MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival 2025 Concludes in Doha, Accelerating Digital Transformation Across the Region
The MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival 2025 successfully concluded its fourth edition at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC), reinforcing Qatar’s position as a rising hub for digital finance, insurtech innovation, and economic transformation. Over two days, the festival convened global and regional leaders across financial services, insurance, technology, investment, and regulation—uniting the industry to define the future of digital economies across the MENA region. This year marked a milestone with the festival’s expanded dual-focus format, integrating both fintech and insurtech under one powerful platform. Designed as a high-impact B2B matchmaking hub, the event brought together startups, investors, insurers, banks, regulators, and technology providers, advancing a shared mission: to accelerate financial inclusion, strengthen digital capabilities, and foster cross-sector collaboration across MENA. The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by the Director General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Federal Republic of Nigeria, who highlighted how AI, mobile technology, open banking, embedded finance, and digital infrastructure are reshaping global financial systems. He emphasised the growth of Bank 4.0, the importance of interoperable innovation, and proposed a unified MENA–Africa Digital Fintech Corridor to enhance connectivity, resilience, and inclusive growth across the Global South. Across the festival, attendees engaged in high-level discussions, fireside chats, and hands-on workshops exploring: Reflecting on the success of the event, Malik Shishtawi, President of the MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival, stated: “This year marked a major milestone as we brought fintech and insurtech innovators together on one stage. The MENA region is undergoing a historic digital transformation—powered by national vision strategies, progressive regulators, and a vibrant ecosystem of innovators. The collaboration and energy we witnessed reaffirm that this region is actively shaping the global future of financial and insurance technology.” The 2025 edition strengthens Qatar’s role as a regional catalyst for innovation, economic diversification, and digital transformation, fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. For more information on upcoming editions, visit menafintechfestival.com.
Qatar’s MCIT and GSMA Advance Partner to Accelerate National Digital Skills Development
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced a landmark five-year partnership initiative with GSMA Advance to strengthen Qatar’s digital workforce and accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The collaboration supports the Qatar Digital Academy (QDA) and aligns directly with the nation’s Digital Agenda 2030. As Qatar drives toward a knowledge-based economy, the Digital Agenda outlines an ambitious plan to create 26,000 new ICT jobs and generate an additional 40 billion QAR in economic value by 2030. Strengthening digital competency across the workforce is central to this mission. Empowering Qatar’s Workforce Through Advanced Digital Skills Under the new partnership, GSMA Advance — the global mobile industry’s training and skills division — will deliver enhanced, accredited education programs for QDA participants. These programs will feature flexible learning pathways spanning in-person, virtual, and blended formats, ensuring accessibility for professionals across sectors. As part of the collaboration, the QDA will join the GSMA Advance People Excellence Partner Programme, co-designing innovative training modules to cultivate next-generation expertise in technology, connectivity, and digital innovation. A Strategic Move Towards Qatar’s Digital Future Duha Al Buhendi, Director of Digital Society and Digital Competencies at MCIT, emphasized the initiative’s national importance: “The partnership with GSMA Advance strengthens Qatar Digital Academy’s efforts in developing competencies and promoting continuous learning. We aim to empower our workforce with the latest technological skills to drive innovation and achieve the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for digital excellence.” Dr. Drew MacFarlane, Head of GSMA Advance, highlighted the transformative impact of the programme: “Alongside MWC Doha, GSMA Advance’s partnership with the QDA will help create a long-lasting legacy for the country, aligned with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030. By equipping the country’s ICT workforce with the latest digital skills and knowledge, we will further drive digital transformation and economic growth.” Driving Innovation, Competitiveness, and Inclusive Growth Through the partnership, GSMA Advance will bring world-class training methodologies informed by the GSMA’s global leadership in telecom policy, standards, and technological innovation. With a portfolio of expert-led, sector-specific accreditations, GSMA Advance aims to bridge skills gaps, nurture innovation, and foster workplace diversity. The initiative strengthens Qatar’s position as a digital leader in the region — empowering professionals, enabling industry excellence, and supporting the nation’s long-term transformation into a globally competitive digital hub.
