Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar announced a $2 billion expansion of its Fund of Funds and new incentives for startups at Web Summit 2026, including 10-year residencies and compute credits. The move strengthens Qatar’s position as a global innovation hub attracting founders, investors, and technology leaders worldwide.
Orange Jordan sponsored TEDxKings Academy as the exclusive telecom partner, supporting a platform that encouraged critical thinking and knowledge sharing under the theme “Think Again.” The initiative reflects Orange Jordan’s commitment to youth empowerment, education, and fostering innovation as part of its responsible digital leadership strategy.
Bangladesh inaugurated its largest technology expo in Dhaka as Professor Muhammad Yunus highlighted the sector’s national importance. The four-day Digital Device and Innovation Expo features innovation zones, seminars, and industry showcases, supporting the country’s ambition to scale ICT exports, build digital skills, attract investment, and position Bangladesh as a producer of homegrown technologies.
Egypt’s young innovators are using AI to solve real-world problems and reimagine history, from healthcare robots to hieroglyph-translating apps. Backed by rising investment and government support, AI is becoming central to education, entrepreneurship, and national development, positioning Egypt’s youth at the forefront of technological transformation.
Egypt has launched its first hackathon in the New Valley to empower youth, drive digital entrepreneurship, and address local challenges. Led by MCIT and NTI, the initiative targets students and graduates, offering training, mentorship, and cash prizes for innovations in agriculture, energy, tourism, and community services.
Zain Great Idea brought 11 startups from six markets to Silicon Valley for an intensive global acceleration journey. Founders engaged with leading tech giants, refined business fundamentals, strengthened investment readiness, and pitched to global investors, reinforcing Zain’s role as a regional ecosystem builder for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Flat6Labs concluded its three-year StartMashreq Program with strong results across Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs, advancing inclusion, creating jobs, and unlocking significant startup funding. Backed by the Netherlands and IFC, the initiative demonstrated how targeted ecosystem support can drive resilient, cross-border entrepreneurship in challenging markets.
Vodafone Oman and Sultan Qaboos University concluded a three-day hackathon focused on practical digital transformation solutions across government, healthcare, smart cities, and cybersecurity. The initiative produced deployable concepts and reinforced a broader partnership supporting AI research, talent development, and applied innovation in Oman.
Algiers will host the 4th African Startup Conference with over 25,000 participants expected, bringing together African ministers, startups, investors, and global experts under the theme “Fostering African Champions.” The event will promote innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration, with Rwanda as guest of honour.
MWC25 Doha showcases the GCC’s rise as a powerhouse of digital innovation. By bringing global and regional stakeholders together, the event demonstrates how world-class infrastructure, investor appetite, and startup momentum are reshaping the connectivity landscape and positioning the region at the forefront of next-generation technology development.