Trident Digital Tech and DIG have officially launched a 50/50 AI venture targeting SMEs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East using the IRMA AI Engine. The new entity will operate commercially as IRMA Engine Asia, with both companies holding equal ownership, voting, and economic rights.
This agreement formalizes a partnership that previously operated under a binding letter of intent. The companies plan to use the joint venture to bring AI-powered business tools to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the three regions.
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Expanding AI Venture Reach
The venture plans to initially enter Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Middle East, and Africa. They are targeting an estimated 9.4 million SMEs, based on third-party market data and the company's internal analysis. IRMA Engine Asia will target businesses through platform onboarding, cross-border market-entry services, and recurring subscriptions.
The venture will also explore opportunities to work with national digitalization support programs where available. This could help businesses reduce the cost of adopting digital and AI tools. The Middle East represents Trident's first commercial entry into the region, expanding its presence beyond the Asia-Pacific and African markets.
How IRMA AI Engine Works
IRMA Engine is designed to combine DIG's proprietary data layer with AI agents, campaign planning, predictive simulation, research, and analysis tools. It also features workflow automation and multi-channel execution.
The platform's architecture includes data, AI-agent, execution, transparency, monetization, and white-label layers. It is designed to integrate with a range of existing business systems, including CRM and ATS platforms, large language models, advertising networks, and payment providers.
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The companies stated these integrations allow businesses to connect IRMA with existing technology and operational workflows. Singapore will serve as the regional headquarters, while an India-based team provides technical support.
Operational Milestones and Growth
The partners plan to approve a 12-month business plan covering market entry, pricing, and performance targets within 30 days. Commercial go-live is expected within 90 days of completion. Trident will fund its interest through equity contributions over 24 months, held in segregated escrow.
DIG will retain ownership of its existing intellectual property, while technology and localisations developed for the joint venture will be owned by IRMA Engine Asia. This initiative builds on Trident's existing digital infrastructure work in Africa, including the national digital tax platform for the Ghana Revenue Authority launched in June 2026.
Why it Matters to MENA
The venture's entry into the Middle East comes as businesses across the region accelerate their adoption of AI and automation. For smaller businesses, the challenge is often finding practical ways to integrate AI into marketing, research, and daily operations.
IRMA Engine Asia is positioning its platform around that commercial use case with tools designed to connect directly to existing systems. The joint venture also brings African, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets under a single commercial strategy, which could be significant for SMEs looking to expand across borders.
For the MENA region, Trident's entry highlights the growing importance of the area as a market for global and emerging AI infrastructure companies.
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