Featured by OBG
Syria’s banking sector entered 2026 with a clearer legal path to global reintegration and recovery, although liquidity, capital quality and depositor confidence have yet to return to levels needed for growth. Syria’s capital markets are showing signs of momentum as the country works to rebuild its economy and re-engage with regional and global investors. Trading value on the Damascus Securities Exchange surged to over $70m in 2024, while market capitalisation rose to $2bn by the end of 2025, pointing to rising equity valuations. The country is gradually rebuilding its energy sector as it seeks to position its oil and gas industry as an essential source for post-war reconstruction...
Following the global oil price drop in 2014, Oman – like the other GCC states – is pushing ahead with its long-term national development plans that seek to diversify the economy.
Algeria is one of the main African producers of hydrocarbons, ranking first in gas production and among the top-three oil producers. The country remains highly dependent on the hydrocarbons sector for the majority of government revenues and almost the entirety of its exports. Despite reforms to encourage private sector development, promote diversification and attract foreign direct investment in recent years, the state still plays a preponderant role, meaning that changes to government expenditure and investments continue to have a significant impact on overall economic performance.
With investment in industrial zones, SEZs, infrastructure and priority industries set to increase in the coming years, Indonesia remains extremely well positioned to capitalise on its position as a regional leader.
As hydrocarbons forms the backbone of Kuwait’s economy, the resurgence in global commodity markets bodes well for the future and has led to a renewed sense of optimism. The recovering market is also supporting the government’s diversification efforts under the auspices of the Kuwait National Development Plan, or New Kuwait.
Located at a juncture between Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Djibouti has easy access to international trade routes via the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, and borders fast-growing yet landlocked Ethiopia, making it an ideal continental hub. New ports, railway links and road improvement projects are enhancing economic efficiencies and providing a solid platform to bolster expansion in sectors.
