Latest articles from John Everington

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi

Can Egypt’s privatisation drive succeed?

March 22, 2023

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

Egypt economy

Egypt’s economy faces the music

March 17, 2023

Inflation is soaring as the country returns to the IMF for the fourth time since 2016.

dubai and tech

Dubai’s new virtual asset regulations set a high standard

March 10, 2023

After 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. 

A high shot of the Commercial International Bank Egypt building in Cairo.

Egypt remains a key African investment destination despite economic challenges

February 24, 2023

While 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. 

Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi at dusk, with an inset portrait image of Huda Al-Lawati, CEO of Aliph Capital.

Female-founded private equity fund forges path in the Middle East

February 22, 2023

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

The facade of a branch of Bank Sohar in Oman.

Vibrant tech sector cushions fall in Middle East deals

February 14, 2023

Surging sovereign wealth fund coffers sustained Middle East deal-making in 2022, while banking consolidation slowed to a trickle.

Portrait image of Tayo Oviosu

Digital trajectory in Nigeria, then the world for Paga

January 27, 2023

Tayo 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.

A carpet and rug store front in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia

Can Ethiopia’s fragile peace pave the way to further economic reform?

January 20, 2023

As 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.

Cityscape of Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah with inset portrait of Rakbank chief executive Raheel Ahmed

Rakbank’s fight to remain competitive with UAE megalenders and neobanks

January 6, 2023

Rakbank 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.

Desert scene with bright sun and FTX logo appearing over horizon

Arabian crypto dreams look like a mirage

January 4, 2023

The 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. 

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