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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Moeve Starts €1 Billion Green Hydrogen Project In Spain

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 17, 2026

Spanish energy company Moeve has started construction of a green hydrogen project in Andalusia that it says will be the largest of its kind in Europe.

First Phase Exceeds €1 Billion

The first phase, known as Onuba, will begin with 300 MW of electrolysis capacity, with an option to add another 105 MW. Total investment exceeds €1 billion, including infrastructure and a photovoltaic plant for self-consumption.

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Moeve expects the project to create more than 8,000 direct jobs during development, construction and commissioning, while supporting more than 400 small and medium-sized enterprises and local self-employed workers.

Spain Expands Green Hydrogen Production

“Today we are turning the page on pilot green hydrogen projects and entering the chapter of large-scale construction,” Moeve CEO Maarten Wetselaar said.

He said Spain’s solar and wind resources and available land could support large-scale renewable power production and reduce reliance on imported energy.

Onuba is expected to produce about 45,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually and avoid roughly 250,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. The output will support lower-carbon fuels for road, aviation and maritime transport, as well as other industrial processes.

EU And Spanish Support

Construction began in Palos de la Frontera on Thursday at an event attended by Spanish and European officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera.

Moeve holds a 51% stake, Hy24 and Cofides jointly own 29%, and Enagás Renovable and Alter Enersun hold the remaining 20%.

The EU has designated Onuba a Project of Common Interest, while the project has received €304 million from Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, financed through NextGenerationEU.

Onuba Is First Phase Of 2 GW Plan

Onuba is the first phase of Moeve’s Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, which the company plans to expand to 2 GW of electrolysis capacity across sites in Palos de la Frontera and San Roque, Cádiz.

Moeve also plans to connect Huelva with European industrial centers through pipeline and maritime routes. Its broader Andalusian energy transition program includes €2.4 billion of planned investment, including a second-generation biofuels plant for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.

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