Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Streaming platform 1001 has partnered exclusively with Wide.net to add over 8,000 hours of premium Arabic content, supporting Iraq’s shift toward legal digital media consumption. The deal expands 1001’s offerings and promotes licensed, culturally relevant entertainment for Iraqi audiences.
Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission has upgraded over 1,253 telecom towers and deployed AI-driven congestion prediction tools to support millions of pilgrims during the Ashura pilgrimage in Karbala. Network capacity has increased by nearly 500%, with full 4G coverage and 5G-ready infrastructure.
Blacknut has teamed up with Radian Arc, GCG.games, and Asiacell to launch its cloud gaming platform in Iraq, leveraging local telecom infrastructure and GPU technology to provide high-performance gaming experiences to over 19 million Asiacell subscribers.
Netaj has launched Nawat, Iraq’s first venture capital studio, to accelerate 40 startups through mentorship, product development, and funding. The program’s hybrid investment model supports promising ventures with both in-kind resources and capital, aiming to strengthen Iraq’s startup ecosystem.
UNESCO, in partnership with the European Union, launched the “Social Media 4 Peace” project in Iraq to address harmful online content. Workshops focused on content moderation, hate speech, and fostering cooperation among local actors. The project aims to create human rights-based governance systems to combat digital disinformation and promote peace.
Iraq is working to bring global e-commerce companies like Amazon and SHEIN to the country by establishing the necessary infrastructure. The Ministry of Communications is also focusing on launching a national e-commerce platform and automating the postal system as part of a broader digital transformation effort.
Iraq’s cabinet has authorized the creation of a national mobile company to operate a 5G network, collaborating with Vodafone. This initiative, backed by local investments and government support, aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, improve service quality, and boost national income. The network will provide faster speeds and lower latency.
The Iraqi Council of Ministers approved the creation of the National Mobile Telecommunications Company, in partnership with Vodafone Group, to operate the 5G national license. Additionally, key diplomatic agreements with Morocco, India, and Jordan were ratified, aiming to enhance Iraq’s global relations and regional connectivity.