Jobs vs. Privilege in the Middle East and North Africa

High unemployment in the Middle East & North Africa region, especially among young people and women, has been largely due to the lack of private-sector jobs. Yet, almost every country has pursued policies ostensibly aimed at stimulating the private sector and creating jobs. Recent research shows, however, that economic policies in MENA countries often limited competition and instead created monopoly rents to politically-connected firms.

Join us on October 10th 2014 for a lively debate with policymakers, researchers, business people and civil society members to discuss both the implications of the research and the way forward in addressing MENA's unemployment problems.