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Cyprus Retail Sector Demonstrates Robust Expansion In July 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 3, 2025

Strong Growth Signals Market Resilience

Recent figures reveal that Cyprus’s retail trade experienced significant growth in July 2025. The Retail Trade Turnover Value Index advanced by 5.2% compared to July 2024, while the Turnover Volume Index surged by an even more impressive 8.7% year-over-year, underscoring a vibrant rebound in consumer activity.

Sector Spotlight: Food, Beverages, And Tobacco

Within the value index, specialized outlets in food, beverages, and tobacco emerged as the standout performers with a 15.3% increase. Equally noteworthy, the volume index for these categories soared by 19.8%, highlighting a substantial uptick in both consumer demand and purchasing volume.

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Contrasting Trends And Market Dynamics

Not all segments experienced growth, however. The motor fuels category registered a 5.7% decline, reflecting shifting consumer priorities in an evolving economic landscape. Meanwhile, the clothing and footwear category posted a healthy 15.7% increase in volume, further exemplifying the sector’s overall resilience.

The educational and recreational goods segment, which includes books, stationery, sporting equipment, and toys, was the only category to show a slight downturn, falling by 1% in volume. This minor decline contrasts with the generally robust performance observed across other key sectors.

Year-To-Date Performance And Future Outlook

Looking at the broader picture, from January to July 2025, the Retail Trade Turnover Value Index grew by 6.4% year-over-year. Similarly, the Turnover Volume Index increased by 7.2%, reinforcing positive trends and signaling sustained momentum in the Cyprus retail sector. These developments provide a compelling insight into the market’s resilience and its potential for ongoing growth.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.