Breaking news

Cyta CEO Andreas Neokleous Steps Down to Pursue International Ventures

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 27, 2025

In a strategic career transition, Cyta’s Chief Executive Officer, Andreas Neokleous, has announced that he will step down at the end of August, as confirmed by recent reports. The decision, communicated by the Chair of the Board, was conveyed to Cyta’s staff amid a period of organizational change.

Transition and the Path Forward

Sources indicate that Neokleous tendered his resignation for professional reasons after accepting a new opportunity with an international company. This move is set to trigger the ensuing process within Cyta to identify and appoint a successor, marking a pivotal moment in the firm’s leadership evolution.

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

A Distinguished Professional Legacy

Neokleous, who assumed the CEO role in January 2019 following board approval and ministerial confirmation, brings a wealth of expertise to the telecommunications sector. A holder of a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering as well as a PhD in Telecommunications & Digital Signal Processing from Imperial College London, his academic credentials are matched by his extensive professional experience.

Prior to joining Cyta, Neokleous held key leadership roles at MTN from October 2011 to November 2016, where he managed business and customer experience divisions, as well as serving as General Manager for the IT subsidiary IBSCY Ltd. He later founded Xperology, serving as its CEO, and subsequently joined Demstar Business Solutions as Director of Business Services before being appointed CEO of Cyta.

Implications for the Industry

Neokleous’s exit not only signals a personal career milestone but also reflects a broader trend of executive mobility within the telecommunications industry. As Cyta embarks on the search for new leadership, the industry will be watching closely to see how this transition shapes future strategic directions and market performance.

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.