Featured by OBG
Despite heightened regional uncertainty stemming from the 2026 Iran conflict, Qatar continues to demonstrate economic resilience, supported by its position as one of the world’s leading LNG exporters, strong fiscal fundamentals and prudent policymaking. While short-term disruption has affected energy exports, trade and logistics, the country remains committed to advancing the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30 through sustained investment, economic diversification and structural reform. Continued progress across finance, industry, digital technology, infrastructure and tourism is reinforcing Qatar’s long-term competitiveness, while its growing diplomatic and economic influence strengthens its position as a trusted regional partner and global investment destination.
Bolstered by burgeoning cement and ceramics industries that draw on the natural resources of the Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah has one of the GCC’s more diversified economies. Continued investment in infrastructure is enabling further economic growth and encouraging foreign investment.
Long viewed as a bastion of stability in the Central African region, thanks in part to large hydrocarbon revenues that have helped it maintain one of the highest levels of per capita income in the region, Gabon has been able to leverage its diplomatic clout throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
The Republic of Ghana has experienced two peaceful handovers of power in the two decades since it has returned to civilian, multiparty democracy and has gained a deserved reputation as a bastion of stability. However, in recent years, it has been the country’s economic performance in the headlines.
Oil production retains its key role in the economy, however plans are under way to encourage diversification away from hydrocarbons towards an economy that is more knowledge based. The political climate has been characterised of late by a number of disputes, often resulting in either the resignation of the government or the dissolution of parliament, which has contributed to the slow progress of some projects.
A leading cocoa producer and exporter of low-cost power, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the more economically diverse and mineral-rich countries in West Africa. The country is a member of ECOWAS and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, as well as party to several international trade agreements, which help improve macro stability.
