Explosive Growth In MENA’s Startup Ecosystem

by News Editor

March 5, 2025

February marked a groundbreaking month for MENA’s startup landscape, with an impressive $494 million raised across 58 deals—almost five times more than last year’s total for the same month. While Saudi Arabia dominated with $250.3 million accrued over 25 deals, the UAE and Egypt followed suit with $203.5 million and $27.5 million respectively.

Debt Financing Dips In February

Unlike January, where debt financing took the bulk of investments, February saw it drop to just 15% of total funding. The exclusion of debt reveals a staggering 371% increase in investment activity, highlighting a promising shift in financial dynamics.

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Industry Leaders And Rising Sectors

Fintech emerged as the leading sector, delivering $274 million over 15 deals. Insurtech and logistics took the next spots, with $55 million and $28.5 million respectively. This upswing showcases both sustained interest and escalating financial backing for key tech industries.

Regional Contributions and Gender Disparities

B2B models attracted the most attention in February, garnering $191.6 million through 33 transactions. However, gender disparities remain, as startups led by male founders bagged 87% of the total investment. Despite the progress, this underlines the need for more equitable funding allocations.

For further insights into startup ecosystems, explore how Cyprus is setting new records in global startup growth.

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Cyprus State Revenue Reaches €3.8 Billion By May 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 23, 2026

Revenue Performance Overview

State budget revenue reached 35% of the annual target by the end of May 2026, while expenditure stood at 32%, according to the Treasury’s latest report.

Total revenue amounted to €3.8 billion, compared with €3.59 billion during the same period last year. The increase was largely supported by stronger tax collections across several categories.

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Tax Revenues And Expense Allocations

Both indirect and direct tax revenues recorded annual growth during the first five months of the year. Indirect tax collections increased by €120 million to €1.42 billion, driven primarily by value-added tax receipts. Direct tax revenue also moved higher, rising by €110 million to €1.29 billion, an annual increase of 8%.

While revenue continued to grow, spending patterns also shifted during the period. Expenditure on transfers, subsidies, and social benefits increased by €70 million, €40 million, and €40 million respectively.

At the same time, spending on salaries, pensions, and other remuneration edged down by €10 million to €1.35 billion.

Capital Investment And Development Indicators

Alongside current expenditure, capital spending continued to account for a significant share of government activity.

Capital expenditure reached €111.3 million, with funding directed towards road infrastructure, construction projects, and government facilities. These investments contributed to a development spending implementation rate of 19%, above the ten-year average of 17% recorded during the same period.

Fiscal Financing And Strategic Projections

Beyond revenue and expenditure trends, the report also highlighted changes in financing activity. Differences compared with 2025 were mainly linked to the timing of European Medium Term Note issuances. Repayment inflows totaled €1.06 billion, while repayments and new issuances combined reached €2.06 billion.

Funding also continued to flow into development programmes. Spending on co-funded projects and other planned disbursements amounted to €83.9 million, supporting areas such as industrial technology, education, and urban development.

Additional support was directed to academic institutions, including the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology, with total allocations reaching €69.7 million. Separate funding for education, cultural initiatives, and housing support amounted to €24.5 million.

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