Understanding the demands and priorities of poor persons is important to effectively target services in the justice sector. To help enhance data, in 2012 the Department of Statistics implemented a survey of 10,000 households focusing on the justice sector the first of its kind in Jordan. The...

The Egyptian revolution resulted in key challenges but also opportunities. It has highlighted the need for more jobs, a level playing field, good governance (transparency and accountability), as well as a fair and competitive environment to accelerate inclusive growth. It is essential to address...

The Government of Kuwait (GOK) is now moving decisively to reform its insolvency and creditor/debtor regime (ICR). Stakeholders recognize that Kuwait's ICR system had fallen behind that required for a modern economy. The GOK's effort to establish a modern insolvency and creditor rights system is...

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) represent an important pillar of the Moroccan economy. Estimates indicate they account for more than 90 percent of all enterprises and contribute to 21.6 percent of total employment. These numbers only reflect the statistics of the formal economy:...

Yemen is at a crossroads. Two years after popular unrest led to the ousting of the former president, there is now a coalition government, and the beginnings of a national political transition. March 2013 saw the launch of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) that has brought together political...

The Arab uprisings and the global financial and economic slowdown have negatively impacted the Jordanian economy and highlighted demands for a more level economic playing field and equity in access to economic and social opportunities. Already challenged in providing jobs to the more than 60,000...

While it will require further political stability and security, tourism in Iraq stands to be a major growth sector. The Iraqi tourism sector is currently underdeveloped and in a state of neglect, due to decades of war, closed regimes and recurrent instability and insecurity. However, as Iraq...

Employment generation is a critical challenge facing policymakers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly since the Arab uprisings as citizens challenge governments to provide greater economic and social opportunities. Unemployment levels in MENA are above those of any...

The World Bank is now supporting and facilitating the establishment of the first community of practice in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the area of employment and social safety nets. This community will provide a space where practitioners from MENA to share their operational...

The economy of the Palestinian territories, hampered by years of conflict, occupation, and insecurity remains dependent on foreign aid with the public sector remaining the largest employer. However, it is critical that serious efforts are made to look at medium term measures that can reverse...