Sovereign Wealth Funds Help Bridge MENA Growth-Capital Gap, Paymob Says

Paymob Co-Founder and CEO Islam Shawky discussed the company’s backing from major international investors, including Mubadala Investment Company and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The international support forms part of Paymob’s growth and investment story.

2026-09-22

• Monitor sovereign wealth fund activity as international capital supports scaling fintechs across MENA.
• Assess growth-stage funding availability when evaluating expansion plans for regional fintech companies.
• Track backing from Mubadala Investment Company and EBRD as Paymob’s international investor base develops.

Paymob Highlights International Investor Backing

MENA Faces A Growth-Stage Funding Shortfall

Shawky addressed the gap in growth-stage venture capital across the MENA region. The funding shortfall affects fintech companies seeking capital after their earlier development stages.

Sovereign Funds Support Scaling Fintechs

International sovereign wealth funds are stepping in to help address the region’s growth-capital deficit. Their support is intended to help scaling fintechs secure capital as they expand.