Acceleration in Economic Growth in MENA Region, Despite Regional Uncertainty
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported an acceleration in economic growth across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region this year, with a projected GDP growth of 3.3 percent in 2025 and 3.7 percent in 2026. The regional economy recorded growth of 2.1 percent in 2024, exceeding the expectations outlined in the IMF's May 2025 report. Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, Jihad Azour, attributes the growth to increased oil output in oil-producing countries, as well as a resurgence in tourism, industrial, and agricultural sectors in other countries.
Key Takeaways:
- The MENA region's economic growth accelerated in 2025, with a projected GDP growth of 3.3 percent.
- The region's economy recorded growth of 2.1 percent in 2024, exceeding the expectations outlined in the IMF's May 2025 report.
- Oil-producing countries benefited from increased oil output, offsetting lower prices.
- Other countries experienced a resurgence in tourism, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
- The region demonstrated its resilience in the face of a major geopolitical shock during the two-year war in Gaza.
- The IMF highlighted the need to assess the impact of the ceasefire on regional economic prospects.
- The financing needs in other conflict-affected countries, such as Yemen and Sudan, are described as immense.
Statistics:
- Projected GDP growth in MENA region: 3.3 percent in 2025 and 3.7 percent in 2026.
- Regional economy growth: 2.1 percent in 2024.
- Increased oil output in oil-producing countries: offsetting lower prices.
- Financing needs in conflict-affected countries: immense (no specific numbers provided).
- Current priorities: assessing the damages, addressing urgent needs, and fulfilling reconstruction requirements in Gaza.
Sources:
- Qatar News Agency (21 Oct 2025)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on regional economic prospects (no date mentioned)