Google has launched the Google for Startups Accelerator programme in Africa for 2025. 
Focusing on AI-driven solutions, it targets start-ups from Seed to Series A funding stages. 
Participants receive free Google Cloud credits and expert coaching without giving up equity. 
The programme has supported over 140 businesses, creating over 3,000 jobs since 2018. 
These initiatives are key drivers of innovation and economic growth across the continent.

Khazna Data Centers is expanding in the UAE with new AI-focused facilities in Abu Dhabi. 
The centres aim for LEED Gold certification, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability. 
CEO Alnaqbi highlights rising demand for advanced infrastructure due to AI industry growth. 
Scheduled for completion by 2026, the centres will greatly enhance cloud hosting capacities. 
Innovative cooling systems and energy management tools will boost efficiency and uptime.

Dubai AI Week began with Sheikh Hamdan highlighting AI as vital to Dubai&#8217;s future. 
AI is seen as infrastructure for adaptive services and forward-thinking governance in the city. 
Dubai will assess government and education sectors based on AI integration and contributions. 
Experts and global companies gather to explore AI applications in various fields. 
The event underscores Dubai&#8217;s commitment to leading global AI innovation and competitiveness.

Egypt and Microsoft signed an MoU to advance Egypt&#8217;s AI Strategy from 2025 to 2030. 
The initiative aims to train 100,000 professionals in AI skills for a resilient economy. 
Key areas include modern infrastructure, data governance, and improved regulatory frameworks. 
This collaboration aligns with ethical global standards and supports responsible AI development. 
The initiative is expected to inspire similar technological ventures across Africa.

Presight partners with MBZUAI to boost AI startups and entrepreneurship in the UAE. 
The collaboration offers startups technical support, while providing students with training and job opportunities. 
MBZUAI experts will deliver technical consulting and organise networking events to foster innovation. 
This initiative aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi&#8217;s reputation as a global hub for AI innovation. 
It aligns with the UAE&#8217;s National AI Strategy for 2031, advancing the country&#8217;s AI sector ambitions.

Metric, a UAE fintech company, secures a significant seven-figure seed funding round. 
This funding will boost AI-driven finance solutions and expand services across the Gulf and Asia. 
Metric&#8217;s marketplace offers financial tools like business debit cards to SMEs. 
Their AI assistant &#8220;Max&#8221; provides tailored financial guidance as a virtual advisor. 
Metric aims to grow in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan markets.

ViAct secured $7,3 million in Series A funding led by Venturewave Capital. 
Funding will enhance AI models for predicting risks in high-safety sectors like construction. 
Expansion plans include entering Saudi Arabia&#8217;s growing tech-savvy construction market. 
Additional recruitment in AI, engineering, and sustainability will support this growth. 
The investment will upgrade technology for better workplace safety and sustainability initiatives.

BridgeWise, an AI-driven investment platform, has expanded to the Middle East. 
They secured an operating licence from the Dubai International Financial Centre. 
Emirates NBD bank invested in their Series A funding, boosting their expansion. 
BridgeWise&#8217;s AI provides clear explanations to help users make better financial decisions. 
Dubai&#8217;s position as a financial innovation hub supports BridgeWise&#8217;s ambitious growth plans.

Moroccan startup VOVE ID gains fresh funding from the Baobab Network to aid expansion. 
The investment supports growth plans in the Middle East and Africa, enhancing its team and technology. 
VOVE ID offers AI-powered identity verification tools for streamlined and compliant client onboarding. 
Their &#8220;pay-as-you-go&#8221; model makes high-quality KYC services accessible to startups and SMEs. 
This innovation aids both VOVE ID&#8217;s growth and empowers small businesses with advanced security.

The Aurora Tech Awards 2025 celebrated innovative women-led startups in Cairo. 
Over 2,000 teams applied from 116 countries, narrowing down to ten finalists. 
Founders pitched to investors, offering cash prizes and vital networking opportunities. 
Local support grew as inDrive partnered with Entlaq for nurturing startups. 
Top prize went to Nigeria&#8217;s Solape Akinpelu for HerVest, promoting financial inclusion for women.

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AWS partners with Manara to launch a regional tech training initiative.
$3,6 million will be invested over the next two years.
2,500 software engineers across MENA will be trained in cloud and AI skills.
Participants will receive AWS certifications, mentorship, and career support.
The goal is to bridge the tech skills gap and drive digital innovation in the region.
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AIREV secured investment from Venturewave Capital during its recent Series A funding round. 
The funds will aid the global expansion of AIREV&#8217;s AI operating system, On-Demand. 
On-Demand allows users to craft AI applications using large language models and various tools. 
AIREV collaborates with industry giants like G42, Panchea, and AIdeology. 
The startup also developed School Hack, an AI educational platform popular with students.

Trend Micro is enhancing cybersecurity in Qatar, aligning with the nation&#8217;s Vision 2030 goals. 
Their new North Gulf hub in Qatar offers top cybersecurity expertise to various sectors. 
CyberGate internships aim to train Qatar&#8217;s next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 
Innovative platforms, like Trend Vision One with AI and XDR, tackle sophisticated cyber threats. 
The Zero Day Initiative actively discovers hidden security flaws before malicious actors do.

