Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Caroline Krafft

Caroline Krafft

The evolution of labour supply in Egypt

Egypt’s labour market: new survey data for evidence-based decision-making

The decline of social insurance in Egypt: directions for reform

Egypt’s care economy needs to address deteriorating working conditions

Sudan’s labour market in an era of shocks

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Lena Krautscheid

Lena Krautscheid

Risk prevention and public compliance in MENA during the Covid-19 pandemic

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Atif Kubursi

Atif Kubursi

The green energy transition: employment pathways for MENA

MENA’s transition to renewable energy: a new development strategy

Towards a productive, inclusive and green economy in MENA

More jobs, better jobs and inclusive jobs: the promise of renewable energy

Green hydrogen production and exports: could MENA countries lead the way?

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Most read

A Macroeconomic Accounting of Unemployment in Jordan:  Unemployment is mainly an issue for adults and men

Since unemployment rates in Jordan are higher among young people and women than other groups, unemployment is commonly characterised as a youth and gender issue. However, the majority of the country’s unemployed are adults and men. This suggests that unemployment is primarily a macroeconomic issue challenge for the entire labour market. The appropriate response therefore is coordinated fiscal, monetary, structural and institutional policies, while more targeted measures can still benefit specific groups.

Tunisia’s energy transition: the key role of small businesses

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in Tunisia’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. As this column explains, they are also essential for advancing the country’s ambitions to make a successful transition from reliance on fossil fuels to more widespread use of renewable energy sources. A fair distribution of the transition’s benefits across all regions and communities will secure a future where MSMEs thrive as leaders in a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Tunisia.

The hidden potential of Jordan’s small firms for driving a green transition

For Jordan, a green transition represents an enormous transformative opportunity. But a decade-long increase in the use of renewable energy has not freed the country of its economic woes. This column explores the currently underused yet potentially powerful force of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises – and proposes policies that could improve the investment climate and clear legislative and regulatory barriers.

Global value chains and sustainable development

What is the role of exchange rate undervaluation in promoting participation in global value chains by firms in developing countries? What is the impact of the stringency of national environmental regulations on firms’ GVC participation? And how do firms’ political connections affect their participation in GVCs? These questions will be explored for the MENA region at a special session of the ERF annual conference, which takes place in Cairo in April 2025.




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