Economics & Development

Growth is set to strengthen as state-linked investment accelerates, but external and price pressures rise. With fiscal stimulus moderating over the medium term, growth will increasingly rest on private and Danantara investment. Poverty declined, although structural labor-market weaknesses continue to limit more durable upward mobility. Expanding middle-class jobs depends on competitive markets, deeper financial intermediation, and coherent macroeconomic policy.

Although Belarus avoided recession, its 2025 slowdown highlighted the fragility of Belarus’s economic model. Growth is set to improve in 2026 but decelerate over the medium term as Russian demand weakens and supply-side bottlenecks persist. Diminishing returns to stimulus and elevated inflation cloud the outlook, while continued isolation from global markets and reliance on Russia undermines the foundations for durable, broad-based growth.

Economic growth is projected to remain robust at 7.9 percent in 2026, reflecting stronger-than-expected economic activity, supported by resilient private consumption, strong investment, and continued structural reforms. Poverty is projected to decline from 12.4 percent in 2025 to 10.6 percent in 2026 (US$8.3/day, 2021 PPP). The outlook remains favorable, supported by ongoing structural reforms and private sector-led investment and job creation.

As per official data, Turkmenistan’s economy grew by 6.3 percent in the first half (H1) of 2026, supported by investment and growth in services, construction, industry, and agriculture. Economic activity will be supported by strong hydrocarbon exports, driven by growing energy import demand in neighboring Central Asian economies, as well as public investment and expanding regional trade. Inflation is projected to increase, reflecting higher import costs and domestic demand.

Romania’s economy is projected to contract by an estimated 0.5 percent in 2026. Depressed private consumption is the main drag as real household incomes are squeezed by a renewed energy price shock compounding the 2025 electricity price cap removal and ongoing fiscal consolidation, amid restrained wage growth hitting poorer households hardest. A 2027 recovery hinges on political stability, a credible fiscal consolidation path, and sustained EU-funded investment.

Growth and employment remain subdued. The energy crisis continues to drag on economic activity, macroeconomic stability, and living standards. High global fuel prices compound fiscal and external pressures. Growth is expected to strengthen as structural reforms address the electricity sector's challenges and unlock the country's considerable natural capital. Poverty reduction is expected to remain slow. The balance of risks is tilted to the downside.

Malawi has undertaken some initial steps toward macroeconomic stabilization, including stronger fiscal discipline and reduced monetization of the fiscal deficit, but the near-term reform agenda ahead remains vast, including the need for removing foreign exchange distortions. Growth is expected to accelerate slightly to 2.7 percent in 2026, slightly surpassing population growth for the first time since 2021, but with limited gains in household welfare.

Growth is projected at 7.8 percent in 2026, driven by services and industry. Inflation is expected to decline to 0.5 percent, as food deflation offsets higher energy and transport inflation. The fiscal deficit is projected at 3.1 percent of GDP, while public debt declines to 57.4 percent. Poverty (US$4.20 LMIC line) is expected to fall by 1.7 percentage points to 39.4 percent. Upside risks include stronger economic diversification, while commodity, security, and climate shocks pose downside risks.

Costa Rica reached high-income status in 2025, but productivity gains remain concentrated, inequality persistent, and female labor force participation low. Growth decelerated to 3.2 percent in H1 2026 as exports normalized from a high base, while the fiscal deficit widened on lower revenues. Growth is projected to average 3.4 percent over 2026 to 2028, with risks tilted to the downside.

This document outlines the procurement plan for the Mauritania Agriculture Development and Innovation Support Project, focusing on crops, irrigation, and agricultural markets within Western and Central Africa.

This document outlines the procurement plan for the Lome-Ouagadougou-Niamey Economic Corridor project in Western and Central Africa, covering trade, roads, and public administration transport sectors.

This is a Project Information Document (PID) focusing on rural and inter-urban roads as well as public administration in transportation for FY17. It provides an overview of project details, objectives, and administrative framework.

This document outlines the procurement plan for the Burkina Faso Agricultural Transformation Project in Western and Central Africa. It covers activities related to crops, agricultural extension, irrigation, drainage, and agricultural markets.

This document reviews the Youth Economic Inclusion Project in Morocco, focusing on public administration, social protection, and workforce development. It evaluates project outcomes related to employment, vocational education, and governance.

This document outlines the procurement plan for the General Education Modernization Project in Sri Lanka, focusing on public administration and educational development across primary and secondary levels.