Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
TikTok removed over 10 million violating videos in Iraq in Q1 2025 and banned thousands of live hosts. Despite governmental concerns about societal impact, experts emphasize TikTok’s role in supporting young entrepreneurs.
Iraq ranks 184th globally in technology advancement, trailing most Arab countries and facing critical challenges in digital infrastructure and innovation.
Turkey’s draft energy agreement proposal to Iraq seeks to renew cooperation amid the ending of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline deal in 2026. Despite arbitration disputes and pipeline shutdowns since 2023, both nations aim to revive oil flows linked to strategic regional infrastructure projects.
Iraq is preparing to launch Apple Pay, enhancing its digital payment system and financial inclusion. Officials met with Apple to discuss technical requirements, with Prime Minister al-Sudani backing the initiative. This move supports Iraq’s broader digital transformation goals and will enable secure, contactless payments.
1001 partners with Almentor to stream Arabic educational courses in Iraq, targeting diverse learner groups and complementing entertainment content with valuable learning experiences.
Iraq is advancing efforts to introduce Apple Pay, engaging with Apple’s regional team to meet technical requirements and expand digital payment options, supporting financial inclusion and electronic payment growth.
Shahid and Al-Manassa have partnered to provide Iraqi audiences with expanded access to licensed Arabic video-on-demand and live TV, strengthening the country’s legal digital entertainment landscape and enhancing content diversity.
Iraq’s new MFTA chapter aims to accelerate fintech adoption and regulatory progress, supporting the country’s digital economy and financial inclusion goals under visionary leadership.
Iraq’s internet penetration rose from 44.3% in 2019 to 82.9% in 2024. The Ministry of Communications plans additional infrastructure projects with public-private partnerships to support the country’s digital transformation and modernize its telecommunications network.
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.