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MENA IT Spending Set To Reach $230.7 Billion By 2025, Driven By AI, Cloud, And Data Center Investments

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 20, 2025

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is poised for substantial growth in IT spending, with projections indicating a rise to $230.7 billion in 2025, a 7.4 percent increase from 2024. According to Gartner’s latest forecast, this growth is largely attributed to heightened investments from both governments and private sector enterprises, all aiming to position the region as a global leader in AI innovation. Critical to these advancements are strong cybersecurity measures and the adoption of cloud platforms, essential for building a flexible and scalable infrastructure.

Investments In Research, Development, And AI

Local organizations across MENA are ramping up investments in research and development to foster new business models, enhance customer experiences, and develop a competitive, skilled workforce for the global stage. These strategic investments are driving the surge in IT spending. Among the standout sectors, data center systems are expected to lead the pack with the highest annual growth rate, projected at an impressive 14.9 percent in 2025. This surge is propelled by the growing demand for AI adoption, cloud services, and an increased need for data storage and processing capabilities.

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As organizations continue to embrace AI and cloud-based solutions, several major hyper-scalers are investing heavily in data center systems, which will be crucial for delivering sustainable, scalable AI-powered cloud infrastructures. These efforts will further accelerate the growth of the data center segment.

Software Investments Driven By Generative AI

The software sector is also set to see significant growth, with a 13.7 percent increase expected in 2025. This surge is largely fueled by a focus on generative AI (GenAI) applications. CIOs in the region are directing their investments toward digital workplace enhancements, improving customer experiences, and boosting the quality of products and services. The integration of GenAI, cloud services, and cybersecurity is empowering organizations to innovate more quickly while ensuring that these advancements are secure.

Starting in 2025, CIOs are anticipated to adopt a more strategic approach to their GenAI projects, leveraging lessons learned from previous trials to better address challenges related to data management and the balance between costs and value. To achieve success, they must align business outcomes with their organizational priorities, focusing on data and analytics (D&A) and AI literacy to move from theoretical knowledge to practical application. This approach will maximize the return on their GenAI investments, ensuring sustained innovation and competitive advantage.

Forecast Methodology

Gartner’s IT spending forecast methodology is rooted in rigorous analysis of sales data from over 1,000 vendors across all categories of IT products and services. This comprehensive outlook provides valuable insights into spending patterns across hardware, software, IT services, and telecommunications, helping businesses identify emerging market opportunities and navigate potential challenges.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Rents Rise 30–40% As Housing Demand Outpaces Supply

Escalating Rent Increases And Market Pressures

Cyprus now faces one of the EU’s most severe housing pressures, with recent reports indicating rent hikes of 30-40% over the past five years. According to Stefanos Stefanou, General Secretary of AKEL, these unprecedented increases have left many Cypriots grappling with soaring living costs. At a recent event at the European Union House in Nicosia, organised in collaboration with the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, MEP Giorgos Georgiou emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive housing strategy.

Housing Demand Outstripping Supply

Data from the European Commission indicate that Cyprus will require approximately 43,000 new housing units over the next decade to meet demand. At the same time, nearly 270,000 residents are classified in the lowest income bracket. According to the national statistical service, more than 140,000 people live at or below the poverty threshold with annual income under €15,500, while an additional 213,000 in the lower middle-income group face similar financial pressure.

Policy Gaps And Market-Driven Vulnerabilities

Lack of a coordinated state housing policy continues to affect market conditions. Stefanou said existing measures remain fragmented and do not address structural issues in housing access. He also warned that without targeted support programmes, risks linked to rising housing costs could increase. The financial ombudsman has indicated that, if current trends persist, foreclosures on primary residences could rise from 2026.

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Government Initiatives And Strategic Proposals

The Ministry of Interior has introduced a housing strategy aimed at increasing residential supply, with a focus on affordable housing. Measures include urban planning incentives and the “Build to Rent” scheme, implemented in cooperation with the private sector. Plans target the construction of more than 2,500 housing units over the next two years, including around 400 designated as affordable homes.

Addressing The Role Of Foreign Investment

Local officials, including Andreas Vyras, pointed to the impact of foreign investment on the property market. In Limassol, rental prices have increased significantly in recent years, while a large share of city-centre properties has shifted toward short-term rental use. Reports indicate that a substantial portion of housing supply is now oriented toward foreign buyers and investors.

Toward A Comprehensive Housing Policy

Policy proposals discussed include the creation of a central housing authority and the development of state-backed financing mechanisms for housing programmes. Additional measures focus on regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting primary residences and improving access to housing for lower-income households.

Future Outlook And Critical Interventions

Georgiou said current approaches, which focus on market incentives and construction activity, may not be sufficient to address affordability challenges. Discussions include potential regulation of short-term rentals and targeted legislative measures to stabilize housing conditions across cities, including Nicosia and Limassol.