Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Julien Gourdon

Julien Gourdon

Boosting trade through flexible rules of origin in preferential agreements

Harmonising rules of origin for the African continental free trade area

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Justin Lin

Justin Lin

Transition lessons from China for MENA development

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Kais Feki

Kais Feki

Non-tariff measures in the Arab region

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Kamiar Mohaddes

Kamiar Mohaddes

Climate finance: poorer countries need it as a matter of urgency

Rising temperatures, melting ratings

Economic consequences of Covid-19: a counterfactual multi-country analysis

When is debt a drag on economic growth?

Implications of the current low oil prices for MENA countries

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Kamran Yeganegi

Kamran Yeganegi

The political economy of algorithms in the Middle East

The green transition in MENA economies: challenges and policy pathways

The political economy of stalled structural reforms in MENA

Digitalising governance in MENA: opportunities for social justice

Artificial intelligence and the renewable energy transition in MENA

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Most read

Challenges of conflict and industrial policy for development

How effective is industrial policy as a tool for long-term economic growth and development? Against the backdrop of the conflict currently engulfing the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP), a new report argues that while industrial policies are widely used across the region, they can only address market failures and foster growth when they are aligned with country capabilities, implemented with accountability and backed by capable institutions.

The green transition in MENA economies: challenges and policy pathways

The economies of the Middle East and North Africa are at a critical turning point. Global decarbonisation pressures, energy market volatility and technological transformation are increasingly challenging hydrocarbon-based growth models. This column argues that the green transition is not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic economic imperative.

Beyond job creation: how can Egypt’s gender gap in work be closed?

More than 2 million jobs are needed each year to absorb new entrants into Egypt’s labour market and raise the country’s employment rate. The job challenge is even more acute for women, whose labour force participation remains low despite recent gains in education. This column reports on the second Development Dialogue, an ERF–World Bank Group joint initiative, which brought together students, scholars, policy-makers and private sector leaders at the American University in Cairo to consider how the country’s gender gap in work can be closed.

The political economy of algorithms in the Middle East

The Middle East is entering a new political-economic era – one in which algorithms, data and artificial intelligence may become as strategically important as oil once was. Across the region, governments are investing heavily in digital infrastructure, smart governance and AI-driven economic transformation. This column outlines how AI and algorithmic governance are reshaping power, inequality and state capacity in the region.




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