Is Tunisia the most undervalued tech hub in Africa? While the global spotlight often falls on the "Big Four" (Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa), Tunisia is quietly building a powerhouse ecosystem rooted in a unique culture of resilience.

In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Oussama Messaoud to uncover the reality of the "Tunisia Advantage." We discuss what it truly takes for founders to thrive in this Mediterranean tech powerhouse and why global investors are finally paying attention to its untapped potential.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Resilience Mandate: Why Tunisian founders are among the most determined in the global market.
• The Startup Act: How specific policy shifts transformed the country into a founder-friendly destination.
• Beyond Borders: The reality of talent migration and the potential for Tunisian success on the global stage.
• Action vs. Apathy: Why collective effort and bold action are the only ways to foster meaningful change in the ecosystem.
• Investment Outlook: Oussama’s thesis on where the capital is flowing in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Determination to Succeed: Tunisian founders are committed to a vision that transcends local regulatory and economic hurdles.
• The Talent Ultimatum: If founders cannot find the support to build locally, they will move—making the mission for domestic change more urgent than ever.
• Resilience as a Priority: Entrepreneurship can thrive despite challenges, but systemic transformation is required for long-term growth.
• Collective Transformation: Success exists beyond borders, but a unified effort is needed to transform the Tunisian home ecosystem into a global leader.

Related Resources:

• The Ecosystem Guide [Podcast series] by TunisianStartups ft. Oussama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCjJc5Qp4iY

Connect with Majlis & Markets

Stay ahead of the curve with insights into emerging markets, venture capital, and the future of finance across the MENA region.

• YouTube: @majlismarketspod
• LinkedIn: Majlis & Markets
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#VentureCapital #Tunisia #NorthAfricaTech #StartupEcosystem #Investing #MajlisAndMarkets #OussamaMessaoud #AfricanStartups #Resilience #EmergingMarkets

Is the global financial axis permanently shifting? At Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, decision-makers representing $62 trillion in assets—equivalent to over 50% of global GDP—gathered to answer that question.

Hosted within the high-growth ecosystem of ADGM, this exclusive series of interviews moves past the headlines to analyse how Abu Dhabi is officially "Engineering the Capital of Capital."

Join Majlis & Markets for a deep dive into private credit, geopolitics, and the future of institutional wealth.

Featured Global Experts:

• Ted Koenig (Chairman & CEO, Monroe Capital): Explains why Monroe Capital chose to establish a presence in ADGM and why he views the Middle East as the next hotspot for private credit activity and regional dynamics.
• Richard Banks (Soling Partners): A deep dive into the maturing private markets landscape in the region, the outlook for private credit both in the GCC and globally, and how the regional ecosystem is evolving.
• Zongyuan Zoe Liu (Council on Foreign Relations): Analyses the Chinese economy's growing relations with Gulf and MENA economies, providing a 2026 outlook for this critical geoeconomic corridor.

🔗 Follow Majlis & Markets for more insights on Islamic and Global Markets:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod/videos
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlis-and-markets/
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Can a $6 trillion industry survive its own stagnation? In Episode 82 of Majlis & Markets, we confront the "elephant in the room": why Islamic finance is standing still despite massive global asset growth. We are joined by industry veteran Khalid Howladar to unpack why the sector remains stuck in "business as usual" and why technology, (specifically AI and digital assets) is the only path forward for the Ummah.

In this deep-dive conversation, we break down the controversy surrounding AAOIFI Sharia Standard 62, the structural limitations of traditional Sukuk, and the urgent need for a shift toward a truly asset-oriented economy.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The Innovation Gap: Why $6 trillion in assets doesn't equal industry success.
• Sharia 2.0 & AI: How technology can solve the governance crisis and democratize expert knowledge.
• The Future of Assets: A critical look at the role of Crypto and Gold in reclaiming the Ummah’s economic future.
• Investment Dynamics: Insights into the world of Venture Capital and the lessons learned from firms like Sequoia.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Sukuk Standards Document: https://acreditus.docsend.com/v/8vcxb/sukukstandards

Deep Dive on Sukuk Credit Ratings: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/khalidhowladar_sukuk-credit-ratings-activity-7398971887407575041-JFFa/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAAFZMoB5RmqEhJNfCrLeK9AeUCobjuvkLM

🤝 Connect with Khalid Howladar:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalidhowladar/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/khalidhowladar

📺 Watch & Listen More:
The Sequoia & VC Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WjPn7UeeTQ

Previous Khalid Howladar Interview: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15162664-episode-22-redefining-islamic-finance-the-tech-disruption

📱 Connect with Majlis & Markets:
🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlis-and-markets/
🔗 X (Twitter): https://x.com/MajlisMarkets
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/
🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

⚠️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to do their own research or seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.