Treasury Priorities for Multinational Corporations - Middle East and Africa

36 | Treasury Priorities for Multinational Corporations Chapter 7: Conclusion This comprehensive survey of over 900 finance and treasury leaders across the Middle East and Africa has illuminated a landscape of dynamic challenges and strategic adaptation. The findings paint a clear picture of treasurers grappling with the fundamentals in a complex and volatile region. The overwhelming priorities are enhancing cash visibility and forecasting accuracy – a direct response to geopolitical uncertainties, diverse regulatory environments, and significant currency fluctuations. This focus on immediate control is further reflected in the cautious approach to capital repatriation and the pervasive impact of FX risk, which stands as the primary driver of capital structure decisions. In this context, treasurers are demonstrating a pragmatic and measured approach. The relatively low priority given to large-scale technology implementations is not a rejection of innovation, but a strategic choice to prioritize foundational needs – optimizing liquidity and managing financial health with often lean teams and limited budgets. Simultaneously, a strategic evolution is underway. While many treasury functions remain decentralized, there is a clear and growing trend towards centralization through Regional Treasury Centres and Shared Service Centres, with hubs like the UAE emerging as preferred locations. This shift is aimed at achieving greater efficiency, standardizing processes, and creating strategic aggregation points to navigate the region’s fragmented financial systems more effectively. Looking ahead, the future of treasury in the MEA region is being reshaped by two powerful forces: real-time data and artificial intelligence. The transition to real-time treasury is no longer a distant concept, but an accelerating reality for a majority of organizations, driven by the demand for instant payments and 24/7 operations. While the adoption of AI is still in its nascent stages, its rise is viewed as inevitable. From advanced cash flow forecasting to fraud detection and operational automation, AI promises to equip treasurers with the tools to move from reactive management to predictive and strategic partnership. Ultimately, the MEA treasurer is evolving into a pivotal strategic partner for the business. Success in this vibrant, but demanding region will belong to those who master the delicate balance between managing today’s operational realities and strategically embracing the technological innovations that will define tomorrow’s competitive advantage. Advanced AI solutions now effectively resolve prior challenges like backend data issues through proactive data cleansing, structuring and improvement suggestions, significantly accelerating AI integration.