Growth in the Middle East and North Africa:

On November 11, 2024, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs hosted Dr. Roberta Gatti, Chief Economist for MENA at the World Bank, for an exclusive policy roundtable on “Growth in the Middle East and North Africa.” Dr. Gatti shared insights from the October 2024 MENA Economic Update (MEU), addressing the region’s economic challenges with a focus on the GCC.

Her presentation covered the recent economic trends and the impact of conflicts on regional and global economies, highlighting pathways for sustainable growth, such as closing the gender employment gap, modernizing public sector roles, and enhancing technology transfers. Dr. Gatti emphasized the importance of quality data and transparency in supporting long-term development. She also explored short- and long-term growth prospects amid ongoing regional conflicts.