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SAP Commits 20-Billion-Euro Investment In Europe’s Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 3, 2025

SAP’s Strategic Shift Towards European Sovereignty

German software titan SAP has announced a landmark investment of over 20 billion euros ($23.3 billion) in its European sovereign cloud capabilities over the next decade. This ambitious plan affirms the company’s resolve to bolster the region’s digital autonomy and ensure compliance with stringent data protection regulations such as the GDPR.

Expanding the Cloud Portfolio

SAP is set to broaden its sovereign cloud offerings by introducing an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) platform that will empower businesses with diverse computing solutions available through its expansive data center network. Recognizing the market dominance of industry giants like Microsoft and Amazon in the IaaS arena, SAP’s move marks a significant escalation in the competitive landscape.

Introducing On-Site Infrastructure Solutions

In addition to its cloud services, SAP will launch an innovative on-site option. This solution enables companies to operate SAP-managed infrastructure within their own data centers, thereby maintaining full control over their data and assuring compliance with regional mandates.

Integration of Innovation and Data Sovereignty

Thomas Saueressig, SAP’s board member overseeing customer services and delivery, emphasized the inseparable link between innovation and data sovereignty. During a virtual press conference, Saueressig stated, “Innovation and sovereignty cannot be two separate things — it needs to come together.” He underscored the importance for European enterprises to harness cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence within a fully sovereign framework.

The Broader Geopolitical Landscape

The trend towards technological sovereignty has intensified amid rising geopolitical tensions. Global companies increasingly assess their dependency on foreign technology infrastructures, prompting tech leaders like Amazon and Microsoft to initiate sovereign cloud projects across Europe. Moreover, the European Commission has prioritized artificial intelligence, recently outlining a 20-billion-euro investment plan for new AI gigafactories aimed at harnessing next-generation computing power.

Strategic Financial Integration

SAP further clarified that the significant investment in Europe’s sovereign cloud capabilities has been integrated into their existing financial framework and will not impact the company’s planned capital expenditures for the upcoming year. While the firm plays a central role in supporting the broader geopolitical shift in technology infrastructure, SAP confirmed that it is not the lead partner in the newly proposed AI gigafactories initiative.

This strategic move by SAP not only solidifies its position in the competitive cloud landscape, but also exemplifies a broader industry pivot towards enhancing technological self-reliance and data security in an era dominated by global digital transformation.

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.

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.

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