2013年-世界发展银行全球_MENA_Regional_Brief_4页_703kb

MENA Knowledge and Learning Summary (May 2013 - Number 99)

Introduction

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continued to experience political change and transition in 2013, marked by significant heterogeneity across countries. Key issues included escalating violence in Syria, spillover effects into neighboring countries, and fragile security in Yemen. The drafting of new constitutions remained a critical pending issue in transitioning countries, with citizens actively calling for greater public participation and open governance.

Public expectations were high, and the success of political transitions depended on the ability of new governments to deliver meaningful improvements in citizens' lives. Sustainable growth and job creation, especially for the youth and women, were identified as essential for long-term stability and development.

A Backgrounder on MENA

• Population: 355 million, with 85% in middle-income countries, 8% in high-income, and 7% in low-income.
• Strengths: Young and educated population, strong resource base, and economic resilience during the 2008/9 financial crisis.
• Economic Recovery: Economies were rebounding, with Tunisia and Egypt benefiting from tourism and foreign investment.
• Poverty Levels: Absolute poverty was low, with about 4% of the population living under $1.25 a day.
• Inequality: Growth benefits were unevenly distributed, leading to social frustration and protests.

2013 Growth Prospects

• Growth Rate: Expected to slow to 3.8% from 6.4% in 2012.
• Oil Exporters: Return to more sustainable growth.
• Oil Importers: Growth is likely to accelerate.
• Macroeconomic Challenges: Weakened fundamentals, increased fiscal vulnerabilities, and external deficits.
• Long-Term Issues: Structural problems persist, including dependence on oil and lack of economic diversification.

Regional Strategy

The World Bank Group introduced a new engagement framework based on four pillars:

• Strengthening Governance: Promoting transparency and accountability to create responsive states.
• Social and Economic Inclusion: Supporting disadvantaged groups, including women and minorities.
• Job Creation: Fostering an environment for opportunity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Sustainable Growth: Implementing short and long-term policies to promote climate-friendly growth.

Cross-cutting Themes: Gender, regional integration, and a competitive private sector.

Reports and Knowledge Products

Several key reports were developed to address the region's challenges:

• Jobs for Shared Prosperity: Focuses on growth reforms and the transition from school to work.
• The Way Forward for Social Safety Nets: Advocates for targeted cash transfers over universal subsidies.
• Opening Doors: Proposes solutions to improve female labor participation.
• From Political to Economic Awakening: Analyzes how external partners can support regional reforms.
• Natural Resource Abundance, Growth, and Diversification: Encourages economic diversification away from oil dependence.
• Other Reports: Address climate change adaptation and urban development.

Recent Financial Support

• IBRD/IDA Lending: Decreased from $2 billion in FY11 to $1.79 billion in FY12, but expected to increase to $2.7 billion in FY13.
• IDA Commitments: $52 million to Djibouti and $911 million to Yemen as of April 2013.
• Knowledge Services: Increased from $8 million in FY11 to $14.5 million in FY13.
• Analytic Products: Increased from ~120 in FY11 to over 140 in FY12.

Results in MENA

Exchanging Ideas and Searching for Solutions

• The World Bank engaged in online discussions and maintained a dialogue through the MENA Blog and Facebook.
• Topics included education reform, job creation, and women's economic empowerment.

ANSA-Arab World (ANSA-AW)

• Launched in March 2012, it has a transparent governance structure and country advisory teams.
• Includes civil society, media, private sector, and government representatives.
• Facebook page has 10,000 users, with "Friends of Fans" reaching 208,002.

Financial Support Results

• Morocco: $100 million Human Development program benefited 5 million people through 22,000 sub-projects, with over half focused on women.
• Egypt: $300 million investment loan improved access to credit for 4,000 micro and small enterprises, including 1,000 rural women.
• Jordan: $1 million NOW project supported 673 young female graduates with training or job vouchers.
• Egypt (Solar Power): The Kureimat Solar Thermal Power Plant added 20 MW of solar-based electricity and had a total cost of $328 million, including a $50 million GEF grant.
• Tunisia: $500 million loan supported reforms to increase transparency and information access, with a 33% increase in websites.
• Jordan (Youth): 100,000 school dropouts returned to school, 12,000 at-risk youth received mentoring, and 2,500 volunteers were trained.
• Lebanon (Urban Transport): $115 million project (with $65 million from IBRD) improved traffic control, reduced congestion, and enhanced parking management in Beirut.

Partnerships

• The World Bank strengthened partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors, regional banks, and Islamic financial institutions.
• MENA Transition Fund: A $176 million facility providing grants for technical cooperation, governance, and economic reforms.
• MENA Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF): Established in 2012, administered by the World Bank, with support from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and the UK.

Conclusion

The World Bank's engagement in the MENA region focuses on fostering inclusive and sustainable development through governance, economic inclusion, job creation, and growth. These efforts are supported by a range of knowledge products and financial instruments, and are increasingly informed by broad civil society engagement.

Contact:
Gerard A. Byam, Director, Strategy and Operations, MENA Region
Omer Karasapan, and Roby Fields
Tel #: (202) 473 8177

Note: The MNA Quick Notes summarize lessons learned from the Bank's knowledge and learning activities and do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank, its Board, or its member countries.