2026-10
53 studies · 52 countries
Highlights
Powering Ethiopia's Last Mile
Ethiopia has doubled generation to 9,752 MW, but only 44% of households reach Tier 1 supply and rural access is 56%. The tariff reform of 2024-28 has pushed the industrial tariff above the utility's own cost of service, which makes captive solar-plus-storage the first bankable entry. Mini-grids under the new NEP 3.0 are investable when they are tender-led and anchored on productive use. Utility-sc
Blue economy: big catch, little investment: Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea lands record tuna catches and already leads Pacific processing, yet in 2023 only about 27% of the 290,365 tonnes unloaded at its ports was processed onshore. Its largest cannery closed that year because fish supply was unreliable, not because plant capacity was short. This study maps the value chain, sizes the gap and ranks entry plays. A cold-storage and raw-material supply servi
Road Safety Crisis: DR Congo
The DRC loses an estimated 15,000 to 40,000 people a year on its roads, while police record only a fraction (3,364 in 2021 against a WHO estimate of 15,615). Pedestrians are over half of recorded deaths, motorcycle taxis have become the main mode for most users with almost no helmets, licences or insurance, and there is no on-scene emergency care. This study sets out six levers in order of speed a
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Growing economy, low connectivity: Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan reports 6.3% GDP growth and carries public debt of about 3% of GDP, yet it ranks 233rd of 234 countries on the price of mobile data (US$9.28 per GB), 145th of 193 on the UN E-Government Development Index, and had a median fixed download speed of 3.6 Mbps at the start of 2025. Demand is not the constraint: internet users rose by 196,000 in the year to October 2025, to 46.1% of the popu
Powering Ethiopia's Last Mile
Ethiopia has doubled generation to 9,752 MW, but only 44% of households reach Tier 1 supply and rural access is 56%. The tariff reform of 2024-28 has pushed the industrial tariff above the utility's own cost of service, which makes captive solar-plus-storage the first bankable entry. Mini-grids under the new NEP 3.0 are investable when they are tender-led and anchored on productive use. Utility-sc
Blue economy: big catch, little investment: Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea lands record tuna catches and already leads Pacific processing, yet in 2023 only about 27% of the 290,365 tonnes unloaded at its ports was processed onshore. Its largest cannery closed that year because fish supply was unreliable, not because plant capacity was short. This study maps the value chain, sizes the gap and ranks entry plays. A cold-storage and raw-material supply servi
Road Safety Crisis: DR Congo
The DRC loses an estimated 15,000 to 40,000 people a year on its roads, while police record only a fraction (3,364 in 2021 against a WHO estimate of 15,615). Pedestrians are over half of recorded deaths, motorcycle taxis have become the main mode for most users with almost no helmets, licences or insurance, and there is no on-scene emergency care. This study sets out six levers in order of speed a
Trade volume ahead of logistics quality: Ethiopia
Ethiopia routes about 90–95% of its trade through Djibouti and pays an estimated US$1.5–2bn a year in port-related fees, with logistics costs above 20% of GDP. Of the five candidate bottlenecks (sea port, roads, railway terminals, dry ports and customs), the Indode intermodal rail terminal, dry port and logistics centre is the most PPP-ready: it is the only logistics asset in a formal DBFOM proces
Powering 87 Million: The Investable Electricity Model for DR Congo
Only 22.5% of DR Congo's 112.8 million people have electricity, yet 2023–2026 produced three bankable templates: MIGA-wrapped urban metro-grids (Nuru), cheaper-than-diesel captive solar-plus-storage for mining (Kamoa-Kakula's $522m complex), and the $300m, 550 MW Kalumbila–Kolwezi import corridor. This feasibility study maps the demand, the capital stacks that actually close, the 2026 reform calen
Arable land but import-dependent food: Tonga
Tonga (population about 104,000) has fertile land, a farming culture in which most households grow food, and established export niches in root crops and kava. Yet its merchandise trade is profoundly lopsided: in the first quarter of 2026 the kingdom imported T$190.8 million of goods and exported T$5.3 million. Food accounts for about 29.9% of merchandise imports, imported fatty meats have been lin
