MENA private equity set for another slow year despite positive long-term outlook | ZAWYA MENA Edition

MENA private equity set for another slow year despite positive long-term outlook | ZAWYA MENA Edition:

As the private equity industry in Middle East and North Africa region closes a year of consolidation and slow fundraising in 2018, the alternative investment asset class is not expected to record many transactions in 2019, either.

Amidst rising interest rates and tough global macro-economic conditions, corporate governance-related concerns mean the industry is bracing for more scrutiny by investors, according to analysts.

However, the rising potential of fintech in the GCC, and a likely economic recovery in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to give the industry a much-needed boost, with the long term prospects of the industry remaining positive, according to industry figures who have spoken to Zawya.