, challenges remain, including heavy reliance on cash-on-delivery, return policy clarity, and the need to ensure product authenticity. Platforms that emphasise transparency and consumer trust are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping safer online shopping experiences.
Oman ranked 68th in the Digital Quality of Life Index 2025, down from last year, with strengths in digital infrastructure and AI readiness but weaker performance in digital security and internet quality. Despite improvements in broadband speeds, the rankings highlight the need for stronger cybersecurity and continued investment in digital services.
Algeria is preparing new e-commerce legislation to support youth entrepreneurship, protect consumers, and regulate rapid online market growth. With e-commerce turnover exceeding $1.9 billion, the framework aims to formalise digital trade, promote financial inclusion, and build a trusted, transparent digital economy aligned with national digitisation goals.
Zong 4G has inaugurated a Tier-III Certified Cloud Intelligent Computing Center in Islamabad, reinforcing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure with advanced cloud, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity capabilities. Led by the IT Minister, the launch marks a major investment in a future-ready digital economy and highlights Zong’s role as a key ICT enabler.
Egypt is actively expanding its technology ecosystem beyond Cairo through a growing network of regional innovation hubs led by ITIDA. Cities like Mansoura are emerging as major centres for digital skills, startups, freelancing, and offshoring services. Supported by government programs and private-sector investment, this shift aims to decentralize tech growth, improve economic inclusion, and position Egypt as a competitive global digital services hub.
The Gulf is moving to become a global digital data hub, with Ooredoo and regional governments investing in major terrestrial fiber routes linking the Arabian Peninsula to Europe. New corridors through Oman, Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Saudi Arabia aim to reduce reliance on Red Sea subsea cables and strengthen regional digital resilience.
Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector posted revenues of SAR 80.46 billion and profits of SAR 14.46 billion in the first nine months of 2025, fuelled by demand for 5G, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. stc led the market with 80% of total profits, while Mobily and Zain KSA reported strong growth. Analysts expect continued momentum driven by Vision 2030 digital investments.
Saudi Arabia’s Communications Ministry, together with GO Telecom, has launched the GO AI HUB platform—a unified national gateway for discovering, comparing and adopting AI solutions. The platform supports both government and private sectors, aligns with Vision 2030 goals and enhances the Kingdom’s position as a regional innovation and digital-economy leader.