News

By Simon Neaime Are programmes aimed at promoting financial inclusion in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) leading to less poverty and income inequality and more financial stability? This column outlines the evidence from...more

By Amirah El-Haddad What have been the economic and political underpinnings of Egypt’s transition between social contract models? This column explores possible pathways to a new, more equitable and sustainable social contract, and the challenges such a...more

By Andrea Teti and  Pamela Abbott While celebrating the seventh anniversary of the ousting of president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisians been demonstrating against their government. This column, which originally appeared on The Conversation website...more

By Hilde C. Bjørnland To manage the volatility of commodity prices, resource-rich countries are typically advised to adopt a fiscal policy framework that can be operated counter-cyclically. Drawing on Norway’s experience, this column explains...more

By Magda Kandil and  Minko Markovski While state ownership of companies is widely thought to lead to inefficiencies, in the United Arab Emirates, it has proved to be a pillar of good corporate performance. This column describes the country’s...more

By Caroline Krafft and  Ragui Assaad A young person’s first job has a huge impact on the rest of their working life. Today, Egyptian youth face big challenges in securing that first position. This column explains why active labour market policies... Read More

By Mehmet Alper Dinçer ,  Neeraj Kaushal and  Michael Grossman Cultural norms and the social environment in many Middle Eastern societies discriminate against women, limit their socio-economic opportunities and...more

By Aysit Tansel Reforms that get more firms and workers into the formal economy can come in the form of both inducements such as better information and lower costs...more