Road Safety Crisis: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe records about 2,000 road deaths a year (2,015 in 2024, across 52,288 crashes) at a WHO-estimated 41.2 deaths per 100,000 — nearly triple the global average — with crash costs officials put above US$400M a year. This feasibility study ranks the fastest evidence-based fixes: corridor speed enforcement, black-spot engineering, a permanent financed post-crash care network, and an empowered le
Market Signal: The Winners' Market
GCC platform capital surged back in the window - $1.65B in Q3, up 108% - but to fewer hands, from closer by, and earlier: barq became MENA's largest-ever Series A ($329.5M at $1.85B) two years after launch with an Omani bank on the cap table; the Wamda and Magnitt prints confirmed a barbell (record $813M of mega-rounds over an early-stage base down 45%) with MENA investors at a three-year-high 58%
Road Safety Crisis: Burundi
Burundi loses an estimated 1,546 lives a year to road crashes while officially recording 592 — a 2.6× undercount that is itself the first problem to fix. This feasibility study sequences five interventions by speed-to-lives-saved (crash data, post-crash care, corridor engineering, maintenance-backed enforcement, legal quick wins) and matches them to financing that already exists: a committed US$12
Road safety crisis: Liberia
Liberia records 236 road deaths a year; the WHO estimates the true toll near 794 — among the world's worst rates — with two-thirds of victims pedestrians and the crash burden costing up to 7% of GDP. This feasibility study sequences the fastest path down: pass the validated revision of the 1972 Vehicle and Traffic Law (Liberia still has no helmet, seat-belt or child-restraint law), concentrate spe
Market signal: Energy Commodities in GCC
Gulf crude exports have clawed back above pre-war levels through pipeline and shuttle workarounds, even as tanker attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz escalate — while refined products, above all diesel, remain structurally constrained, with Middle East diesel exports to Europe at a six-year low and European diesel prices at all-time records. Both signals reward the same positioning: outside
Road Safety Crisis: Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has carried one of the world's highest road-death rates for over a decade — WHO estimated 64.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019, and national counts hovered near 3,000 deaths a year through 2024. Motorcyclists are about 70% of the dead, and 85% of killed riders wore no helmet. In 2025 fatalities broke downward for the first time (−33%, to 1,994), and penalties under the new
Blue economy: big catch, little investment: Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the world's second-largest inland-capture producer and fifth-largest aquaculture producer. It produced 5.02 Mt of fish in 2024, yet frozen exports in FY2024-25 were only 31,189 t (US$388.7m). Its 109 registered shrimp plants (~400 kt capacity) run at about 8% utilisation, starved of raw material. Post-harvest loss runs at 12.5–30%, shrimp yields are a tenth of regional peers, and fis
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UAE Federal Regulatory Watch — The Enforcement Turn (Q4 2026)
The UAE's federal rulebook has shifted from writing rules to enforcing them. This edition of the AE-FED regulatory watch covers four fronts that moved since our last issue: the wholesale AML rebuild under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 (AED 100m fines, personal senior-management liability, a lower evidence bar, FATF evaluation year); the Advertiser Permit and SCA finfluencer regimes crossing in
What the Gulf Actually Asks: Incorporation, Directors' Duties and Exit Costs in the GCC
Reader demand on the platform clusters on three questions: where to incorporate in the GCC, what directors owe once incorporated, and what employment exits cost. This study answers all three — a six-door comparison of UAE mainland, ADGM, DIFC, Saudi Arabia, QFC and Bahrain/Oman; the ADGM directors'-duties framework in plain language; and the notice and end-of-service formulas for DIFC, ADGM and th
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Macao SAR, China: A Forward-Looking Economic Study for 2026
Macao SAR's economy is expected to grow at a rate of 4.7% in 2025, following a significant rebound in 2023. However, the region faces demographic challenges with a projected population decline of -0.2% in 2025. While the services sector remains dominant, the reliance on tourism and gaming presents risks to economic stability. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, supporting consumer spending.
