Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
MENA startups across fintech, logistics, AI, and SaaS sectors raised significant capital recently, reflecting robust regional innovation. New funds and media partnerships bolster ecosystem growth, while Saudi Arabia hosts OpenAI models locally, enhancing AI access.
Jordan promotes access to a $50 trillion market at Singapore forum, emphasizing strategic location, growing industries, and strong trade agreements. The country advances economic modernization, green energy, and bilateral partnerships to boost investment and exports.
UAE-based VC fund EQIQ has invested $3 million in InstaBank, a new AI-powered digital bank in Iraq, as part of a $15 million funding round. Led by finance veteran Hussain Qaragholi, InstaBank aims to transform Iraq’s financial sector with scalable, inclusive fintech services and serve as a core pillar of EQIQ’s regional digital ecosystem strategy.
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has introduced a new bylaw to regulate international telecommunications cables. The decision aims to strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure, attract investment, and improve service quality. It establishes a streamlined regulatory framework for cable installation, operation, and maintenance in Omani lands and waters.
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), in collaboration with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA), has launched a cross-border AI trade & investment hub. This initiative will enhance AI startups’ access to global capital, markets, and networks across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, fostering innovation and development.
Tech startups in the UAE and Saudi Arabia face rising competition as international founders reshape the region’s landscape. Entrepreneurs are urged to demonstrate strong business models, adaptability, and market understanding to succeed. Key principles for success include motivation, intuition, courage, foresight, and inspiration to stay competitive and attract investment.
Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, met with Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Dr. Hiyam al Yasiri, to discuss potential cooperation in telecommunications. The focus was on strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise, and stimulating investment and business opportunities between the two countries.
Egypt has launched the Invest-IT program to support tech startups in their Seed and Pre-Series A stages. The initiative, led by ITIDA and Flat6Labs, aims to enhance investment readiness and help startups secure funding, expand operations, and drive innovation in sectors like AI, fintech, logistics, and smart energy.
Egypt’s ICT Minister Amr Talaat met with Vodacom and Vodafone officials to discuss investment opportunities in Egypt’s ICT sector. The meeting focused on advancing digital transformation, infrastructure development, and fostering innovation. The South African delegation expressed interest in investing in data centers and cybersecurity, boosting Egypt’s growing tech sector.
PTCL’s merger with Telenor Pakistan is moving towards approval with a new $1 billion investment offer. The deal, anticipated to enhance mobile competition, could position Ufone as the second-largest telecom provider in Pakistan, benefiting consumers with better services.