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Cyprus Allocates €1.55 Billion in Development Expenditure for 2025

The government of Cyprus has outlined its development spending plans for 2025, allocating €1.55 billion to a range of projects aimed at fostering economic growth and improving infrastructure across the island. These expenditures form part of the state budget and represent a strategic investment in key sectors, including transportation, digital transformation, and social services, designed to enhance Cyprus’ long-term economic competitiveness.

This planned development expenditure marks a critical step in the government’s commitment to modernising the country’s infrastructure, supporting sustainable growth, and addressing both current and future economic challenges. The distribution of these funds will be crucial for driving development across multiple sectors and ensuring that Cyprus remains resilient in a rapidly changing global economy.

Transportation and Infrastructure Upgrades

A significant portion of the allocated €1.55 billion will go towards major infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation. Investments in road networks, ports, and airports are expected to improve the efficiency of both domestic and international travel, which is vital for an island economy heavily reliant on tourism and trade.

Enhancing the country’s transportation infrastructure will not only boost accessibility and connectivity but also help reduce traffic congestion and improve safety on the roads. With the government aiming to promote greener alternatives, part of the budget will also be directed toward sustainable transport initiatives, such as electric vehicle infrastructure and improved public transportation services.

These investments in infrastructure are expected to enhance the country’s overall logistics and supply chain capabilities, providing long-term economic benefits, especially as Cyprus seeks to establish itself as a regional hub for trade and services.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

Cyprus is also focusing on digital transformation as part of its development strategy for 2025. A portion of the €1.55 billion will be channelled into expanding digital infrastructure, improving public sector services through digitalisation, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.

As digitalisation becomes a key driver of competitiveness in the global economy, Cyprus is positioning itself to harness the benefits of emerging technologies. This includes upgrading digital government services, fostering cybersecurity, and creating a more favourable environment for tech startups and innovation-driven enterprises. These investments will help Cyprus modernise its economy, increase efficiency, and attract foreign investment.

Microsoft Bets Big On South Africa With $297M AI And Cloud Investment

Microsoft is doubling down on its commitment to South Africa, pledging an additional 5.4 billion rand ($297 million) by 2027 to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in the country.

The announcement, made by Vice Chairman Brad Smith in Johannesburg, comes ahead of a key South African investment conference and adds to the 20.4 billion rand Microsoft has already poured into Africa’s most industrialized economy.

Driving Growth Through AI And Talent

Beyond boosting infrastructure, Microsoft is making a play for South Africa’s digital future. Over the next year, the tech giant will fund certification exams for 50,000 young people, equipping them with in-demand digital skills to fuel economic growth and innovation.

South Africa has struggled with sluggish economic expansion—averaging under 1% growth annually for more than a decade—and is actively courting private-sector investment to accelerate momentum.

Big Tech’s Race For Africa

Microsoft was an early mover in South Africa’s cloud computing race, launching data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town long before Amazon and Google entered the market. The company is now ramping up capacity with a new facility in Centurion, Gauteng, while also spearheading a $1 billion geothermal-powered data center in Kenya.

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the move, calling Microsoft’s investment a vote of confidence in South Africa’s economic potential. “This company really has an African heart,” he said, underscoring the country’s efforts to position itself as a prime destination for global tech investment.

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