Micronesia, Fed. Sts. 2026: Economic and Social Projections
The Federated States of Micronesia is projected to see its GDP reach USD 501.8 million by 2025, with a real GDP growth stabilising at 1.1% in 2025. The population is expected to grow modestly, reaching approximately 113,683 by 2025, with urbanisation remaining low at 22.5%. The reliance on imports continues to shape economic dynamics, while access to electricity and internet connectivity are impro
São Tomé and Príncipe 2026: First Reading
São Tomé and Príncipe has experienced a slow rise in GDP, with real growth hovering around 1% in recent years. Inflation remains elevated, exceeding 14% in 2024, while the population grows steadily at about 2% annually. Urbanisation continues at a modest pace, and energy access has improved to 78% of the population. Remittances represent a significant component of the economy, and the service sect
Bhutan: Economic and Social Projections for 2026
This study examines Bhutan's projected economic and social indicators, highlighting anticipated growth in GDP, improvements in urbanisation, and technological advancements. With a focus on sustainable development, Bhutan's unique approach prioritises Gross National Happiness, influencing its market dynamics. Stakeholders should consider these factors when evaluating opportunities in this lower mid
Maldives Economic Outlook 2026
The Maldives, with a projected GDP of USD 7.7 billion in 2025, is set to see a real GDP growth rate of 6.3%. Population growth is stabilising at 0.4%, while urbanisation continues to rise. The country faces challenges related to inflation and environmental vulnerabilities. These factors will shape the economic landscape and investment opportunities in the coming years.
Côte d'Ivoire: Economic and Social Projections for 2026
Côte d'Ivoire is projected to continue its economic expansion, with GDP anticipated to reach USD 99.8 billion by 2025. The population is expected to grow to 32.7 million, with urbanisation increasing to 54.5%. These developments indicate a vibrant market environment, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, offering numerous investment opportunities.
Zambia: Economic and Social Outlook for 2026
Zambia's economy is expected to maintain a real GDP growth rate of 3.8% in 2025, with inflation projected at 15% for 2024. The population is set to reach 21.9 million by 2025, growing steadily at 2.8% annually. Urbanisation trends indicate an increasing consumer base, though challenges such as high government debt and a current account deficit remain significant.
Andorra 2026: Structural Stability in a High-Income Micro-State
Andorra presents a stable, high-income economy with a GDP of USD 4.5 billion in 2025 and real growth of 3.9%. The services sector dominates at 77.8% of GDP, supported by universal electricity access and 94.4% internet penetration. However, the market is constrained by a population of 82,904 and a high urban concentration of 88.9%, limiting local talent depth. With central government debt at 40% of
Vanuatu Economic and Social Outlook 2026
Vanuatu's economy is projected to grow steadily, reaching a GDP of USD 1.4 billion in 2025. Population growth is anticipated at 2.2% annually, with life expectancy increasing to 71.7 years in 2024. The economic environment remains challenging yet offers potential for growth, particularly in the agricultural and tourism sectors.
Ukraine Economic Outlook 2026
Ukraine's economy is expected to show resilience in the coming years, with GDP growth stabilising at 3.2% in 2024 and inflation projected at 6.5%. The population is anticipated to decline slightly, impacting market dynamics. Additionally, the urban population share remains high, facilitating access to services. Overall, the outlook suggests cautious optimism for investment opportunities.
Uganda: Economic and Social Projections for 2026
By 2026, Uganda's GDP is projected to reach USD 62.0 billion, reflecting a sustained growth trend. The population is anticipated to grow to approximately 51.4 million, with urbanisation increasing. However, challenges such as inflation and health expenditure may impact overall development. These dynamics present both opportunities and risks for investment.
New Zealand Economic Outlook 2026
As New Zealand approaches 2026, its economic landscape is characterised by a projected GDP growth recovery to 0.5% after a contraction in 2024. The population is expected to grow modestly, with urbanisation continuing to rise. Inflation is forecasted to stabilise, reflecting ongoing economic adjustments. These factors present both challenges and opportunities for investors and businesses.
Lao PDR: Economic Outlook 2026
The Lao PDR economy is expected to grow steadily, with a projected GDP of USD 18.3 billion in 2025. However, inflation remains a concern, projected at 7.7% for 2025. Population growth and urbanisation trends indicate rising demand for services, while technological connectivity is improving. The legal environment poses challenges for foreign investment, necessitating careful navigation.
