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“Jordan and the Challenges of the Climate Crisis” Recent reports highlight the severe impacts of climate change on Jordan, a country already grappling with one of the worst water shortages in the world. The ongoing rise in temperatures and unpredictable rainfall are exacerbating water scarcity, desertification, and biodiversity loss. These changes have direct implications on various sectors, including public health, agriculture, and tourism. Key Issues: - Water Scarcity: Decreased rainfall and rising temperatures are depleting water sources, impacting agriculture and daily life. - Land Degradation: Higher temperatures and lower rainfall contribute to desertification, reducing agricultural productivity. - Biodiversity Threats: Changing climates are disrupting ecosystems, threatening various plant and animal species. - Public Health: Increased heat-related illnesses and the spread of waterborne diseases are rising concerns. - Economic Impact: The agriculture and tourism sectors are particularly vulnerable, with water shortages and temperature increases posing significant risks. Call to Action: To combat these issues, Jordan must invest in efficient water use technologies, expand renewable energy projects, and raise public awareness about environmental preservation and climate adaptation. Collaborative efforts from the government, international community, and citizens are essential to mitigating the effects of climate change and enhancing the country's resilience. Together, we can build a sustainable future for Jordan in the face of climate challenges. #ClimateAction #Jordan #SustainableDevelopment #WaterScarcity #EnvironmentalAwareness https://lnkd.in/eD-pVN4F

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Exploring Venture Capital Valuations in MENA: Jada Fund of Funds Report Valuing portfolio companies is a critical aspect of the venture capital process, filled with challenges, especially in the context of startups in emerging markets. With the collaboration of Jada Fund of Funds, our newly launched report delves into the methodologies used by venture capitalists and provides insights gathered from seasoned fund managers and investors across the MENA region. Key Valuation Methodologies 1. Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis: - DCF Method: This involves estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them back to their present value using an appropriate discount rate. - Challenges: In the case of startups, projecting future cash flows can be highly speculative due to the limited historical data and market volatility. 2. Comparable Company Analysis: - Comps Method: This method involves valuing a company based on how similar companies in the industry are being valued, often using multiples such as Price-to-Earnings (P/E) or Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA). - Benefits: It helps to benchmark valuations against market standards. - Drawbacks: It might be difficult to find truly comparable companies. 3. Precedent Transactions: - Transaction Method: This approach looks at similar companies that have been recently sold or funded and uses these transactions to estimate value. - Advantages; Provides real-market benchmarks. - Limitations: Market conditions at the time of past transactions might differ from the current context. 4. Venture Capital Method (VC Method) - VC Method: Commonly used in early-stage investments, this method involves projecting an exit scenario, estimating the terminal value, and discounting it back to the present considering the risk. - Simplicity and Relevance: It is straightforward and tailored for high-risk environments but relies heavily on assumptions about future exits. 5. Modified Economic Value Added (EVA): - EVA Method: Focuses on the economic profit of the company by assessing returns in excess of the company’s cost of capital. - Usefulness: Particularly useful in assessing long-term value creation beyond accounting profits. Insights from Experts Challenges in the MENA Region - Limited Historical Data: Startups in emerging markets often don’t have a long operating history, making traditional valuation methods less reliable. - Market Volatility: The dynamic and often volatile nature of emerging markets adds another layer of difficulty in making accurate projections. - Regulatory Environment: Varying regulations across different countries in the MENA region can also impact valuation. By addressing these challenges and leveraging a mix of valuation methodologies, venture capitalists are better equipped to make informed investment. Report by Claudia Zeisberger Repost by Salem Bagami #VC #valuation #startups #MENA #JadaFund

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We are back with another iteration of BLDR Launchpad! If you are starting your journey to build the future of #work and #learning, and want to rapidly accelerate your progress and impact then join us! We are excited to work with another stellar batch of #MENA-focused founders to help them take their ventures to the next level. This year we will also be investing up to $100K in the best companies. Reach out to me or Nour AlGharibeh if you have any questions! #edtech #hrtech #worktech #fintech #UAE #KSA #Jordan #Egypt #Iraq #Tunisia

