In the beginning of 2016, western multinationals had high hopes for Iran. It was supposed to be one of the leading growth markets in the Middle East. It was supposed to quickly emerge from isolation to global integration. It was…
In a region filled with volatility, severe economic pressures, and drastic reforms, Morocco stands out as a beacon of steadiness and reliability for investors. Economic growth is fairly predictable, the operating environment is among the easiest in North and West…
Egypt has been through a turbulent six years, marred by political instability and insecurity. Finally, with the acceleration of long-awaited economic reforms in late 2016 and 2017, Egypt is in a phase of transition. Given the economic developments and the…
My latest visit to Egypt since the country’s shock therapy program with the IMF began in late 2016 aimed to unearth how Egyptians have been adapting to the country’s economic transition. Last week in Cairo, I met with business executives,…
Foreign investors and MENA executives have been keeping a close eye on Iran’s presidential election that was held on May 19, 2017. The Iranian people voted to extend the term of the current moderate president, Hassan Rouhani. With voter turnout…
In January 2017, FSG published its 2017 MENA Outlook in which we outlined potential disruptors that can change the region’s trajectory, thereby depressing MNC performance. Included as one of our local disruptors is the eruption of a third Palestinian intifada,…
Algeria’s diversification process is moving far too slowly to create a buffer against the challenges that stagnant oil prices and declining Algerian oil production present. This means that MNCs’ growth strategies in the market may become increasingly complex as Algeria…