Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zain Group’s startup accelerator, Zain Great Idea (ZGI), was named a 2025 Corporate Rising Star at the Corporate Startup Stars Awards in Paris. The recognition highlights 15 years of sustained open innovation, regional accelerator programs, Silicon Valley partnerships, and strong outcomes across funding, mentorship, and ecosystem development throughout the Middle East and Africa.
Pakistan and Qatar have begun talks on a strategic technology partnership focused on expanding financing, incubation, and investment opportunities for Pakistani startups. With Qatar’s growing tech ecosystem and QDB’s potential role, both sides aim to collaborate on AI, cloud, cybersecurity, digital skills, industrial digitalization, and cross-border startup exchange programs.
Hub71 and Yas Investments partner to connect UAE family offices with startups via Tech Barza, boosting strategic investments, corporate deals, and mentorship to accelerate growth and innovation in Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem.
Islamabad’s new IT Park will open on August 14, featuring 120 offices, a startup incubator, a business support centre, and Pakistan’s first Tier III Data Centre. The park aims to boost collaboration across academia, industry, and policymakers, with plans underway for a similar facility near Karachi.
Morocco ranks 88th globally and 9th in Africa’s startup ecosystems, led by strong growth in Casablanca and Rabat. Supported by strategic initiatives and investment funds, Morocco is emerging as a North African tech hub despite funding and regulatory challenges.
Egypt introduces tax-free startup zones offering customs and tax exemptions, simplified registration, and support services to retain tech talent amid currency shortages. Inspired by Gulf models, the initiative targets AI, fintech, and software sectors, aiming to boost investment and growth while addressing challenges like funding and regulatory hurdles.
Major funding rounds and strategic investments across MENA are boosting the tech startup ecosystem. Key sectors include fintech, immersive media, spacetech, AI, and quick-commerce. Notable deals feature Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, and Iraq startups. These investments drive regional innovation and align with economic goals like Saudi Vision 2030.
EQIQ doubles its venture capital fund to $30 million to accelerate investments in Iraq’s tech startups, focusing on fintech, logistics, and e-commerce. Founded by experienced entrepreneur Mohamed Al-Hakim, the firm aims to capitalize on Iraq’s youthful, tech-savvy population and burgeoning digital economy.
General Assembly and Brinc have partnered to enhance Bahrain’s tech ecosystem through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to strengthen Bahrain’s tech talent pool, accelerate innovation, and provide startups with skilled professionals, resources, and mentorship, fostering growth and entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.
General Assembly and Brinc have signed an MoU to collaborate on building Bahrain’s tech ecosystem. The partnership combines GA’s expertise in tech education with Brinc’s startup accelerator, aiming to develop skilled professionals and foster innovation, providing valuable opportunities for both students and entrepreneurs in Bahrain’s growing digital economy.