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MENA startups raise $355 million in July 2024, recording 206% MoM growth Egypt's leap to the top🏆 Despite several months of hardship, Egyptian entrepreneurs secured the highest funding in the region, raising $185 million over seven deals, $157.5 million of which went to one transaction made by MNT-Halan. However, it’s still a remarkable growth from last month’s $15 million raised through four deals. The UAE dropped to second place, with $96 invested in 12 startups. Saudi startups experienced a dramatic decline in investment in July, garnering just $31 million over seven deals, sending them to fourth place behind Oman, which secured this ranking thanks to the $37 million raised by 44.01. https://lnkd.in/dhgXKQQu

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💡 In my recent interview on Asharq BusinessWeek on Bloomberg Alsharq hosted by Nadia Bsat, we discussed several important topics regarding AI infrastructure in the region and its economic impact. Here are the key points I shared: 1️⃣ Infrastructure required for AI development: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in advanced data centers, data management policies, and high-speed networks. For example, SDAIA is setting policies to ensure AI development aligns with ethical and Islamic values. SDAIA | سدايا 2️⃣ Guarantees required to ease U.S. restrictions on chip exports: Both countries need to provide guarantees around the safe use of chips and cooperate with U.S. companies to ensure that advanced technology doesn't fall into unwanted hands. 3️⃣ Impact on relations with China: Despite the UAE being a BRICS member, it has maintained a balanced relationship with both China and the U.S., fostering bilateral relations without compromising economic interests. 4️⃣ AI's contribution to economic transformation: Saudi Arabia aims for AI to contribute 12.5% to its GDP by 2030, while the UAE targets 14% by 2031. Both countries are heavily investing in digital infrastructure to boost efficiency and productivity. 5️⃣ Opportunities for tech companies in Gulf markets: The UAE and Saudi Arabia represent new and crucial markets for companies like Nvidia to offset losses caused by U.S. restrictions on China. The Gulf market is expected to compensate for part of the lost market share. 🌍 The digital transformation in our region is steadily moving towards enhancing innovation and economic diversification. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these developments and having a shared conversation about the future of AI in our region! 🤖🚀 Asharq Business اقتصاد الشرق

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Delighted to share insights from a recent interview I had conducted for CNN Business Arabic | الاقتصادية CNN , with the Minister of Economy of Ukraine/Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, shedding light on pivotal developments in economic partnerships. We discussed the completion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) between Ukraine and the UAE, foreseeing a significant enhancement in bilateral economic ties post-implementation, including the reduction of tariffs, elimination of trade barriers, and amplified market access for exporters. In parallel, the UAE continues to fortify its economic alliances through a series of CEPAs with nations such as India, Israel, Turkey, Indonesia, Cambodia, and potentially Malaysia. In that framework, I also interviewed Malaysia's Minister of Trade Tengku Zafrul Aziz who affirmed the momentum towards signing a CEPA with the UAE, projected by the end of June. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi Full link below: https://lnkd.in/dbSdqZun

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Women in MENA are taking over the green economy? The MENA region is facing environmental challenges. Despite gender inequality (only 19% of women are employed), ladies in MENA are becoming leaders in the green movement. Companies led by women receive higher environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings. For example, Salma Bougarrani, co-founder and CEO of GREEN WATECH in Morocco, specializes in applying energy-efficient wastewater treatment methods, addressing the region's water scarcity issue. Technological advancements, the development of social entrepreneurship and impact investing, and changing cultural norms are empowering women. However, challenges remain, including limited access to finance and gender bias. Addressing these challenges requires targeted investment mechanisms, mentorship programs, skills development initiatives, and combating gender stereotypes. Government support for initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Green Agenda create an enabling environment for women's entrepreneurship. UNDP promotes gender equality programs in the environmental sector. I am inspired by the stories of these women. It is heartening to see that government and organizations are also supporting the importance of women's leadership in addressing environmental issues.

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