Reuters · October 15, 2026

IMF Forecasts a 1.3% Contraction in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan Region, Followed by 6.6% Growth in 2027

• Jihad Azour, the IMF's director for the Middle East and Central Asia, told reporters on Thursday that prolonged war and further disruptions to energy production, shipping routes or critical infrastructure pose the biggest risk to economies in the region, according to the report.
• The IMF is forecasting a contraction of 1.3% in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region after growth of 3.3% in 2025, followed by growth of 6.6% in 2027, Azour said.
• For the Caucasus and Central Asia region, the IMF is projecting growth to slow to 5.2% in 2026 and 5% in 2027, from 6.2% in 2025, according to the report.

Forecasts and statements attributed to the IMF and to Jihad Azour as reported. Original headline: "Prolonged war, renewed disruptions pose biggest risk to Middle East region, IMF says".