Arab Finance: The sector supporting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment readiness is playing an increasingly critical role in channeling capital and ensuring the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). As the region’s economy accelerates, driven by digital transformation, a rapidly expanding entrepreneurship ecosystem, and strategic national visions for AI and sustainability, businesses require specialized advisory services to structure growth, navigate exit strategies, and effectively connect with investors.

This momentum is sharply reflected in regional deal flow: the Middle East M&A market saw 271 completed deals in the first half (H1) of 2025, a 19% rise compared to the previous year, with Egypt nearly doubling its activity to 86 deals, according to PwC TransAct Mid-year Update for H1 2025.

Exits MENA has established itself as a key facilitator at the forefront of this evolution. We sit down with Ahella El Saban, Co-Founder and Vice Executive Chairman of Exits MENA, to discuss how the firm’s strategic focus is on bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and investors, particularly in high-growth sectors like fintech, digital education, and renewable energy. The interview also sheds light on the company's commitment to building investment readiness through programs like “Naqla” and its plans for regional expansion, while evaluating Egypt’s competitive position in the global AI landscape.

1-You were selected among Forbes Middle East’s top 100 most powerful businesswomen. How do you view this selection, and what is your perspective on the role of businesswomen in Egypt’s finance and business sectors?

I deeply value this selection, not just as a personal achievement, but as evidence that Arab women today are essential partners in building the economy and decision-making across various sectors, especially in investment and entrepreneurship.

In Egypt, I see the role of businesswomen in the finance and business sector evolving remarkably. Today, there are inspiring examples of women leading investment firms, venture capital funds, and financial institutions at globally competitive levels.

The Egyptian woman is inherently a leader, possessing vision and courage in decision-making. With increased support opportunities from the state and the new investment ecosystem, we are seeing a stronger and more impactful presence of women in shaping the future of the economy.

From my point of view, empowering women in this sector is not limited to mere participation, but to providing the tools that help them create new opportunities and expand their scope of influence, whether through financial education, access to investment networks, or supporting them in leading economic change initiatives.

2-What are the challenges you think startups in Egypt face?

The first challenge is investment readiness. Many companies have a strong idea and a good team, but they lack the appropriate financial or administrative structure to attract investors or manage funding effectively.

Secondly, difficulty accessing appropriate capital. Despite the development of the investment ecosystem in Egypt and the region, a gap still exists between investors and companies in their early stages or those undergoing restructuring. We, at Exits MENA, work to bridge this gap through our advisory services that connect both parties in a more transparent and efficient environment.

Ultimately, I believe that what distinguishes the Egyptian market is the spirit of determination and innovation among entrepreneurs. With a supportive ecosystem and effective educational and investment initiatives, these challenges can be turned into real opportunities that position Egyptian companies as leaders in the region.

3-How do you view the current opportunities available to startups?

In Egypt and the region, sectors such as fintech, Digital Education, Health, Renewable Energy, and Supply Chains are experiencing accelerating growth and offering significant opportunities. These sectors rely not only on technological innovation but on solving real problems that affect people's lives and the local economy, which makes them more attractive to investment.

With the increase in government initiatives and programs supporting entrepreneurs in Egypt and the Gulf countries, there is a more supportive and empowering environment for startups. This support comes through incubators, early-stage funding, or investment readiness and development programs such as the 'Naqla' program we offer at Exits MENA, which prepares companies to be ready to benefit from these opportunities.

Finally, I believe the future holds immense opportunities for anyone who thinks regionally, not just locally, because the Arab market today is more interconnected than ever before. Companies that build themselves on an expansionary vision and professional management are capable of growth and competition across the entire region.

4-With the rise in investment in artificial intelligence (AI), how do you evaluate this sector’s development in Egypt? Where exactly do we stand in this sector compared to the regional and global levels?

AI is no longer a luxury or a future option; it has become one of the fundamental drivers of the global economy today. Egypt has already begun taking important steps in this direction, both at the level of government strategies and educational and entrepreneurial initiatives, but it is still in the building phase compared to regional and global markets.

