Featured by OBG
Oman is actively diversifying its economy as part of its Oman Vision 2040 strategy, reducing its reliance on hydrocarbons by expanding sectors like agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and banking. The government’s focus on sustainable development is driving growth, particularly through strategic reforms, infrastructure projects and investment in renewable energy. Efforts to improve financial services, including banking, insurance and capital markets, have contributed to economic stability and attracted foreign investment. Oman’s advantageous geographic location enhances its role in regional trade, with a growing focus on ICT and digital transformation, positioning the country as a leader in innovation. The government has also invested heavily in education and health care, improving literacy rates and life expectancy while adopting modern technologies. The tourism sector is another key area of growth, with the government promoting sustainable practices and supporting local economies through community-based projects. Overall, Oman’s transformation is enhancing its competitiveness and positioning it for long-term economic growth.
As East Africa’s largest economy, Kenya has seen its economy grow by more than 4% for the last three years, according to data from the World Bank, while an improvement in fiscal indicators and a new constitution encouraging devolution have helped to improve governance and the public balance sheet.
Ghana has developed a reputation as a robust and stable democracy, and with a storied legacy of pan-African initiatives it has long punched above its weight diplomatically. While the recent oil boom following the discovery of the offshore Jubilee field in 2007 has helped to fuel GDP growth as much as 14% over recent years, it is now projected to slow to a more modest 4.5% in 2014.
In 2014 Jordan’s population reached 6.64m, as regional turbulence saw an influx of refugees from neighbouring countries. Jordan, however, remains stable as it pushes ahead with the political reforms announced in 2011. The economy continues to revive following the global economic downturn, while government commitments to tackle structural issues in the economy bode well for future growth.
With just 1.63m people, Gabon is the second-smallest member of the six-country Central African Economic and Monetary Community in terms of population, after Equatorial Guinea. However, the country’s well-developed hydrocarbons sector has made Gabon the second-largest economy in the sub-region.
Kuwait accounts for approximately 6.1% of the world’s proven oil reserves, with hydrocarbons revenues comprising more than 65% of the country’s GDP and 95% of total exports in 2013. Cautious budgetary decisions have resulted in large surpluses, creating a solid base for public expenditure programmes such as the National Development Plan, which is set to diversify the economy and boost employment.
