Nowhere in the world has the unevenness of the economic recovery been more pronounced and acute than across countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Some Mena countries already struggling with economic problems before the pandemic. Others, including Egypt and GCC countries, were in the midst of huge structural reforms when the pandemic hit.

In a region already defined by many imbalances and economic contrasts, what does the post-Covid recovery look like?

Guests:

Jihad Azour, director of the Middle East and Central Asia department at the International Monetary Fund

Alia Moubayed, emerging markets economist

Narrated by: Mustafa Alrawi, The National’s assistant editor-in-chief

Higher energy prices and shortages are among the main features of the economic recovery.

The world faces multi-factorial equations where any solution must comply with climate urgency and the need for energy transition, while at the same time avoid energy shortages and energy-related political tensions.

The post covid recovery has exposed many problems and underlying weaknesses of the global energy supply. Current energy tensions may well provide valuable lessons for a smooth green energy transition.

Guests:

Dr Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit. A Pulitzer-prize winning author. His latest book is The New Map: Energy, Climate and the Clash of Nations.

Robin Mills, chief executive of Qamar Energy and author of The Myth of the Oil Crisis.

Petya Koeva Brooks, Deputy Director in the IMF's Strategy, Policy, and Review Department.

Silja Baller - Insights Lead, Frontier Insights, the World Economic Forum.

Laurence Boone, Chief Economist at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD

Narrated by: Mustafa Alrawi, The National's assistant editor-in-chief