The International Monetary Fund expects Iraq’s economy to grow by 3.6% next year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast on Thursday that the Iraqi economy will grow by 3.6% in 2026, amid improved economic performance in the region and rising investment and production levels.

The Fund’s forecasts were included in its report on the regional economic outlook for the Middle East and North Africa, which noted disparities in growth rates among countries due to differences in economic conditions and financial policies in each.

According to the report, Sudan topped the list of the highest-growing countries in the region, with a growth rate of 9.5%, followed by Qatar with 6.1%, the United Arab Emirates with 5%, and Egypt with 4.5%.

Mauritania followed with a growth rate of 4.3%, followed by Morocco with a growth rate of 4.2%, while Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman recorded an expected growth rate of 4% each.

Kuwait is expected to achieve growth of 3.9%, Iraq 3.6%, followed by Bahrain 3.3%, while Algeria and Jordan will achieve similar growth rates of 2.9%. Tunisia comes in last in terms of expected growth of 2.1%.

The IMF indicated that these forecasts depend on continued stability in oil prices, improved non-oil activity, and the implementation of economic and structural reforms aimed at enhancing productivity and diversifying sources of income in the region’s countries.

Shafaq.com