Driving Job Creation in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan © 2026 The World Bank Group,

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/immersive-story/2026/05/13/driving-job-creation-middle-east-north-africa-afghanistan-pakistan?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM282334 The Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) region is facing a big jobs challenge. The region’s working-age population is projected to grow by 220 million people over the next quarter-century, a 40% increase. This is the second largest projected increase across all regions, per the latest MENAAP regional Economic Update. Jobs provide more than just a source of income; they provide dignity, purpose, and hope for the future. Giving people the means to support themselves and their families can help lift entire communities out of poverty. © 2026 The World Bank Group,