At a time when global interdependencies are redrawing the contours of power, markets, and livelihoods, the stakes have rarely been higher. From the deepening water crisis in MENA to the erosion of Morocco’s middle class, from fragile pathways in global financial governance to the volatility of critical mineral markets—this edition navigates the inflection points shaping the Global South and beyond.
Can domestic reform outpace geopolitical inertia? Will public strategies compensate for waning international financing? And what does the return of executive-driven leadership in the U.S. signal for global balances?
These are not just questions—they are signals of a shifting world. Welcome to this month’s perspective from the Policy Center for the New South.
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The Water-Energy Nexus: The Path Solving the Water Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa
Ferid Belhaj
With 12 of the world’s 17 most water-stressed countries, the MENA region faces a crisis intensified by climate change, population growth, and inefficient management. Addressing this challenge requires integrating renewable energy—especially solar—into water infrastructure, from desalination to recycling. A $500 billion investment could avert severe economic losses and ensure water security. Can the region seize this opportunity to transform vulnerability into resilience?... Read more
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Reforming International Financial Institutions: Why Good Policies Matter More for Developing Countries
Karim El Aynaoui, Hinh T. Dinh, Akram Zaoui
Geopolitical tensions and limited reform of IFIs make stronger domestic policies and institutions essential for developing countries. Leveraging IFI expertise can help attract private capital, improve public spending, and build resilience. Can these nations do more with knowledge than with money?... Read more
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(FR) Roadmap for employment: optimizing operationalization for an inclusive and sustainable recovery
Aomar Ibourk, Tayeb Ghazi
Morocco’s labor market faces persistent structural imbalances—low participation rates, high youth unemployment, informality, and regional disparities. This roadmap outlines an inclusive recovery through support to SMEs, vocational training reform, and the creation of 1.45 million jobs by 2030. Yet projections show that only scenarios involving deep structural transformation can bring unemployment down to 9%. How can Morocco enhance employment-growth elasticity to meet this target?... Read more
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(FR) The lithium market: between the needs of the energy transition and major geostrategic challenges
Yves Jégourel
Lithium prices have plummeted despite rising long-term demand linked to electric vehicles and clean technologies. This paradox reflects the volatility of global commodity markets, where overcapacity, cost disparities, and geopolitical competition shape supply dynamics. Without sustained investment, a structural deficit could emerge by 2030. Can public financing bridge the gap where private capital hesitates?... Read more
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(AR) Tuesday Talk: Middle Class in Morocco: A Silent Erosion?
Recent findings from Morocco’s High Commission for Planning raise concern over the growing share of the population at risk of falling into poverty amid a decline in monetary poverty. While defining the middle class remains a methodological challenge, new results suggest a shrinking resilience and rising vulnerability. Can current policies shield the middle class from inflation, inequality, and structural transformation?...Watch
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Donald Trump and Executive Orders
Donald Trump’s second term was defined by centralized governance through executive orders, strengthening the executive branch. His decisions, including the suspension of USAID assistance to several African countries, reshaped U.S. domestic policy and international relations. What are the long-term implications for Africa’s development and the global balance of influence?... Listen
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The Policy Center for the New South is serving as Knowledge Partner of the third edition of the Africa Political Outlook Summit, taking place on March 25-26 in Brussels. The summit explores the evolving role of emerging nations in global governance. This edition, themed “New South, Old World,” will bring together key policymakers, experts, and thought leaders to discuss Africa’s place in a shifting geopolitical and economic landscape.
In this context, Larabi Jaïdi, Senior Fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, will take part in the panel "The Future of International Aid: Shifting Paradigms, Updating the Framework" at the 2025 Africa Political Outlook Summit. This panel will examine how international institutions should adapt to the rise of the "New South," foster more inclusive governance models, and strengthen cooperation between the Global North and South.
For more information on the event, please visit the website: https://africapoliticaloutlook.org/en/
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