Breaking news

Cyprus GDP to Grow 3.7% in 2024—Here’s What to Expect in 2025-2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 30, 2025

Cyprus’ economy gained momentum in 2024, with real GDP growth revised up to 3.7%, an upward adjustment of 0.2 percentage points, according to the latest Economic Outlook from the Economics Research Centre (CypERC) at the University of Cyprus. Growth is projected to remain solid but moderate in the coming years, with forecasts of 3.3% in 2025 and 3% in 2026.

Economic Drivers Behind The Growth

The upward revision is attributed to stronger-than-expected performance in Q3 2024, alongside positive economic indicators in Q4. The labour market’s resilience, disinflationary trends, and monetary policy easing in the eurozone have further bolstered the outlook.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Other forecasts align with this trajectory. The Central Bank of Cyprus estimates 3.7% GDP growth in 2024, while the European Commission projects 3.6%. Looking ahead to 2025, both institutions anticipate a deceleration, with the Central Bank forecasting 3% and the European Commission predicting 2.8%. In 2026, the Central Bank expects a slight uptick to 3.1%, whereas the European Commission foresees a continued slowdown to 2.5%.

Inflation And Market Conditions

Inflation is expected to remain subdued, with CPI inflation forecast at 1.7% in 2025, a 0.4 percentage point drop from previous estimates due to lower-than-expected inflation in late 2024. For 2026, inflation is projected to edge lower to 1.6%.

Key factors shaping the inflation outlook include:

Falling international oil prices
A slowdown in inflation during H2 2024
Restrictive financing conditions
Lower selling price expectations, particularly in services

Risks And Uncertainties

CypERC highlights downside risks to the growth outlook, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in global trade policies. Conversely, inflation risks remain tilted to the upside, as external shocks and supply chain disruptions could drive price pressures higher.

As Cyprus navigates 2025 and beyond, the economy remains on a steady expansion path, though global and regional developments will play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.