@Dubai_CEOs

FORGET BRIC!Will the Middle East & Africa

Please Stand Up

Amit Vyas – Nexa, Dubai

Is the Middle East & Africa a good market for

technology companies?

What is the potential?

How?

The Lands of Opportunity

orThe Lands that

Time Forgot?

Technophilesor

Technophobes?

“At a regional level, internet users in the Middle East and

Africa are the most likely to be on the major social networks, indicating how

enthusiastically networking has been embraced by digital audiences in this region.”

Global Web Index 2014

Social Networks DO NOT come

with a user manual

Fans for life

Think about this for a second…

Mobile Penetration Rates Higher than

Anywhere Else in the World

Over 200% in some parts of the Middle East80% in Africa

TheOpportunity

Ref: Arabnet

Regional online shopping didn’t really exist until 2010

Today, online shopping in the Middle East and North Africa is estimated at $1Bn, and

online transactions (including flights, hotels, etc) more

broadly have reached $15Bn.

Ref: Arabnet

Ecommerce Average Order Value is $115 in MENA

There is a variation between countries in ecommerce

value: highest is Qatar/UAE around $150, lowest is Egypt

$79 Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt make up 93% of ecommerce

business

Ref: Arabnet

What has caused the change?

Simple:

Understanding regional differences

Ref: Arabnet

75% Cash on Delivery versus

25% Online Payments

From necessity comes

innovation

M-PESA promotes online (mobile)

transactions

M-SHWARI: On-demand loans and savings. 2-5%

returns

Sustainability

Ref: MXit

“Barring catastrophe, Africa's population will reach 2 billion by 2050. To get a sense of this kind of increase, consider that in 1950

there were two Europeans for every African; by 2050, on present trends, there will be

two Africans for every European”

The Economist

Government’s now understand the value of technological and

online innovation …

…even in resource rich countries

Ref: MXit

1990

2012

Where do I start?

Take time to understand the market and the right market for your business

If you don’t have time, find a partner

that does and understands how the region works

Don’t be scared of the language

differences

Don’t try to define how the market should use your product – let the

market do that for you

Is it safe?

Thanks!

@Dubai_CEOs

www.DigitalNexa.comamit@digitalnexa.com