Demystify Podcast: Demystifying fintech in the Middle East and Africa with Said Murad of Global Ventures
In this episode of the Demystify Podcast, Said Murad, Senior Partner at Global Ventures, joins Dave and Dharm to demystify the rapidly evolving fintech landscape in the Middle East and Africa.
With a current population of over 1.5 billion people, the region is truly a hotspot for growth and innovation.
Said provides a deep dive into how the Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is emerging as a global fintech hub. Through strategic investments, forward-thinking policies, and a strong emphasis on building robust infrastructure, these countries are fostering an environment that attracts top talent and spurs technological innovation.
The healthy competition and collaboration between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is fuelling the growth of cutting-edge sectors like fintech, digital health, and AI, making them pivotal players on the global stage.
Said also highlights Africa’s vibrant and rapidly expanding tech landscape. With a youthful, tech-savvy population, the continent is bypassing traditional infrastructure to rapidly adopt mobile technology, digital payments, and fintech solutions. Countries like Egypt and Nigeria are at the forefront of this digital revolution, driving robust cross-border expansions and positioning Africa as a crucial player in the global tech ecosystem.
Drawing from his extensive experience, including roles as COO of the e-commerce platform Jamalon and CEO of Groupon UAE, Said shares valuable insights into Dubai’s progressive mindset, the region’s strategic infrastructure development, and the rapid rise of fintech, including the emergence of unicorns like Tabby.
The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities of entering new markets, attracting top talent, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
This episode provides a forward-looking perspective on the region’s potential for continued growth and evolution in the fintech sector. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or tech enthusiast, this discussion is packed with insights into the future of fintech in the Middle East and Africa.
Thanks to Orama for editing this podcast. You can find out more about Orama and the services they offer here.
Take a look at the full catalogue of episodes on the Dave & Dharm Demystify Podcast homepage.
