AI could unlock more than $1tn in MENA value by 2030, shows new WEF and Bain report

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🗞️ Driving the news: Artificial intelligence could unlock more than $1 trillion in economic and sustainability-related value across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by 2030, according to a new World Economic Forum (WEF) report developed with Bain & Company
• The projections span sustainable finance, public-sector-enabled investment, avoided climate-related asset losses, energy-sector valuations and cross-sector partnerships
• The report stresses that these figures represent different forms of potential value, not a direct increase in regional GDP

🔭 The context: The report, Unlocking Value: AI for Resilient Growth in MENA, draws on projects involving First Abu Dhabi Bank, ADNOC and government bodies in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
• Applications include identifying sustainable lending opportunities, assessing small businesses’ sustainability readiness, analysing climate hazards and matching organisations with potential partners
• Despite strong interest, implementation remains uneven: a regional sustainability-officer survey found that 89% of respondents viewed AI as having high or very high potential to advance environmental, social and governance goals, while adoption remained at pilot stage or in operation at scale for 40–55% of respondents, depending on the use case

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: AI could help direct capital towards sustainable projects, improve climate-risk management and reduce losses from climate hazards
• However, these benefits depend on measurable outcomes and responsible implementation, while AI’s own energy and resource demands must also be considered

⏭️ What’s next: The WEF and Bain recommend moving beyond pilot projects by setting clear objectives, measuring financial and sustainability returns, strengthening governance and investing in institutional capabilities
• Scaling successful applications will require coordination between businesses, governments and financial institutions

💬 One quote: “The opportunity for MENA is significant, and the value will come from execution,” said Wissam Yassine, Bain’s Middle East Sustainability practice leader

📈 One stat: Up to $370 billion — the projected value of sustainable investment flows enabled by the public sector by 2030, according to the report

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