The fintech industry is a key driver of financial inclusion for both unserved and underserved individuals, as well as SMEs. In Sub-Saharan Africa, fintech contributes a substantial US $150 billion to the region’s GDP. Israel's fintech sector accounts for approximately 11% of the country's GDP, while in Turkey, the industry is valued at US $15 billion, with an annual growth rate of 14%. Similarly, the Arab world’s fintech sector is estimated to be worth at least US $15 billion.
Across the MEA region, more than 40% of the 3,700+ fintech startups are based in Turkey, the UAE, and Israel. Meanwhile, 60% of Africa's fintech activity is concentrated in the "Big 4": Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa.
The top three fintech sectors in MEA are:
Shaping The Future of Fintech
In this report, we take a look at the attractiveness of each of the 19 MENA countries in terms of fintech and identify the top 5 hot spots for fintech activity in the region today.
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