Iran and Azerbaijan signed a strategic ICT agreement to enhance cooperation in communication infrastructure, including data transit and submarine cable development. The deal positions Iran as a digital hub, strengthening connectivity between Asia and Europe. Both countries will invest in infrastructure to boost North-South and East-West communication corridors.
Meta has launched its first standalone AI assistant app, offering personalized voice interactions and a social feed for sharing AI-generated content. The app also integrates with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and features a conversational AI mode. Meta’s open-source Llama model allows developers to customize AI software to their needs.
DPI Venture Capital, a new investment unit from DPI, has acquired Egyptian fintech fund manager Nclude, aiming to boost financial inclusion and access across Africa and the Middle East. The firm will focus on seed to Series C investments in tech companies enabling financial services for underserved consumers, particularly in Egypt.
Egypt plans a EGP 13 billion investment in its ICT sector for the 2025/2026 fiscal year to accelerate digital transformation and enhance infrastructure. The investment includes expanding mobile towers, training 600,000 workers, and boosting digital exports, with a focus on building long-term competitiveness in the regional tech market.
A GSMA report urges MENA policymakers to implement urgent reforms to unlock mobile investment, which is projected to contribute over $200 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030. The report highlights challenges like restrictive licensing and high taxes, recommending five key reforms to drive mobile network growth and digital transformation.
Tencent has expressed interest in entering the Bangladeshi market, with plans to collaborate on growing the local gaming and digital sectors. The company, known for its global gaming influence and services like cloud computing, aims to partner with local players to contribute to the country’s digital economy and GDP growth.
Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, but cash reliance remains a challenge. Efforts to transition to digital payments are underway, with initiatives to improve consumer confidence, simplify merchant onboarding, and enhance mobile payment solutions. As infrastructure improves, the sector could significantly contribute to the country’s economy and global integration.
Bangladesh has invited Elon Musk’s Starlink to launch satellite internet services in the country, aiming to prevent future government-led internet shutdowns. The move is expected to protect BPO firms, call centers, and freelancers from disruptions caused by political instability, ensuring uninterrupted internet access for key sectors.
stc Bahrain successfully participated as a Gold Sponsor at CyberX Bahrain 2025, showcasing its advanced cybersecurity solutions. The event emphasized the company’s role in enhancing Bahrain’s cybersecurity landscape and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. stc Bahrain highlighted its partnerships with global cybersecurity innovators to address evolving digital threats.
Premier Inn Middle East has partnered with The Digital Hotelier to introduce innovative digital solutions across the GCC, aiming to drive sustainability in the hospitality sector. Their collaboration includes a real-time environmental impact dashboard to track resource conservation and waste reduction, aligning with regional sustainability efforts.
