From Freelance Platforms to Venture Capital

In a region powered by ambition and a young, digital-first population, the future of commerce is being reshaped in real time. In this episode of Access Tomorrow, Leila Serhan sits down with Meta’s Fares Akkad to unpack how AI, open platforms, and messaging are lowering barriers for entrepreneurs and SMEs across the Middle East.From “chat as the new shop” to the democratization of AI, the conversation explores how businesses of any size can scale faster, connect deeper, and compete globally—often with just a smartphone.As technologies evolve, one thing is clear: access is expanding, and opportunity is becoming more inclusive than ever.Listen to the full episode to explore what’s next for payments, platforms, and the region’s digital economy.For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode, Amna Usman Chaudhry, Financial Economist & Frontier Technology Leader | Founder & Board Member, explores how technology, policy, and innovation can reshape financial systems. We dive into her perspective on the real impact of digital finance in emerging markets, the challenges and opportunities for women and marginalized groups, and how fintech can drive economic growth, resilience, and inclusion. Amna also discusses how trust, regulation, and responsible innovation are key to building inclusive financial ecosystems that leave no one behind.For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode, Loulou Khazen Baz, Founder of Spade Ventures and host of Conversations with Loulou, shares her journey from building Nabbesh, the first online freelance marketplace in the Arab world, to her work in venture capital. We explore her personal philosophy of reinvention, how she’s rethinking wealth, and her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs through investment and mentorship.For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode, Ismael Belkhayat, Founder and CEO of Chari, discusses how he is transforming Morocco’s retail landscape through innovative fintech solutions. The conversation delves into the challenges facing small businesses, Chari’s role in advancing financial inclusion, and the significance of strategic collaborations with global partners such as Visa.For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

Welcome to Season 3 of Access Tomorrow. We begin with a special retrospective episode where host Leila Serhan, Visa's SVP & Group Country Manager for NALP, reflects on the most memorable moments and conversations from our first two seasons, while also offering a glimpse into the exciting topics on the horizon.For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode of Access Tomorrow, Visa's Leila Serhan, SVP & GCM for NALP is joined by Philip Bahoshy, CEO & Founder of MAGNiTT. Together they discuss emerging venture markets and unpack the key trends that defined 2024. Philip also shares forecasts for 2025 based on insights from MAGNiTT’s flagship report. For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode of Access Tomorrow, Visa's Leila Serhan, SVP & GCM for NALP is joined by Lamiae Benmakhlouf, General Director of Technopark. Together they explore how Technopark is fostering innovation, supporting Morocco’s startup ecosystem, and driving digital transformation across the country.For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode of AccessTomorrow, Visa's Leila Serhan, SVP & GCM for NALP is joined by Mounir Nakhla, Founder and CEO, MNT-Halan. Together they explore how today's fintechs are transforming the payment and tech ecosystem, navigating regulatory challenges, and developing effective scaling strategies. For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode of AccessTomorrow, Visa's Leila Serhan, SVP & GCM for NALP is joined by Abdulla Almoayed, Founder & CEO of Tarabut, shares insights on the future of open banking. Together they discuss the regional payment ecosystem changes and how to navigate the regulatory compliance landscape. Tune in to hear how Tarabut is driving innovation in emerging markets, and the impact of their partnership with Visa. For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1

In this episode of Access Tomorrow Visa's Leila Serhan, SVP & GCM for NALP is joined by Hasnain Sheikh, Founder & CEO Jazari. Together they uncover the world of remittances, addressing topics from managing the evolving needs of consumers, to navigating the dynamic regulatory landscape, to empowering freelancers to send and receive their money overseas. For more podcasts by Visa, visit: https://km.visamiddleeast.com/en_KM/about-visa/cemea-podcast.html#1