Middle East/North Africa
10 Middle Eastern startups to watch in 2015
10 promising tech startups to watch in the coming year. In the midst of the Arab Winter, there is a remarkable story unfolding in the Middle East’s tech sector. Plagued with
With new president, Tunisia hopes for economic stability
Almost four years after the popular uprising that ousted longtime autocrat Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisians completed their formal transition to democracy this month with the election of their first
OPEC ‘no-cut’ decision adds to Middle East divide
OPEC’s recent decision to not to cut oil production and instead maintain low prices is having a ripple effect across the Middle East. While countries with rich oil reserves are
Conflict in South Sudan a major concern for China
Economic dependence and political conflict between Sudan and South Sudan has turned into a dire investment climate. Chinese companies are caught in the middle, but also capitalise on political divisions.
China-Egypt partnership fraught with political risk
Egypt is aggressively courting China to attract more investment and stabilise the already fragile economy. But Beijing must proceed with caution. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is scheduled to visit China
Booming business for black market weapons dealers in Iraq and Syria
As war continues to rage in Iraq and Syria, the demand for guns and ammunition has skyrocketed. Weapons dealers have capitalized on rising prices and are making a hefty profit.
Jordan-Israel energy deal faces public opposition
With increased conflict in Iraq and Syria and diplomatic disagreements with Israel, the Jordanian public’s dissatisfaction with King Abdullah is growing. With a struggling economy, Jordan must strike a careful
Lebanon political crisis threatens investment environment
Lebanon is facing a deep political crisis. The inability of lawmakers to agree on a president to lead the country threatens Lebanon’s already fragile security environment and hinders its ability
EDA: Declining oil prices pose threat to Algerian economy
EXTERNAL DEPENDENCIES ANALYSIS: In view of declining oil prices further dependence on the hydrocarbon sector may lead Algeria to face economic and political tremors in the long term. One of the
EDA: Morocco overly dependent on trade with Europe
EXTERNAL DEPENDENCIES ANALYSIS: Recent trips by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to four African countries, however, suggest a shift in strategy towards African markets. In March 2014, King Mohammed VI of Morocco
