MENA Fintech Sector Set To Reach $2.4B By 2029

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 25, 2025

The fintech sector in the MENA region remained a dominant force in 2024, accounting for 30% of total investments. Despite an overall 42% drop in startup funding, MENA’s fintech ecosystem proved resilient, securing $2.3 billion in investments, according to Wamda. The UAE led the region with $1.1 billion across 207 startups, followed by Saudi Arabia ($700 million), Egypt ($334 million), and Oman ($41.5 million).

Key Investment Trends And Funding Breakdown

Fintech not only led in funding but also in deal count, raising $700 million across 119 startups. In Egypt and the UAE, fintech topped the funding charts, while in Saudi Arabia, software-as-a-service (SaaS) secured the largest share. Investor interest varied by country, with fintech leading in the UAE ($265 million for 47 deals), Web 3.0 second ($255 million), and proptech third ($197 million). In Saudi Arabia, SaaS attracted $177 million, followed by fintech at $171 million. Egypt’s fintech sector secured $237 million, fueled by the country’s large, underserved population of 112 million people. The late 2024 launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay further accelerated digital payment adoption in Egypt.

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Government Support And Regulatory Growth

Regulatory support has been crucial in fostering fintech growth across the region. A Visa report noted that 71% of fintech firms in the GCC and Levant credit government initiatives, including regulatory sandboxes, financial inclusion programs, and investments in digital infrastructure.

AI And Future Growth Areas

AI is becoming an increasingly critical component, with 73% of fintech companies considering it essential for future development. Payments remain the most promising segment, followed by Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), AI, Web3, stablecoins, CBDCs, crypto, and open banking.

Funding Highlights And Projections

Notable funding rounds in 2024 include Egypt’s MNT-Halan securing $157.5 million, Saudi Arabia’s Lean Technologies raising $67.5 million, and the UAE’s CredibleX securing $55 million in seed funding. Additionally, Tabby raised $160 million in February 2025, bringing its valuation to $3.3 billion.

Looking ahead, MENA’s fintech funding is projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2029, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt leading the charge. Regional growth is a top priority, with 90% of fintech firms targeting the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to their large market sizes, favorable regulations, and funding support.

With continued regulatory reforms, investment, and cross-border expansion, MENA’s fintech sector is poised to redefine the global financial landscape, becoming a leader in innovation and digital finance.

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Aegean Airlines Reports Higher Revenue And Profit In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

Financial Performance Overview

Greek air carrier Aegean Airlines delivered a solid financial performance in 2025, reporting increased revenue, profits, and passenger volumes as it advanced its expansion strategy. The consolidated revenue rose by 5% to reach €1.86 billion for the year, buoyed by a combination of network growth and heightened winter demand.

Expansion Strategy And Market Position

Capacity growth remained a central part of the airline’s strategy. Aegean Airlines offered 21 million available seats across domestic and international routes in 2025, representing a 6% increase compared with the previous year. The airline also expanded capacity during traditionally weaker travel periods to reduce the impact of seasonality. As a result, the annual load factor reached 82.5%, while total passenger traffic increased to 17.3 million, nearly one million more than in 2024.

Profitability And Dividend Proposal

Operating performance improved during the year. EBITDA reached €421.5 million, while pre-tax profit rose 17% to €192.1 million. Net profit increased 14% to €147.8 million. Additional costs related to European environmental regulations and the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel added €43.3 million to operating expenses during the year. Lower fuel prices and a favorable euro exchange rate helped offset part of this impact. The board of directors has proposed a dividend of €0.90 per share, which will be submitted for approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

Outlook Amid Geopolitical Volatility

Chief executive Dimitris Gerogiannis said the airline’s performance in 2025 was supported by network expansion, the delivery of new aircraft and higher capacity during off-peak travel periods. Looking ahead, he noted that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could affect operations. Flights to the region represent approximately 4–5% of the airline’s total scheduled activity, and disruptions could influence demand and fuel costs. Higher fuel prices are expected to affect performance during the first quarter. Nevertheless, strong cash reserves and existing fuel hedging strategies are expected to help the airline manage potential volatility.

Debt Repayment And Financial Stability

The company also strengthened its balance sheet by repaying a €200.3 million common bond loan on March 12, 2026. The payment settled all obligations linked to the bond issued in March 2019. By the end of 2025, Aegean Airlines reported €955.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and financial investments, highlighting a strong liquidity position.

Conclusion

Aegean Airlines’ performance in 2025 reflects a well-executed blend of strategic expansion and fiscal discipline, positioning the carrier for continued success despite a challenging global environment. The company’s ability to sustain operational efficiency and profitability while managing external risks sets a compelling example for the aviation industry as it navigates an era of heightened market uncertainties.

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