As 2025 begins, Malta’s economy remains a complex balance of growth and cautious anticipation. Bolstered by resilience in tourism, financial services and emerging tech industries, Malta’s post-pandemic recovery remains strong, with forecasts indicating continued steady growth.
Yet, business sentiment among Malta’s CEOs and business leaders remains divided, with rising inflation, global interest rate adjustments and geopolitical tensions weighing heavily on future strategies. That said, while Malta’s economy does indeed face challenges – from potential disruptions in international trade and imported goods and energy to ongoing labour shortages – opportunities abound that hold promise for buoying the local economy through the year ahead.
Key sectors such as sustainable tourism, FinTech and digital transformation present avenues for growth, as they address global trends including green technologies and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Leaders in the tourism industry focus on sustainability to attract high-value visitors, while the financial sector is poised for further expansion, driven by Malta’s strong regulatory environment despite challenges in talent acquisition.
The push for green and digital transformation is also accelerating across the local landscape, with businesses prioritising innovation in energy and technology to stay competitive. Meanwhile, Malta faces ongoing workforce challenges, particularly skills shortages and high labour costs, which continue to impact its long-term competitiveness. Investment in STEM education, training programmes and housing affordability reforms will be crucial in the coming year to attract and retain top talent.
As global uncertainties loom, Malta’s ability to adapt and innovate will be as pivotal as ever in shaping its economic trajectory, ensuring that the nation not only sustains its growth but also enhances the well-being of its businesses and citizens.
In this upcoming series, some of the country’s most influential financial and business leaders weigh in on Malta’s economic outlook for 2025, sharing both their high-level economic forecasts and practical business insights to explore how they are preparing to navigate the economic opportunities and challenges ahead.
Over the coming weeks, we will share the insights of Gordon Cordina – Chairman, Bank of Valletta; Marthese Portelli – CEO, The Malta Chamber; Paul Mifsud – CEO, Sparkasse Bank; Tony Zahra – President, Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA), Stephanie Fabri – Economist; and Marcel Cassar – CEO, APS Bank plc.
First published as part of a wider feature first carried on MaltaCEOs 2025 print publication, the sister brand to MaltaCEOs.mt.
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