Authors: Wafa Aidi, and Oumaima Tounchibine
North Africa is at a crossroads. In the coming decades, a large share of its population will reach working age, offering a major demographic opportunity. Realizing this potential will require creating enough jobs. SMEs—representing 80–90% of formal firms and about half of formal employment—are key to this effort and, with stronger development programs, could drive more inclusive growth.
The Untapped Potential
The data presented in the figure below reveals both strong potential and persistent…


