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 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.
Korek Telecom is struggling with a debt of $1.5 billion owed to Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission, leading to service disruptions across Iraq and the Kurdistan region. Despite requests for installment payments, the CMC has escalated actions, including suspending Korek’s internet services, urging the company to settle its financial obligations.
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.