Libya and Djibouti Lead 2025 Growth Rankings, Says World Bank SPP – October 10, 2025 – 11:56 AM

The World Bank projects a renewed wave of economic momentum across the Arab world in 2025, with two unexpected champions topping the list: Libya and Djibouti. According to its latest forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Djibouti ranks second, just behind Libya, surpassing Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria.

The new economic hierarchy revealed by these estimates highlights divergent growth trajectories. Libya is fully benefiting from the recovery of its oil production, with expected growth of 13.3%, an unprecedented surge in the region.

Djibouti, often seen as a niche economy, continues to demonstrate resilience, with a projected 6.0% growth rate driven by the expansion of its port and logistics infrastructure.

Other notable increases
Larger, more diversified economies are also seeing improved prospects:
    •    United Arab Emirates: 4.8% (+0.2 percentage point)
    •    Egypt: 4.5% (+0.7 percentage point)
    •    Morocco: 4.4% (+0.8 percentage point)

These upward revisions reflect a more favorable outlook than initially anticipated, fueled by stabilizing energy prices and increasing regional trade.