The Egyptian revolution resulted in key challenges but also opportunities. It has highlighted the need for more jobs, a level playing field, good governance (transparency and accountability), as well as a fair and competitive environment to accelerate inclusive growth. It is essential to address...

The Arab uprisings and the global financial and economic slowdown have negatively impacted the Jordanian economy and highlighted demands for a more level economic playing field and equity in access to economic and social opportunities. Already challenged in providing jobs to the more than 60,000...

Recent economic and political developments have highlighted a challenge shared across the Arab region of generating employment, promoting inclusive growth, and improving competitiveness. In the short run, weakened macroeconomic fundamentals in the developing economies of the Middle East and...

Women are a powerful force for sustainable economic growth. A growing body of microeconomic empirical evidence and emerging macroeconomic analysis shows that gender inequality limits economic growth in developing economies. Research also shows that considerable potential for economic growth...

The Egyptian revolution has brought to the forefront the need to focus on job opportunities; transparency and accountability; a fair and competitive environment; as well as equal access to finance, land, and housing-especially for underserved segments of society. Although the government of Egypt...

This operation provides a $300m line of credit (Financial Intermediary Loan) through Egypt's Social Fund for Development (SFD), the apex body for micro and small enterprise finance, which would on-lend on commercial terms to eligible Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), potential microfinance...

The link between sound and well-developed financial systems and economic growth is fundamental. Efficient and prudent allocation of resources by the financial system is critical for increasing productivity, boosting economic development, enhancing equality of opportunity, and reducing poverty....

This paper assesses the financial leasing industry and its role in enhancing financial intermediation in various MENA countries. The approach followed involves critical and comparative analyses of financial indicators, as well as review of legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks in the...

Over the past decade, Egyptian women have made significant progress in improving their economic and social status. The Egyptian government's commitment to women's empowerment is strong at the highest political level. Yet continued disparities remain in the country's labor market and the business...