Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou: Further expansion of Tototheo Global’s presence in new markets in 2025

“2025 is expected to be a year of significant developments in the field of satellite communications, as the demand for high-speed connectivity continues to grow,” says Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, Co-CEO of Tototheo Global. She notes that one of the company’s key plans is to further strengthen its presence in new markets.

In an interview with InBusinessNews, as part of the "IN Business Forecasting 2025" series, Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou predicts the promotion of hybrid networks and continuous connectivity to be one of the industry’s major trends. At the same time, she points out that intense competition from new players and the rapid development of LEO and MEO technologies increase the risk of margin pressure, especially if there is no diversity through innovation.

The Co-CEO of Tototheo Global raises concerns over certain issues, such as the lack of global alignment in regulations and standards, delays in adopting international protocols, and the complexity of national regulatory frameworks, which may hinder market growth.

Tototheo Global’s progress

Speaking specifically about Tototheo Global, Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou emphasises that 2024 was a milestone year for the company, marked by a strategic redefinition of its corporate identity.

She further notes that, as part of its international expansion strategy, Tototheo Global opened an office in Turkey during the second half of 2024, adding to its existing offices in Cyprus, Greece, and Germany. This move strengthened the company’s regional presence and improved its ability to serve partners and clients.

“For 2025, we plan to further strengthen our presence in new markets, focusing on regions with increasing demand for advanced connectivity solutions,” she states.

Economic outlook for Cyprus in 2025

How do you expect the Cypriot economy to perform in the new year? How optimistic are you regarding its prospects?

The Cypriot economy in 2025 is expected to maintain a positive growth trajectory, with an estimated growth rate of around 3.1%, according to the World Economic Outlook, and a fiscal surplus.

This momentum is attributed to the strengthening of strategic sectors, including exports, investments, and the overall improvement in competitiveness. Nevertheless, geopolitical tensions, increasing regulatory requirements, and the need for innovation and green transition will pose significant challenges.

I remain cautiously optimistic about the Cypriot economy’s outlook, believing that the integration of innovations, diversification of the business landscape, and enhancement of international cooperation will ensure the continuation of growth momentum.

Strategic thinking and timely adaptation to global trends are essential for achieving long-term sustainable development.

What do you see as the greatest threats to our country’s economy? What should be prioritised to ensure its growth trajectory?

The ongoing geopolitical tensions in our region pose significant risks for Cyprus. Additionally, our reliance on fossil fuels for energy production, combined with delays in infrastructure development, results in high energy prices, which negatively affect citizens’ quality of life and reduce the country’s attractiveness for investments.

At the same time, the need for digital transformation and the increasing global competitiveness require the adoption of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

How industries adapt to this new reality will determine their competitiveness and sustainability on a global level.

To ensure the country’s growth path, support from the state and active participation of the private sector in promoting innovation and technological development are essential.

Furthermore, maintaining fiscal discipline will be crucial for economic stability and continued trust from international investors.

Success will not only depend on adapting to new conditions but also on strategic investments, systematic utilisation of new technologies, and balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

What should Cyprus do to become an even more attractive destination for foreign investments? And how important are they to its economy?

To attract foreign investments, Cyprus must focus on key areas that enhance the investment environment and create a competitive advantage.

Upgrading infrastructure and connectivity is crucial in an era where accessibility and transaction speed are top priorities for investors.

Integrating advanced technologies in strategic sectors such as shipping, renewable energy, and satellite services—an area where Cyprus has growth potential—will attract investors seeking opportunities in dynamic markets.

Improving transparency and accelerating the judicial process remain challenges that must be addressed to strengthen investor confidence.

Furthermore, developing a specialised workforce in collaboration with universities and the private sector is essential to meet investors' needs in high-demand sectors.

Foreign investments are highly important for economic growth, as they boost liquidity, create jobs, and promote technological advancement.

Through strategic policies combining economic and institutional measures, Cyprus can evolve into an international investment hub and maintain a stable growth trajectory.

