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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Citigroup Raises Eurobank Target Price Following Strong Q1 Results

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 20, 2026

Revised Target Price Reflects Strengthened Outlook

Citigroup raised its target price for Eurobank to €5.00 from €4.70 while maintaining a buy recommendation following the bank’s first-quarter results and upgraded medium-term profitability outlook. Based on Eurobank’s reference share price of €3.72 on May 15, 2026, Citigroup’s revised target implies upside potential of 34.4%, rising to 38.5% when the estimated dividend yield of 4.1% is included.

Enhanced Earnings And Comprehensive Forecasts

The upgraded analysis from Citigroup, as reported by Newmoney, points to bolstered momentum in net interest income and fee generation. The investment bank has revised its normalized earnings per share forecasts upward: 4% for 2026, 9% for 2027, and 14% for 2028, primarily driven by higher expected net interest income and increased commissions.

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Scenario Analysis Offers Range Of Outcomes

Citigroup’s bullish scenario values Eurobank shares at €6.10, implying potential upside of 64%. Its downside scenario projects a share price of €3.55, approximately 4.6% below the May 15 reference level. The optimistic case assumes a return on tangible equity one percentage point higher, alongside a 100 basis point reduction in the cost of equity. Meanwhile, the negative scenario assumes a 1.5 percentage point lower return combined with a 200 basis point increase in the cost of equity.

Solid Q1 Results Support Growth Targets

Eurobank reported normalized net profits of €351 million during the first quarter, broadly in line with market expectations. Reported net profit reached €331 million after a €35 million expense linked to a voluntary exit programme involving around 200 employees. The programme is expected to generate annual savings of approximately €14 million. Net interest income increased 3% quarter-on-quarter, exceeding consensus forecasts by 2% and supporting expectations that the bank could surpass its €2.6 billion target for 2026.

Looking Ahead: Ambitious Growth And Profitable Outlook

Organic loan growth reached €1.1 billion during the quarter, supporting management’s target for €3.8 billion in annual organic credit expansion. Fee income also rose 20% year-on-year, outperforming forecasts by 4%. Citigroup projects Eurobank’s net profit will reach €1.45 billion in 2026, with earnings per share of €0.40 and a dividend of €0.20 per share.

By 2028, the bank forecasts net profit of €1.76 billion alongside further improvement in profitability metrics and dividend yield. The revised projections reinforce expectations that Eurobank will continue benefiting from stronger lending activity, resilient fee income and improving operational efficiency.

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