Dr Khulood Almani is transforming Saudi Arabia&#8217;s tech landscape with AI innovation and sustainability. 
As CEO of HKB Tech, she&#8217;s advancing digital transformation and supporting tech startups. 
HKB Tech&#8217;s Saudi AI Centre of Excellence promotes cutting-edge research with partners like Google and NVIDIA. 
Dr Almani advocates for ethical AI standards, privacy, and transparent governance in the tech sector. 
Saudi Arabia is investing $100 billion in AI, boosting the economy and creating new job opportunities.

Dubai will host its first AI Week in April 2025, attracting around 10,000 participants. 
Organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, the event boasts 180 top speakers. 
An educational programme will engage Dubai&#8217;s youth in AI hands-on experiences and career insights. 
Key activities include the AI Retreat, AI Forum, and the International AI Challenge. 
Events cater to a range of interests, from digital health innovation to robotics and startup networking.

Saudi tech company Yalla Plus launched Yalla AI, focusing on Arabic-speaking users. 
Built in line with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030, Yalla AI serves various digital needs. 
Yalla AI integrates smoothly with Yalla Plus&#8217;s existing retail management software. 
It offers tools for digital marketing, data visualisations, and improving connectivity. 
Tech investments in the MENA region are rising, highlighting potential for digital solutions.

Bolsterup raised EUR 500,000 from Uni.Fund to expand into the Middle East. 
The startup connects the construction industry using AI for tailored matchmaking and recommendations. 
Investment will enhance AI, boosting data analysis, team formation, and market insights for users. 
Expansion plans target the UAE first, building smarter connections in the construction sector. 
Uni.Fund&#8217;s support amplifies Bolsterup&#8217;s ambitions to transform industry networking and partnerships.

NodeFoundry AI secures seed funding from angel investors and BlockchainVelocity for its innovative platform. 
The platform aims to deliver scalable, cost-effective AI computing through DePIN and blockchain technology. 
Developers will access affordable, decentralized processing power, reducing reliance on costly data centres. 
A closed beta rollout is planned, offering users early access to the new infrastructure. 
APIs will facilitate integration for Web2 and Web3 developers, easing access to decentralized services.

Tech startup Stakpak secures $500,000 in funding, led by P1 Ventures. 
Investment boosts plans for US market expansion, strengthening teams in the US and Egypt. 
Stakpak’s AI-driven IDE promises to streamline software infrastructure development. 
Clients experience up to a fivefold improvement in project delivery times. 
Stakpak rides the wave of AI innovation excitement, aiming for substantial market impact.

The &#8220;Shaping Egypt AI Horizon&#8221; forum highlighted Egypt&#8217;s National AI Strategy running from 2025 to 2030. 
Minister Dr Amr Talaat emphasised collaboration between government, private businesses, and startups for AI growth. 
ITIDA is connecting startups, government, and investors to enhance Egypt’s tech scene. 
500 Global is boosting AI integration in startups to drive innovation. 
Egypt aims to train 30,000 AI specialists and increase public AI adoption by 36%.

The UAE Central Bank introduced a new symbol for the Emirati dirham, including its digital form. 
The digital dirham project aims to revolutionise payment solutions and financial infrastructure in the UAE. 
Digital dirhams, legally supported by a Federal Decree, must be accepted as legal tender. 
The digital currency promises enhanced security, lower costs, and quicker transactions for businesses and individuals. 
A secure platform for digital dirhams will integrate smoothly into retail and financial operations by late 2025.

OpenAI is poised to secure a massive $40 billion funding round, valuing it at $300 billion. 
The round is primarily led by SoftBank, alongside investors like Magnetar, Coatue, and Altimeter Capital. 
Funding will unfold in two stages, with SoftBank contributing a substantial $30 billion overall. 
This round significantly surpasses OpenAI&#8217;s previous $6.6 billion in October 2024. 
Investors are drawn to AI&#8217;s expansive potential, anticipating future breakthroughs from OpenAI.

Dubai will host the second Dubai Artificial Intelligence Festival in April 2025. 
Over 8,000 AI experts, 500 investors, and numerous startups will attend the event. 
The festival features 30+ roundtable discussions and workshops on AI&#8217;s transformative impacts. 
Dubai aims to reinforce its status as a technological innovation hub through this event. 
Dubai&#8217;s AI Campus expansion plans include housing 500 startups and creating 3,000 jobs.

Startups are prioritising quality over quantity, achieving impressive revenue with smaller teams. 
AI and automation are streamlining operations, enabling less dependence on large technical staff. 
Krisspy, with only five employees, hit $200,000 ARR without traditional marketing in 15 days. 
High-calibre hires and word-of-mouth recommendations replace the need for big marketing teams. 
This shift towards lean, efficient business models might define the future of successful startups.

Lumi AI secures USD 3,7 million in seed funding from venture capital and angel investors. 
Their self-service platform aims to streamline complex data analysis for brands and retailers. 
Using everyday language, users communicate with the platform, receiving insightful visualisations and analysis. 
A proprietary analytics engine facilitates effortless data task management, unveiling hidden insights. 
Funding will enhance product development and expand Lumi AI’s engineering and customer success teams.