Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia and Egypt achieved Category A status in the World Bank’s 2025 GovTech Maturity Index, ranking second and 22nd globally, respectively. Driven by Vision 2030 and Digital Egypt initiatives, both countries demonstrated major advances in digital service delivery, automation, and citizen engagement, underscoring rapid progress in regional digital governance.
Mastercard has partnered with Egypt-based Fuelin to digitize fleet fuel payments across MENA. The solution combines real-time controls, commercial cards, and advanced security to replace cash-based processes, reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and deliver richer operational and sustainability insights for fleet operators and fuel stations.
Mastercard’s 2026 MENA outlook forecasts 3.6% regional growth driven by investment, AI-led productivity gains, and resilient consumption. Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia lead projections, while SME digitalization and shifting trade patterns reinforce diversification. Stable inflation and easing financial conditions support a broadly favorable economic environment.
Paribu has acquired CoinMENA for $240 million in Türkiye’s largest fintech transaction and its first international digital asset platform deal. The acquisition gives Paribu regulated access to MENA through licenses in Dubai and Bahrain, strengthening its regional expansion strategy. The deal highlights growing consolidation in the global crypto industry and positions Paribu as a major regulated player across Türkiye and the Middle East.
MWC25 Doha showcases the GCC’s rise as a powerhouse of digital innovation. By bringing global and regional stakeholders together, the event demonstrates how world-class infrastructure, investor appetite, and startup momentum are reshaping the connectivity landscape and positioning the region at the forefront of next-generation technology development.
Taager’s entry into Morocco signals rising demand for low-barrier e-commerce tools across MENA. With its end-to-end infrastructure, Taager aims to help young entrepreneurs start online businesses without upfront costs, positioning Morocco as a gateway for further North African expansion.
Zain Group is accelerating disability inclusion across its eight markets with three new initiatives aligned to its WE ABLE 2030 strategy. The company partnered with Business Disability Forum, expanded its GROW training program for graduates with disabilities, and introduced Individual Development Plans to support career growth for employees with disabilities across the region.
beIN extended its NBA rights across MENA, securing up to nine weekly games plus full playoff and finals coverage on beIN Sports and TOD. The renewed deal, active in 23 countries, reinforces a partnership dating back to 2008 and ensures multilingual, multi-platform access for basketball fans across the region.
Zain Group achieved its best performance in 16 years, with KD 1.7 billion in revenue and 31% profit growth, driven by fintech, AI, and enterprise solutions under its 4WARD strategy — reaffirming its position as MENA’s leading digital powerhouse.
MENA startup funding hit $783M in July 2025, surpassing last year’s total in just seven months. Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominated with two unicorns—Ninja and XPANCEO—while Iraq and Morocco surprised with breakout deals. Deeptech and e-commerce led sector growth, but the gender funding gap remains severe.