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30 Key Projects To Transform Famagusta With €122 Million Investment

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
February 14, 2025

President Nikos Christodoulides has announced a €122 million investment across 30 projects aimed at revitalizing the free areas of Famagusta. Speaking at a regional gathering in Paralimni on 13 February, he outlined the government’s vision to enhance infrastructure, boost tourism, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Joined by members of the Council of Ministers and state officials, the President emphasized Famagusta’s vital role in Cyprus’ economy, particularly in tourism and the primary sector. The projects include major road network upgrades, the development of urban and linear parks, and enhancements to tourism infrastructure.

Key initiatives also focus on modernizing sports centers and expediting critical projects like the completion of the Fishing Shelter at Liopetri River. The comprehensive plan spans multiple sectors, including urban regeneration, business and tourism, education, and social welfare.

Calling for close cooperation between local authorities and stakeholders, Christodoulides urged collective efforts to fast-track these development initiatives and unlock the district’s full potential.

Planned projects

Road Network Improvement and Urban Regeneration Projects

  1. Improvement of the Main Road in Avgorou on Karyon Avenue – €9 million
  2. Construction of a Multi-Storey Parking Lot in Paralimni – €8 million
  3. Improvement and Upgrading of Ayia Napa’s Beachfront – €3.6 million
  4. Road Improvement Connecting Vrysoudion Street with Pinia Street – €4 million
  5. Construction of a Road from the Agios Panteleimonas Roundabout to the Church of Agia Varvara – €5 million
  6. Regulatory Plans for the 2nd Phase of the Improvements of Stadias Street, Giakoumi Papadopoulos Street, and Korai Street in Paralimni – €14 million
  7. 4th Phase of the Protaras Coastal Promenade – €18 million
  8. Redevelopment of the Traditional Core of Frenaros – €1.3 million
  9. Redevelopment of Paralimni Square – €11.2 million
  10. Creation of an Urban Multifunctional Park in Ayia Napa – €5 million
  11. Creation of a Linear Park in Aheritou – €1 million

Economy / Business / Tourism

  1. Incentive Plan in Catering – €700 thousand
  2. Plan for Enrichment Projects for Local Government Authorities – €300 thousand
  3. Creation of a Craft Area in Dasaki Achna – €250 thousand

Education

  1. Upgrading of Building Infrastructure of Paralimni High School – €5.5 million
  2. Construction of a New Paralimni High School – €15 million
  3. Operation of the School of Tourism Studies within the Framework of the MIEEK

Social Welfare

  1. Model Autism Center of Famagusta District – €4 million
  2. Expansion and Upgrading of the Nursery and Children’s Activity Center in Avgorou
  3. Additional Projects in the Region’s SKE – €140 thousand
  4. Intensive Daily Addiction Treatment Program – €1.5 million

Culture

  1. Transformation of the Ayia Napa Monastery into a Museum and Creation of a Research Center, Library, and Conference Rooms – €2.3 million
  2. Cultural and Conference Center Hall in the Municipality of Deryneia – €5 million
  3. Open-air Amphitheater in Avgorou – €1.5 million

Sport

  1. Upgrade: Sotiras Sports Center, Frenaros Sports Center, Liopetri Sports Center – €2 million
  2. Construction of a Public Sports Area in Achna – €2 million

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.

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.

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