The World Bank has released its latest economic report for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP), forecasting improved growth for the region. According to the report, regional economic growth is expected to reach 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026. Despite these positive projections, the World Bank notes that global uncertainty, changes in trade policy, and ongoing conflict and displacement continue to present risks.
The report highlights that countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are likely to benefit from ending voluntary oil production cuts and experiencing growth in non-oil sectors. Oil-importing nations within MENAAP are also expected to see improvements, driven by increased private spending, investments, and recoveries in agriculture and tourism. However, developing countries that export oil may face slower growth due to conflicts and reduced oil output.
A significant focus of the report—titled "Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth"—is on workforce participation by women. The World Bank finds that only about one in five women participate in the labor force across the region, marking it as the lowest rate globally despite advances in education and skills among women.
"I urge bold action—not partial measures," said Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the World Bank’s Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan region. "To unlock the full potential of women in the region, we must tackle every barrier to their inclusion with comprehensive measures. A vibrant private sector that creates jobs and transforms aspirations is key to real progress."
The analysis within the report examines household decisions, social norms, legal frameworks, and business practices to estimate how much regional economies could gain by removing obstacles preventing women from working. The World Bank states that no other region could benefit more from eliminating these barriers.
"Increasing female labor force participation can translate into immense economic gains," said Roberta Gatti, Chief Economist of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan region. "Removing barriers that prevent women from accessing jobs could boost GDP per capita by 20 to 30 percent in economies like Egypt, Jordan, and Pakistan."