The government hopes to attract strategic investors for more than 30 state firms, but may struggle to reduce army involvement in the private sector.
Latest articles from John Everington

Egypt’s economy faces the music
March 17, 2023Inflation is soaring as the country returns to the IMF for the fourth time since 2016.

Dubai’s new virtual asset regulations set a high standard
March 10, 2023After a year of chaos in the crypto sphere, the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority’s framework represents a shift in the regulatory approach to virtual assets.

Egypt remains a key African investment destination despite economic challenges
February 24, 2023While African deal values fell last year in line with international trends, the country remains a significant investment destination for Middle Eastern investors, writes John Everington.

Female-founded private equity fund forges path in the Middle East
February 22, 2023Huda Al-Lawati, founder and CEO of Aliph Capital, the first female-founded private equity fund in the Middle East, speaks to The Banker.

Vibrant tech sector cushions fall in Middle East deals
February 14, 2023Surging sovereign wealth fund coffers sustained Middle East deal-making in 2022, while banking consolidation slowed to a trickle.

Digital trajectory in Nigeria, then the world for Paga
January 27, 2023Tayo Oviosu, founder of payments provider Paga, on the further development of digital financial services in Nigeria, the challenges and opportunities in Ethiopia, and the impact of the global economic slowdown on funding opportunities for African fintech companies.

Can Ethiopia’s fragile peace pave the way to further economic reform?
January 20, 2023As the ceasefire signed between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigray rebels continues to hold, hopes for reform of the country’s hitherto state-driven economy — including its banking sector — remain dependent on macroeconomic stabilisation, writes John Everington.

Rakbank’s fight to remain competitive with UAE megalenders and neobanks
January 6, 2023Rakbank chief executive Raheel Ahmed talks to John Everington about the outlook for the UAE economy in 2023, the bank's strategy for remaining competitive in a crowded market, and the outlook for the country's neobanks.

Arabian crypto dreams look like a mirage
January 4, 2023The fallout from the collapse of FTX has been felt keenly in the Arabian Gulf, where several jurisdictions have positioned themselves as would-be crypto hubs.