The Palestinian Authority (PA) continues to experience a severe fiscal crisis, which threatens to become protracted given recent and projected declines in donor assistance. The PA is making a concerted effort to strengthen its fiscal position, including taking steps to raise domestic revenues...

Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are undergoing a profound transformation. From Morocco to Yemen, popular movements have called for reforms to make government more inclusive and more accountable, extend social and economic freedoms, and boost employment...

With the launch of two World Bank-funded programs, Jordan is stepping where few countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have gone before the development of comprehensive legal aid services based more closely on demand. For many poor persons, regular avenues of dispute...

This is the case in Jordan and this quick note is based on a study to better inform decision-makers on policy options regarding the development and expansion of student aid programs in Jordan. The goal was to give voice to primary stakeholders and allow them to participate in the process,...

The last decade has witnessed two interesting features in international trade. First, high-tech products have become the fastest growing segment of international trade. Second, developing countries are increasingly becoming exporters of high-tech products thanks to greater trade openness,...

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...

As a result of the extensive security restrictions, growth in the West Bank and Gaza in the past has become dependent on aid contributions through the Palestinian Authority (PA). However, sustainable and inclusive growth requires a strong private sector capable of absorbing a growing labor...

Social accountability is increasingly recognized as a way to make governance reforms and development efforts more effective in responding to the needs of citizens. Supporting initiatives that strengthen social accountability at the regional and national levels is consistent with the priority the...

The report estimates Middle East and North Africa's (MENA's) infrastructure investment and maintenance needs through 2020 at 106 billion dollars per year or 6.9 percent of the annual regional gross domestic product (GDP). Developing oil exporting countries (OEC) will need to commit almost 11...

Young Palestinians face serious employment challenges upon graduation. In 2009, unemployment among youth 15-24 years old was 28 percent for men and 36 percent for women in West Bank and 57 percent for men and 68 percent for women in Gaza. To better understand the reasons behind these poor labor...