Middle East & North Africa

Afflicted by some of the most challenging conflicts of the 21st century, the region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is at the heart of several contemporary geopolitical issues. Moreover, with 70% of the world's oil reserves and many key shipping routes (the Suez Canal, the Straits of Ormuz and Gibraltar...), the region remains a major area of economic opportunity.

Nevertheless, economic development in the region could be hindered by the unique security challenges that characterise it. In addition to a persistent jihadist threat - sparing only a few countries in the region - governance crises, geopolitical tensions and socio-economic difficulties foster a climate of chronic instability, recently exacerbated by the collapse of oil prices.