The satellite communications sector

Regarding your company's sector, how do you expect it to perform in 2025? Do you have any concerns?

2025 is expected to be a year of significant developments in the satellite communications sector, as the demand for high-speed connectivity continues to rise.

Technology is advancing rapidly, and new solutions, such as multi-orbit satellite networks, are expected to gain more traction, enhancing the availability and efficiency of connectivity, particularly in remote or maritime regions.

However, certain issues are concerning, such as the lack of global alignment in regulations and standards, which remains a significant challenge. Delays in adopting international standards and the complexity of national regulatory frameworks could impact market growth.

At the same time, intense competition from new players and the rapid development of LEO and MEO technologies increase the risk of profit margin pressure, especially if differentiation through innovation is not achieved.

Moreover, with the growing reliance on satellite networks, cybersecurity threats are becoming more complex, making investment in secure solutions imperative.

At Tototheo Global, we recognise the importance of reliable communication as a fundamental pillar of business success. We provide dependable connectivity through hybrid networks that combine Geostationary (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technologies with 4G/5G terrestrial networks.

This approach ensures continuous, high-quality communication, enabling the real-time management of critical maritime systems and terrestrial applications.

As technology evolves, we expect the demand for advanced connectivity solutions to keep growing, leading to broader industry convergence and creating new growth opportunities.

What are the major trends/changes you expect to occur in your sector, and what are the key challenges?

The promotion of hybrid networks and continuous connectivity is expected to be one of the biggest trends in the industry.

The development of LEO networks offers low latency and high speeds, while their integration with traditional geostationary systems and 5G networks allows for more comprehensive connectivity solutions.

Digital transformation and automation are also key pillars for the sector. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and Machine Learning will accelerate decision-making, data analysis, and operational efficiency for businesses.

This transformation requires flexibility, training, and strategic investments from all stakeholders.

However, the challenges are equally significant. The increasing congestion in low orbits and the need for regulating the use of the frequency spectrum are serious issues.

The management of space debris to ensure sustainability is also a major challenge. Cybersecurity remains a top priority as threats become increasingly complex and sophisticated.

Continuous protection of data and networks from potential attacks is essential for the safety and reliability of services, with the demand for multi-layered cybersecurity strategies constantly growing.

The future of our sector offers many opportunities, but it requires immediate and innovative solutions.

The trend of mergers and acquisitions

A strong trend that appears to be solidifying in the Cypriot business landscape is that of mergers and acquisitions. Will we also see this trend intensify in your sector?

The trend of mergers and acquisitions is a phenomenon we observe gaining momentum across various sectors of the global and, concurrently, the Cypriot economy.

This strategic approach allows businesses to strengthen their market position, acquire new technologies, or expand their footprint in response to the increasing demands of competition and the global economy.

In our sector, we observe increased interest in strategic partnerships, as companies seek to consolidate networks, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and optimise their products and services.

Additionally, the combination of smaller businesses with specialised expertise and larger companies creates synergies that enhance innovation.

The main challenge in our sector is maintaining flexibility and innovative thinking after mergers or acquisitions, as well as effectively managing the complexity that arises from the integration of different organisations and strategies.

Milestone for Tototheo Global in 2024

What can we expect regarding your organisation’s plans and growth strategy for 2025? What steps do you intend to take in this direction?

2024 was a milestone year for Tototheo Global, as we proceeded with a strategic redefinition of our corporate identity.

This transformation reflects our evolution from a specialised maritime service provider to a global leader in connectivity and technology services, expanding our offerings beyond the maritime sector.

As part of our international growth strategy, in the second half of 2024, we opened an office in Turkey, adding to our existing offices in Cyprus, Greece, and Germany. This move strengthened our regional presence and improved our ability to better serve our partners and clients.

For 2025, we plan to further strengthen our presence in new markets, focusing on regions with increasing demand for advanced connectivity solutions.

We continue to invest in the development of innovative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, to deliver comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Our vision is to remain a leader in the fields of technology and connectivity, offering reliable, innovative, and sustainable solutions that empower a global network of businesses and industries.