The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that growth in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries has accelerated this year despite global uncertainty and regional conflicts. The IMF’s latest regional report forecasts growth of 3.3 percent in 2025 and 3.7 percent in 2026, surpassing earlier projections.
Jihad Azour, IMF director for the Middle East and Central Asia, attributes the improved outlook to several factors. Increased oil production in Gulf states has helped offset falling prices, while other countries have benefited from rebounds in tourism, industry, or agriculture. Regional GDP rose by 2.1 percent in 2024, indicating a positive trend.
The report highlights the region’s resilience in withstanding major geopolitical shocks, including the war in Gaza. Neighboring nations such as Jordan and Egypt have also shown stability. Although the current ceasefire in Gaza is welcomed, its impact on the economic outlook remains uncertain. Azour stresses that the region’s growth prospects depend on the emergence of stability and an improved risk profile.
He also underscores the need for extensive reconstruction in conflict‑affected countries—Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen—requiring substantial financing. The United Nations and the World Bank are expected to support these efforts.
Overall, the IMF presents a cautiously optimistic view of the MENA region, citing diverse growth drivers across its economies. As the region confronts ongoing challenges, the international community will be watching for signs of sustained economic growth and stability, with continued support for reconstruction and development deemed essential.
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