Liberia Economic Outlook 2026
Liberia's economic landscape is projected to evolve significantly by 2028, with GDP growth stabilising at 5% and an increasing urban population share. The country is expected to experience gradual improvements in living standards, although challenges such as inflation and infrastructure deficits remain. The demographic shift towards urbanisation suggests rising demand for services and investment o
Bangladesh 2026: Economic, Social and Environmental Outlook
Bangladesh is expected to maintain real GDP growth around 4% in the coming years, while inflation remains high and the current account deficit widens. The population continues to grow at 1.2% annually, with urbanisation increasing to over 33% of the total. Digital connectivity and electricity access are near universal, supporting service‑sector expansion. Environmental risks such as flooding and c
Benin: Economic and Social Projections for 2026
Benin's 2025 GDP of USD 24.6 billion is projected to continue rising, while the population of 14.8 million is expected to grow. The urban share of 53.4 % will expand, and unemployment is likely to remain at 1.6 %. Inflation is forecast to stay at 1.2 %. Exports account for 20 % of GDP, imports 24.7 %, health expenditure 3.3 % of GDP, manufacturing 10.1 %, agriculture 25.4 % and services 47.7 %.
Burundi: Economic and Social Outlook 2026
Burundi's economy is projected to recover to a GDP of USD 3.4 billion in 2025, with a real GDP growth rate expected to reach 4.2%. Population growth continues at 2.4%, while inflation remains a concern at 34.1% in 2025. The country's urbanisation trend is gradually increasing, with urban population share rising to 25.7%. These factors will shape the investment landscape in the coming years.
Panama: Economic Outlook and Projections for 2026
In 2026, Panama's economy is projected to maintain a positive growth trajectory, with GDP expected to reach USD 90.5 billion. Population growth will contribute to an urban population share of 66.2%. The country is also anticipated to experience a low inflation rate and a gradual improvement in GDP per capita, reflecting ongoing economic stability.
Fiji Economic Outlook 2026
Fiji's economic landscape is evolving, with a projected GDP of USD 6.2 billion in 2025 and a steady population growth rate of 0.5% per year. The urban population is anticipated to reach 59.5% by 2025, indicating a shift in consumer behaviour. Inflation is expected to decline to -1.4% by 2025, presenting unique opportunities for investment, particularly in sectors aligned with urbanisation and tech
Paraguay 2026 First Reading
Paraguay's economy has grown steadily, with GDP reaching USD 49.3 billion in 2025 and real growth rates above 4 % in recent years. Inflation remains moderate, and the population is expanding at 1.2 % annually, supporting a growing labour market. Urbanisation is accelerating, with most residents living in cities by 2025. Energy access is near universal, and the country's legal framework encourages
Cyprus Economic Outlook 2026
Cyprus is projected to maintain a moderate economic growth trajectory, with real GDP growth stabilising around 3.9% in 2024. The population is expected to grow modestly, reaching approximately 1.4 million by 2025. Inflation rates are anticipated to remain low, contributing to overall economic stability. The services sector will continue to dominate the economy, highlighting opportunities for inves
Tajikistan: Economic Outlook 2026
Tajikistan's economy is on a growth trajectory, with GDP expected to reach USD 17.7 billion by 2025. The population is projected to grow to 10.8 million, indicating a young workforce. Key indicators such as real GDP growth and inflation will significantly influence investment opportunities in the coming years.
Mauritius 2026 First Reading
The 2026 First Reading outlines Mauritius’ economic trajectory, noting a projected GDP growth of 4.9% in 2024 and a steady real growth trend. Social metrics such as a 73.8‑year life expectancy, 94.3% adult literacy and 73.3% internet penetration remain robust. The country’s environmental profile shows stable CO2 emissions and universal electricity access, while the mixed legal system offers a pred
Senegal Economic Outlook 2026
Senegal's economy is expected to grow steadily, with GDP projected to reach USD 37.0 billion by 2025. The population is anticipated to grow to 18.9 million, with urbanisation trends indicating increased demand for services. Inflation is projected to remain low at 1.5% in 2025, supporting consumer purchasing power and investment attractiveness. However, challenges such as unemployment and reliance
Seychelles: Economic and Social Outlook for 2026
As Seychelles approaches 2026, its high-income status is under scrutiny due to reliance on tourism and external flows. The population is projected to grow modestly, while economic indicators suggest a need for diversification. Inflation remains low, but external dependencies pose risks. This analysis examines the implications for investors and policymakers.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: First Reading 2026
