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 Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, has launched the Digital Transformation and Automation Center as part of a national plan to enhance digital business and AI. This initiative aligns with Iraq’s economic and administrative reforms, strengthening its digital capabilities and collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization.
Daban Ahmed has launched Iraq’s first telecom company with 5G technology, marking a major step in the country’s digital transformation. This initiative will provide ultra-fast internet, create new job opportunities, and enable innovations in AI, IoT, smart cities, and other sectors, boosting Iraq’s economic and technological future.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized the government’s support for the long-term partnership with Vodafone, focusing on the new 5G network. The agreement aims to modernize Iraq’s telecom infrastructure, increase efficiency, and enhance service quality, with the goal of joining the 54 countries already utilizing 5G technology.
A new international data corridor linking Europe and the Gulf via Iraq has been launched by ITPC and CITRA, in collaboration with Zajil Telecom. The land-based route offers a faster, more reliable alternative to maritime services, providing quicker and secure data transmission from Kuwait to Europe.
Kuwait’s CITRA, in collaboration with Zajil Telecom, has launched a new land-based international data corridor connecting Europe to the Gulf through Iraq. This route offers a faster, more reliable alternative to marine cables, with a 100-gigabit capacity, enhancing secure data transmission for large enterprises and service providers.
SuperQi, launched by Qi Card in partnership with Ant International, is a next-generation digital app combining banking and lifestyle services. Aimed at boosting financial inclusion in Iraq, the app offers services like payments, transfers, loans, and mobile recharges. It targets over 15 million users, promoting a cashless society.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq are enhancing their digital partnership through discussions on joint investments and digital transformation. The talks aim to foster innovation, support entrepreneurship, and contribute to economic growth. The collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and Iraq’s digital strategy to strengthen their economies through emerging technologies.
Iraq has partnered with Vodafone to launch a fully government-owned 5G network, aiming to enhance telecom services, reduce costs, and create job opportunities for youth. The initiative, backed by Vodafone’s global expertise, will foster economic development and improve network management skills among young Iraqis.
Iraq ranks 145th globally and 13th among Arab countries in the 2025 Innovation Index, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges in fostering innovation. The country scores 57.4 points, trailing behind regional leaders like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for significant investment in R&D and education.
Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission discussed the future of 5G and satellite internet with the Samena Council in New York, focusing on enhancing Iraq’s telecommunications infrastructure and supporting the digital economy. The talks explored licensing, technology challenges, and global best practices.