MacroMENA

About MacroMENA

The empowerME Initiative’s MacroMENA promotes research and contributes to public policy formulation in the area of economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and gender equality. We work closely with multiple teams across the Atlantic Council, and collaborate with various international organizations to shed light on the economies of the MENA region and propose targeted policy solutions amidst the highly volatile and fast-changing global economy.

our pillars of work

Macro economic stability & growth

We help address existing economic challenges and promote pro-growth economic policies in the MENA region. We collaborate with stakeholders from the government and private sector, in addition to international organizations, to provide high quality research and policy recommendations to decision makers in the Gulf and North Africa regions.

Sustainability

We help promote the implementation of the global sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the national reform agenda of MENA countries. We assess the economic and social impact of climate change in the MENA region, while emphasizing the significant interlinkages between climate change, economic growth, poverty, inequality, and gender imbalance.

Foreign direct investment

We assess the impact of government policies on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in MENA countries, with a focus on the high value-added, labor intensive, and environmentally friendly industries. We assess FDI performance by country/sector, with a particular focus on the green energy and water desalination investment potential in the region.

Featured analysis and in-depth reports

MENASource May 25, 2023

Developing countries need a loss and damage fund for climate change. How can COP28 make it happen?

By Lama El Hatow

A L&D fund is the last lifeboat for these countries after decades of struggle to achieve some form of global climate justice.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Report Sep 26, 2022

Amman-Baghdad-Cairo (ABC) Agreement: A new path for economic integration

By Racha Helwa, Barik Schuber, and Ibrahim Saif

Since 2019, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan have held multiple summit meetings to discuss trilateral agreements to formalize and deepen economic integration. By cooperating among themselves, the three countries can represent a united political and economic front. This report explores the potential benefits and pitfalls to avoid from the perspective of each country: Egypt, Jordan, Iraq.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource Sep 22, 2022

Egypt is hosting COP27. What are the expectations?

By Lama El Hatow

As the host country for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Egypt has a huge role to play during its presidency of the event, as all eyes will be geared towards how the country can lead by example.

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource Aug 25, 2022

Brown-to-green subsidy swaps in MENA are long overdue. Here’s why.

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

Reforms in fossil fuel subsidies can help address many challenges and could result in many benefits for the MENA region.

Energy & Environment Middle East

Events

Online Event Thu, April 13, 2023 • 2:00 pm ET

A conversation with the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade H.E. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

The Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative and the GeoEconomics Center hosted the Minister of State for Foreign Trade H.E. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, where H.E. discussed the United Arab Emirates’ trade and economic challenges and opportunities in 2023 and beyond.

Online Event Thu, October 13, 2022 • 12:30 pm ET

A conversation with the Finance Minister of Jordan H.E. Mohamad Al-Ississ

empowerME and GeoEconomics Center host a virtual conversation with Finance Minister H.E. Mohamad Al Issis on Jordan’s economy and discuss the potential areas of growth within its finance sector.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth International Markets Macroeconomics

Online Event Wed, October 12, 2022 • 10:30 am ET

A conversation with the Planning and Economic Development Minister of Egypt H.E. Hala H. Elsaid

H.E. Hala H. Elsaid discusses the opportunities and challenges faced by the Egyptian economy in 2023 and beyond.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth International Markets Macroeconomics

Online Event Tue, October 4, 2022 • 11:00 am ET

The economic and social impact of climate change in the MENA region

A discussion prior to COP 27 in Egypt on climate change and sustainable economic growth in the Middle East region.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment Middle East Renewables & Advanced Energy

In the News

In some MENA countries, including Egypt and Sudan, the extensive depreciation of local currencies offset the expected benefits from the reduction in global wheat prices by the start of 2023.