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a complex economic landscape marked by a projected GDP of USD 91.0 billion in 2025 and a steady population growth rate of 3.2%. Urbanisation trends indicate an increase in the urban population share to 45.1% by 2025. While the economy shows signs of recovery, challenges remain in skill development and infrastructure. The low-income status continues to sha
Gabon: Economic and Social Outlook for 2026
Gabon, classified as an upper middle-income country, is projected to see its GDP reach USD 21.4 billion in 2025, with a real GDP growth rate of 2.5%. The population is anticipated to grow to 2.6 million, with urbanisation continuing to rise. Life expectancy is expected to increase, reflecting improvements in health outcomes. These factors suggest a developing market with potential opportunities fo
Marshall Islands Economic Outlook 2026
The Marshall Islands, classified as an upper middle income country, faces a projected GDP growth of 3.3% in 2024, following a contraction in 2023. The population is anticipated to decline further, raising concerns about economic sustainability. Urbanisation remains high, with 78.7% of the population living in cities. Health expenditure is significant, reflecting ongoing challenges in healthcare ac
Czechia Economic Outlook 2026
Czechia's economic landscape is expected to show a gradual recovery, with GDP growth projected at 1.3% in 2024 and 2.6% in 2025. Inflation rates are anticipated to remain moderate, while the population is expected to stabilise around 10.9 million. The urban population share will continue to influence economic activity, with strong reliance on exports. Overall, the outlook suggests a stable environ
Guyana 2026 – Economic Outlook and Investment Implications
The country’s GDP rose to USD 27.1 bn in 2025, driven by a real growth rate of 19.3 % and fuel exports representing 75.9 % of merchandise exports. Internet penetration reached 83 % and unemployment hovered around 12 % in 2025. These dynamics suggest a high‑growth environment but one that remains dependent on oil‑related revenues and vulnerable to external price swings.
Burkina Faso: 2026 Forward‑Looking Economic Study
Burkina Faso's economy remains low‑income but shows signs of gradual recovery. Real GDP growth is projected to rise from 3 % in 2023 to 5.3 % in 2025, while GDP per capita is expected to increase from USD 873 to USD 1,148. Population growth is steady at 2.2 %, and urbanisation is modest. Inflation is anticipated to fall to –0.6 % by 2025. Infrastructure gaps, particularly in electricity access and
Guinea-Bissau: Economic and Social Outlook for 2026
Guinea-Bissau is expected to experience moderate economic growth, with GDP projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2025. The population is anticipated to remain stable at 2.2 million, with urbanisation increasing. Key sectors such as agriculture and services will continue to play vital roles in the economy. However, challenges related to political stability and infrastructure persist.
Economic and Social Outlook for Naoero in 2026
Naoero's economic landscape is projected to improve gradually, with GDP growth forecasted at 1.4% in 2024 and an increase in GDP to USD 176.0 million by 2025. The population is expected to reach 12,025 by 2025, maintaining a fully urbanised status. Life expectancy is also anticipated to rise, reflecting advancements in healthcare. These trends suggest a stable environment for potential investment
San Marino: Economic and Social Outlook for 2026
As San Marino approaches 2026, its economic landscape is projected to stabilise with a modest GDP growth rate. The high-income status, combined with a strong service sector, underpins the nation's resilience. Population trends and technological advancements will further shape the socio-economic environment, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors.
Azerbaijan: Economic and Social Projections for 2026
Azerbaijan's economic outlook for 2026 suggests a gradual recovery with a projected GDP of USD 75.9 billion and real GDP growth stabilising at 1.4%. The urban population share is anticipated to remain high at 58.6%, while inflation is expected to rise to 5.6%. Improvements in life expectancy and continued access to electricity are also notable social advancements.
Yemen, Republic: Economic and Structural Assessment 2026
Based on World Bank data, Yemen’s GDP fell from USD 43.2 billion in 2014 to USD 21.6 billion in 2018, reflecting a contraction driven by conflict and fiscal shocks. Population continues to grow at roughly 3 % per year, reaching 40.6 million in 2024, while urbanisation remains low and labour market weakness persists with modelled unemployment around 17 %. Access to electricity has improved to 86.3
Sierra Leone 2026 First Reading
The 2026 First Reading of Sierra Leone highlights a resilient macro‑economic backdrop characterised by steady real GDP growth and a growing population. However, high inflation, limited access to electricity and a modest digital footprint constrain investment potential. The country remains a low‑income economy with a trade deficit and modest foreign direct investment. While labour markets appear ac