Taxation in the Middle East and North Africa: Prospects and Possibilities
Countries in the Middle East and North Africa region are varied in their political systems and geography—factors that have shaped their economic development and tax policy choices. This diversity means that taxation must be tailored to local factors and constraints.
Global Economy in the Shadow of War
World Economic Outlook, April 2026
The latest report shows slower growth and higher inflation amid wars and elevated geopolitical tensions.
Global Financial Markets Confront the War in the Middle East and Amplification Risks
Global Financial Stability Report, April 2026
The April 2026 Global Financial Stability Report assesses elevated financial stability risks amid the war in the Middle East, highlighting how multiple amplification channels could test resilience - and why decisive policy action is needed to safeguard global stability.
Fiscal Policy under Pressure: High Debt, Rising Risks
Fiscal Monitor, April 2026
Driven largely by major economies, global public debt is projected to approach 100 percent of GDP by 2028, straining public finances amid rising interest burdens, mounting spending pressures, and the compounding fiscal fragilities of the Middle East conflict.
Managing Shocks and Transformations
The Managing Director's Global Policy Agenda Spring Meetings 2026
The world faces the spillovers of war as policy space has eroded and international cooperation is weaker. Meanwhile, technology, demographics, and the environment continue to create challenges and opportunities. Policies should be pragmatic and agile, within credible frameworks.
The Debt Reckoning
Finance & Development, March 2026
After years of crisis borrowing, public debt has risen to record highs. Governments can no longer defer hard fiscal tradeoffs and now face reconciling competing, and often difficult, choices.
Macroeconomic Challenges of Fragility and Policies for Stability and Growth
Fragility slows long-term growth and heightens vulnerability to shocks. Strengthening core government function – macroeconomic stabilization, public service delivery, and market-based resource allocation – is essential to bolster resilience and sustain economic development.
Bridging Skill Gaps for the Future: New Jobs Creation in the AI Age
Staff Discussion Notes
New IT and AI skills are reshaping labor markets, raising wages and creating jobs but increasing polarization in the workforce. AI-skill vacancies pay more yet reduce employment in exposed roles. Countries must address skill gaps through education, reskilling, and innovation.
Getting to Growth in an Age of Uncertainty
Annual Report of the Executive Board 2025
The world is facing exceptional uncertainty. Major policy shifts are reshaping the global trading system and capital flows, increasing trade tensions and financial market volatility, and straining international ties.
Africa-China Linkages
Building Deeper and Broader Connections
This book delves into the evolving Africa-China economic relationship, examining its many facets and the potential impact of China's current trends on Africa's future. It offers a multidimensional analysis.
