The political transition in Tunisia and Egypt caught most of the world off-guard. The ousting of the ancien régimes signals an opportunity for reform. Though the triggers of the revolutions may have been a combination of political repression coupled with the inequitable distribution of income, the...

North Africa is adjusting to forces of change, ranging from globalization to a technological revolution and fast growing young population. The global financial and economic crisis has undermined a blind faith in free markets, and revived interest in pursuing smart strategies by both the government...

The initial months of 2012 were marked by frequent reports of inflationary pressures in Tunisia. These pressures occurred in the aftermath of the economic slowdown resulting from the revolution and against a backdrop of social demands that translated into zero growth, increased unemployment and...

High unemployment, inequality, and anger at corruption fueled the popular revolts that brought down the authoritarian regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. Despite a GDP growth rate in Tunisia of 4.6 in 2008 and 3.0 in 2009, unemployment was alarmingly high. Youth unemployment was estimated at...

Global industrial activity accelerated toward the end of 2011 and in early 2012, in response to sustained demand, particularly from emerging economies. However, the second quarter saw worsening financial indicators in both the eurozone and the wider global economy, which impacted consumer demand...

The upcoming UN Conference for Sustainable Development provides a unique opportunity to launch a renewed strategy for sustainable development to meet the challenges of the post-2015 era. The African Development Bank believes that such a transformation is necessary and can be made in an equitable,...

These are tumultuous times for the global economy. The recovery in the US is sluggish, the debt crisis in Europe is unresolved and there are signs of a slower growth in China. The global economic crisis that started in 2007 has not bypassed Africa. According to the 2011 African Economic Outlook...

Special Issue on the International Comparison Program (ICP) Volume Spécial sur le Programme de Comparaison Internationale (PCI) Designations employed in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of the African Development Bank or the Editorial Board concerning...

The East Africa Quarterly Bulletin is produced by country economists attached to the African Development Bank Group’s (ADB) East Africa Department. The publication covers all five member states of the East African Community (EAC) as well as the islands of The Seychelles. It is part of the ADB’s...