We at Exits MENA see AI as a huge opportunity for Egyptian companies, not just in developing new products, but in improving operational efficiency, data analysis, and making more accurate decisions.

With the emergence of a new generation of startups relying on AI in fields like fintech, healthcare, education, and smart agriculture, Egypt clearly possesses the human and scientific capabilities to build a promising sector in this area.

On the regional level, competition is strong, especially with the significant progress in markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have set national AI strategies and invested heavily in infrastructure and technologies.

However, I believe Egypt has a unique competitive advantage in its human capital. We have a creative young generation with high skills in programming, analysis, and research. If invested in correctly, Egypt can become a regional hub for AI in the coming years.

5-Some entrepreneurs face obstacles when establishing their startups. What are the main challenges, and how can they be avoided?

The biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs today are the lack of financial and administrative planning in the early stages, and the rush towards execution before building the correct foundation.

Many have excellent ideas but lack a comprehensive understanding of the market, a clear business model, or the preparation of a financial plan that attracts investors.

To avoid this, founders must invest in learning and building readiness before seeking funding. This is what we work on in the "Naqla" program at Exits MENA, where we help companies transform from an idea into a strong investment model ready for growth.

6-What are the most promising investment sectors in Egypt currently?

There are several very promising sectors in Egypt that are witnessing rapid growth and attracting investor attention, most notably fintech, digital education, healthcare, renewable energy, and supply chains.

These sectors combine a significant local need with opportunities for regional expansion, and they also align with the state's direction toward digital transformation and sustainability.

Companies that offer practical solutions in these areas have a real opportunity for growth and attracting investment today, especially if they are investment-ready and managed with a long-term vision.

7-What is your assessment of the current state of digital transformation among companies, and what are the challenges they face in this area?

Digital transformation is no longer an option, it has become a strategic necessity for every company that wants to sustain its presence in the market.

We see clear progress in Egypt and the region, especially with government support and the increasing awareness among companies. Companies that succeed in this transformation are those that realize it is a long-term investment that enhances efficiency and increases growth opportunities.

8-Tell us about Exits MENA, its founding idea, services, and future plans.

Through its advisory arm, Exits Advisory, Exits MENA offers a range of financial and strategic services, including Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Deal Structuring, with the aim of enabling companies to grow and enhance their readiness for investment and long-term sustainability.

Exits MENA was established with a clear vision to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors in the MENA region, specifically in stages where companies need to expand, secure new investment, or pursue an M&A deal. Since its launch, the company has focused on building an integrated advisory system that covers all stages of a deal, from capital structuring and financial valuation to closing and exit, which has contributed to enhancing market efficiency and boosting companies' investment readiness.

In previous years, Exits MENA achieved notable milestones, including closing 15 deals and working with over 40 companies with a total valuation exceeding $180 million across 16 different sectors. The company has also executed 45 advisory projects and established over 50 strategic partnerships across the region.

On the knowledge front, the company launched "Naqla" Investment Readiness program and "ElevateLab" program in collaboration with Enactus Egypt, in addition to organizing the annual "Xmatch Demo Day" event, which brings together companies and investors under the slogan "WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS CAPITAL."

In the next phase, Exits MENA plans to expand into Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries, given the promising investment opportunities and rapid growth in various sectors there. The goal is to strengthen its position as a key driver for investment, M&A deals in the region, and to contribute to building a more integrated and sustainable investment ecosystem in MENA.

9-Finally, what advice do you offer to entrepreneurs who are about to establish new startups or SMEs in general?

I advise every entrepreneur to start with understanding before execution. Understand the market, competitors, and target audience well before launching your project.

Build a team that believes in your vision, and do not rush to seek investment before you are ready for it.

Focus on sustainability, not speed, because true success lies in building a project that lives and evolves, not just launching an idea.

Finally, do not hesitate to seek advice and learn from past experiences. Every successful company started with a conscious step, and this is the step we always try to support at Exits through our programs and services that empower entrepreneurs to grow with confidence and readiness.

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