Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Rita Almeida

Rita Almeida

Vocational training fails the cost-benefit test: evidence from Turkey

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Robert P. Beschel Jr.

Robert P. Beschel Jr.

Public sector reform in MENA: the achievable governance revolution

The Middle East and North Africa and Covid-19: gearing up for the long haul

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Roberta V. Gatti

Roberta V. Gatti

Challenges of conflict and industrial policy for development

Untapped talent, unrealised growth: jobs and women in the MENAAP region

Shifting gears: how the private sector can be an engine of growth in MENA

Growth in the Middle East and North Africa

Conflict and debt in the Middle East and North Africa

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Roger Albinyana

Roger Albinyana

Repatriation: scenarios for conflict resolution and reconstruction

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Roger Kelly

Roger Kelly

What is the likely impact of the earthquakes on economic growth in Türkiye?

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Most read

Untapped talent, unrealised growth: jobs and women in the MENAAP region

Only around one in five women of working age participate in the labour markets of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan. As this column explains, the region can no longer afford to leave half its human capital underused. Expanding women’s labour force participation is central to growth and resilience in the face of looming demographic change.

Closing the gender gap in political participation in MENA

Women across the Middle East and North Africa participate less than men in politics – not only in political parties and elections, but also in petitions, boycotts, protests and strikes. This column reports evidence from ten countries showing that differences in education, employment and political attitudes explain part of this disparity, yet a significant gender gap remains.

Labour demand and informal employment in Egypt’s manufacturing sector

Egypt’s manufacturing sector faces a dual challenge of weak job creation and persistent informality. Drawing on survey evidence on business behaviour and labour market dynamics, this column explains why job creation is limited and informal work remains such an integral part of how firms organise production. The generation of more formal jobs requires a comprehensive policy approach, one that goes beyond enforcement of labour regulations to reshape the economic environment in which firms and workers make decisions.

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.




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