Latest articles from Mazdak Rafaty

Mazdak Rafaty

View from the Middle East and Africa: the transformative power of fintech

Fintech holds massive potential for its ability to shake up establish systems, none more so than in Africa, where it is bringing many of the unbanked in from the cold, says Mazdak Rafaty.

Mazdak Rafaty
From Locations

View from Middle East and Africa: Who will follow Kenya's decentralising lead?

Decentralisation is the only way to boost second-tier cities and relieve pressure on countries’ overpopulated and overstretched capital mega-cities, says Mazdak Rafaty.

Mazdak Rafaty

View from the Middle East and Africa: What future will AI bring?

The Middle East and Africa region needs to create the right environment to benefit from new technology such as artificial intelligence, writes Mazdak Rafaty.

Mazdak Rafaty

View from the Middle East and Africa: GCC real estate sector awaits effect of VAT

The rollout of VAT in Gulf Co-operation Council countries is subduing real estate in the region, as Mazdak Rafaty reports.

Mazdak Rafaty

View from Middle East and Africa: a long-term plan for tourism

The booming travel and tourism sector creates job, fuels growth and connects cultures. But it also gobbles up resources and creates waste – which is why tourist destinations must ensure their strategy is sustainable, says Mazdak Rafaty.

View from the Middle East and Africa: FTZ pitfalls to avoid

Iran is doubling its number of free-trade zones in a bid to boost development quickly. But rather than a licence to print money, FTZs take time and attention to detail in order to flourish, says Mazdak Rafaty.

View from the Middle East: the PPP problem

Public-private partnerships might seem tailor-made for the Middle East and Africa region, but the success rate is low. So what is going wrong, asks Mazdak Rafaty.

View from the Middle East and Africa: how will Gulf airlines soar again?

A plethora of global problems has combined with oversupply to hit airlines in the Gulf region. What can they do to redeem their reputations? Mazdak Rafaty reports.

View from the Middle East & Africa: Digital revolution must not ignore SMEs

The Middle East and Africa region is united in its desire to strengthen the manufacturing sector, but ambitious initiatives such as Industry 4.0 must not neglect the majority of small businesses that need support in financing and connectivity, says Mazdak Rafaty.

View from the Middle East and Africa: tourism importance to grow and grow

As Middle Eastern and African countries look to diversify their economies, tourism is coming to the fore. But which locations are making the most of the opportunities present?

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