Growth prospects in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) are improving, in line with global trends, but conflict, fragility, and displacement remain persistent challenges. Regional GDP is projected to grow by 2.8% in 2025 and 3.3% in 2026, up from 2.3% in 2024, driven by stronger-than-expected performance in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Developing Oil Importers.

The latest MENAAP Economic Update, "Jobs and Women: Untapped Talent, Unrealized Growth", argues that job creation and fully leveraging the region's workforce are essential to raising living standards. In this context, the low levels of female labour force participation in the region remain a major obstacle.

The report analyses the barriers—from household dynamics and social norms to legal frameworks and a sluggish private sector—that limit women’s economic participation and makes a compelling case for expanding their role in MENAAP labour markets.

Report by the World Bank Group