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Compared to its neighbors Algeria and Libya, Tunisia’s energy resources are relatively modest. Since 2000, Tunisia has had a primary energy deficit, (including oil and natural gas), estimated at 1.6 million tons equivalent oil (Mteo) (2012), representing 19 percent of primary energy demand. Natural gas accounts for 53 percent of energy consumption, followed by oil (44 percent). The main energy consumers are industry (36 percent), transport (31 percent), and residential (25 percent). Primary energy consumption per capita is estimated at 0.78 tons equivalent oil (teo).  ...Read More

Since 2010, most Arab countries—including many not visibly affected by the uprisings—have introduced or expanded worker benefits and, more broadly, social protection. These changes were additional to measures taken after the 2008 financial crisis. But the recent social benefits have been reactive and ad hoc at best, rather than being part of a clear, long-term social protection vision and development strategy. While short-term political pressures are understandable, the approach to employment creation and setting the composition and levels of benefits should be part of the overall...Read More

From the 1980s to the early-to-mid-1990s, many countries in the Arab world experienced slow economic growth, rising unemployment, and even declining per capita incomes, reflecting macroeconomic mismanagement, lack of competitiveness, and low international oil prices. Reforms were introduced to address fiscal and structural imbalances (including high deficit, debt and inflation rates), while recognizing that the public sector could no longer act as the “employer of last resort.” The outcome—some described it as an “Arab Renaissance”—resulted in an acceleration of economic growth and...Read More

Once Arab governments have established robust and transparent regulatory strategies, they should be massive investment that is first required to expand water services and upgrade water and sewage systems. Over the next two decades, population in this region will exceed 600 million based on present population growth rates of Arab countries (World Bank Development Indicators Report-2014). This will require hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in the water and sanitation sector. Private sector participation (PSP) or funding for water utilities will help relieve pressure on the...Read More