The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s venture capital industry experienced record highs in 2025, contrasting with global trends. This growth is fueled by substantial capital from sovereign wealth funds, regulatory innovation, and pressing environmental concerns. Facing climate vulnerabilities and a need for food security, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have established long-term goals to boost agricultural output and invest in technology. Sovereign funds deploy patient capital for strategic, multi-decade investments in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and sustainable infrastructure. Regulatory frameworks are also being adapted, with quicker approval pathways for novel foods and flexible gene-editing policies, positioning MENA as a global player in these sectors. Agrifoodtech investments are growing, reflecting the region’s strategic focus on innovation to address its specific challenges.
Source: MENA signals point to a global innovation powerhouse for agrifood