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 is evaluating cloud seeding as a climate adaptation strategy to mitigate water shortages caused by drought and climate change. Officials are studying global best practices and technical feasibility, viewing the approach as a potential supplement to long-term water management and agricultural sustainability efforts.
Iraq has reinstated a 20 percent tax on mobile and internet recharge cards to boost revenues and address budget constraints. Critics argue the move shifts the burden to consumers despite legal responsibility resting with telecom companies, raising concerns over service quality, fairness, and fiscal priorities.
Starlink executives met Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani in Baghdad as Iraq moves toward issuing satellite internet licenses to SpaceX. The talks focused on licensing steps, service scope, and coverage areas, as Iraq explores satellite connectivity to improve nationwide internet access amid broader regional Starlink expansion.
Iraq has launched the Ameen digital platform to combat online extortion and cybercrime, enabling victims to report cases within minutes through a secure system. The initiative follows rising misuse of digital content and AI-driven blackmail, supporting faster investigations and stronger protection under existing criminal laws.
Iraq saw a dramatic 410+ percent rise in fiber-optic internet subscriptions in 2024, growing from about 217,000 users to nearly 1.1 million. The growth is driven by nationwide FTTH and next-generation network deployments, with Baghdad leading adoption. However, major regional disparities remain, as southern provinces lag behind. Mobile internet still dominates with over 21 million users nationwide.
Asiacell and Seamless Distribution Systems have expanded their 10-year partnership by deploying a next-generation Sales & Distribution platform to modernize Iraq’s telecom retail ecosystem. Announced at MWC Doha 2025, the new system unifies Asiacell’s nationwide retail network under a smart, data-driven framework that improves partner performance, enhances operational efficiency, and strengthens customer experience. Both companies say the upgrade marks a major milestone in Iraq’s digital and retail transformation.
Abwaab has received an official nationwide license from Iraq’s Ministry of Education, authorizing it to operate as a digital education platform across the country. The move formalizes Iraq’s shift toward regulated, high-quality e-learning and enables Abwaab to expand services such as virtual classrooms, AI-driven content, and teacher training. Supported by local educators and government agencies, the initiative aims to deliver accessible, personalized education and accelerate Iraq’s digital learning transformation.
Iraq has banned the online game Roblox after a court ruling citing child safety, moral, and cultural concerns. Authorities warned of exploitation, fake websites, and digital addiction risks, joining countries like Algeria, Oman, and Jordan in restricting access to the popular gaming platform.
Iraq has launched its International Transport, Airports, and Logistics Exhibition with over 100 global participants, highlighting innovations in smart transport and logistics while reinforcing its ambition to become a regional connectivity hub.
Iraq will launch ITEX IRAQ 2025 on September 26 in Baghdad, hosting 250+ companies from 35 countries and 100,000 visitors. With 12 conferences and a digital government pavilion, the exhibition showcases Iraq’s digital progress and positions the country as a regional hub for digital transformation.