Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco has unveiled a USD 140 million funding package under its Digital 2030 strategy to accelerate startup growth. The initiative supports venture building, venture capital, and Technopark expansion, with targets to create 1,000 startups by 2026 and strengthen inclusive digital innovation nationwide.
Morocco has launched a $140 million startup funding programme under its Digital 2030 strategy to accelerate innovation and scale entrepreneurship. Announced at Digital Now Forum 2025, the initiative combines venture-building support, venture capital funding, and Technopark expansion, with targets of 1,000 startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030.
VOLZ has secured $5 million in a Series A round, the largest local-currency funding raise ever achieved by an Algerian startup. Announced at the African Startup Conference in Algiers, the deal marks a milestone for the national startup ecosystem and supports VOLZ’s mission to simplify travel through local-currency payments and flexible booking options.
Algiers will host the 4th African Startup Conference with over 25,000 participants expected, bringing together African ministers, startups, investors, and global experts under the theme “Fostering African Champions.” The event will promote innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration, with Rwanda as guest of honour.
Morocco is committing MAD 1.3 billion under its Digital 2030 strategy to support startups through venture building, venture capital, and Technopark expansion. The initiative aims to create 3,000 startups by 2030, strengthen private investment, promote inclusive digital growth, and position the country as a regional innovation hub.
Algerian travel-tech startup Völz raised $5 million in a funding round led by local investors, marking the first exit for the Algerian Startup Fund. The company enables international flight bookings in local currency with cash and offline payment options, aiming to scale operations and simplify travel access nationwide.
Qualcomm, Aramco, and RDIA have completed the first year of the DISAI accelerator program, supporting Saudi startups in AI, IoT, and wireless technologies. The program provided technical mentorship, commercialization guidance, and IP training, giving startups access to advanced platforms and global business opportunities. The initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for deep-tech innovation.
Hub71 has partnered with the UAE–India CEPA Council to strengthen cross-border startup expansion and support India’s most promising founders as they scale in Abu Dhabi. Through the Start-Up Series, Immersion Programme and Access Programme, the collaboration creates structured soft-landing pathways, enabling two-way innovation exchange and advancing CEPA’s entrepreneurship and digital-economy goals.
Morocco’s Y Combinator–backed startup Chari has secured new funding from Egypt’s DisrupTech Ventures to expand its fintech-driven retail network. The investment strengthens Chari’s goal of turning local stores into financial hubs across Africa, accelerating digital inclusion and economic growth.
Standard Chartered Pakistan has announced the winners of its Women in Tech Cohort 7, recognizing innovative women-led startups driving social and economic impact. The top honors went to Yumkins Foods, Atfaal, and Ootein, representing sectors from baby nutrition and circular fashion to allergen-free food. Each received funding and mentorship to scale operations nationwide. The accelerator, run with Village Capital and INNOVentures Global, underscores Standard Chartered’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s growing innovation economy.