Middle East / Africa
Growth will strengthen in 2024 in the Gulf states
GDP growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council states looks set to accelerate
Gulf statesSouth Africa may face a seismic shift in KwaZulu-Natal
Early vote tallies suggest the radical MK party has taken a commanding lead in KwaZulu-Natal
South AfricaDubai will remain a centre for gold smuggling
Gold smuggling from Africa to Dubai will continue in the medium term as international pressure remains muted
United Arab EmiratesGabon's junta will seek closer ties with France
Junta leader General Oligui Nguema is currently visiting France
GabonClimate adaptation risks being dangerously underfunded
The OECD report ‘Climate Finance and the USD100bn goal’ gives new detail on climate funding to developing economies
InternationalWorkforce underuse fuels political instability
The International Labour Organization has reduced its forecast for global unemployment but highlights workforce underuse
InternationalWest Bank instability risks are high
A second front has not opened in the West Bank, but the situation there remains restive
PalestiniansTalon may consolidate his control of Benin politics
Changes to the Beninese electoral code make it more difficult for the opposition to contest the 2026 polls
Benin
