Breaking news

New WEF Report: A Path To Inclusive Economic Growth Through AI

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 22, 2025

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a new report that outlines how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to foster inclusive economic growth and societal progress. While AI holds immense potential to transform economies and societies, ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably remains a global challenge. The report offers practical strategies for leaders to address equity concerns, tailor AI solutions to local needs, and drive long-term, sustainable growth for all.

Nine Strategic Objectives

The report, titled Blueprint for Intelligent Economies, was developed in collaboration with KPMG. It outlines nine key strategic objectives that support every phase of the AI journey: innovation, development, deployment, and adoption at national, regional, and global levels. As part of the WEF’s AI Competitiveness through Regional Collaboration Initiative, the report tackles disparities in access to AI, infrastructure, advanced computing, and skills. It provides actionable insights and showcases successful case studies to help governments and other stakeholders at all AI maturity levels build more inclusive and resilient AI ecosystems worldwide.

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

AI Strategy For Inclusive Growth

The report emphasizes the importance of designing national and regional AI strategies that engage all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, civil society, and users. These strategies, backed by high-level leadership, should be developed in close collaboration with local communities. This approach is critical to addressing issues such as responsible governance, data privacy, and the local impact of AI policies on innovation and investment.

“The significant potential of AI remains largely untapped in many regions worldwide. Establishing an inclusive and competitive AI ecosystem will become a crucial priority for all nations,” said Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa. “Collaboration among multiple stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels will be essential in fostering growth and prosperity through AI for everyone,” he added.

Tailored Frameworks And Collaboration

The report draws on global expertise and provides frameworks tailored to nations at various stages of AI development. While every region faces its unique challenges, the blueprint stresses the importance of adapting successful solutions from other regions. For example, regional frameworks for sharing AI infrastructure and energy resources can help overcome national resource limitations. Additionally, centralized databanks can create inclusive local datasets that reflect the diverse needs of communities. Public-private subsidies can widen access to affordable AI-ready devices, allowing local innovators to adopt AI technologies and scale their operations.

“All nations have a unique opportunity to advance their economic and societal progress through AI,” said Hatem Dowidar, CEO of E&. “This requires a collaborative approach of intentional leadership from governments, supported by active engagement with all stakeholders at every stage of the AI journey. Regional and global collaborations remain essential to address shared challenges and opportunities, ensuring equitable access to key AI capabilities and responsibly maximizing its transformative potential for lasting value for all,” he concluded.

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.