Egypt, the world's second-largest IMF borrower, has managed to reach several agreements, yet failed to achieve reform goals in the process. Now, Egyptians are bearing the brunt.

Marrakech is hosting the annual meetings of the Bretton Woods institutions in October. This is after being unable to convene in Morocco in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The venue choice is seen as a nod to Morocco's impressive economic development and influential role as an Arab, African and Mediterranean country of growing strategic importance.

IMF and World Bank policies are outdated and need to be reformed. They have only caused more misery and credit addiction in borrowing countries. Al Majalla explains.

The ill-fated coup of October 2021 cost Sudan and its people nearly $9bn. Meanwhile, experts estimate that the direct and indirect costs of the Sudanese war hover around $100mn per day.

Politics were played down when Russia brought former Soviet states into a trading bloc to counter the EU. But suspicions over deeper motives were there from the start. Sanctions are a major test.

Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its financial and economic position in 2024 with increased spending in its public budget despite global economic uncertainty

Changes to Tunisia's Central Bank and banking laws are expected to boost accountability and end the influence of corrupt business families. But fears of politicisation still linger.

A stuttering post-pandemic economy in Morocco has led to high unemployment, especially among graduates leaving an education system which needs to better equip them for an evolving labour market

As the move away from oil dependence changes the financial priorities of donor nations – they are becoming investors instead of writing blank cheques