Middle East
The Middle East is a transcontinental region spanning Western Asia and parts of North Africa, characterised by its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. The region encompasses countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and sometimes Egypt and Turkey, though definitions vary. It is home to an estimated 400-million people and holds immense geopolitical and economic significance owing to its vast hydrocarbon reserves, which account for a substantial share of global oil and natural gas production and exports. The Middle East's energy resources have shaped global markets for decades, with key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz serving as critical arteries for international oil shipments. Beyond energy, the region's economy encompasses finance, trade, construction, tourism and increasingly diversified sectors as several Gulf states pursue economic transformation agendas. Major cities such as Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Tehran, Tel Aviv and Cairo function as commercial, financial and cultural hubs. The region is also the birthplace of three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—and contains sites of profound historical and cultural importance. Political dynamics in the Middle East are complex, marked by a mix of monarchies, republics and theocracies, ongoing conflicts, regional rivalries and shifting alliances. In recent years, several Middle Eastern nations have announced ambitious renewable energy and nuclear programmes as part of efforts to diversify energy supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuel exports. The region's strategic importance to global energy security, trade routes and geopolitical stability ensures it remains a focal point in international business and policy discussions.
Middle East Updates
Business Confidence Shed Sentiment
11th June 2026 The SACCI’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) continued to decline by 7.7 index points in April 2026 but recovered in May 2026 by 0.5 index points to... →
Ethiopia sees higher spending next fiscal year due to Iran war costs
By: Reuters 11th June 2026 Ethiopia's government expects overall spending will rise next fiscal year mainly due to costs related to the Iran war, its finance minister said on... →
IMF says Nigeria reforms boost stability but millions still in poverty
By: Reuters 9th June 2026 The International Monetary Fund said Nigeria's sweeping reforms have strengthened economic stability and investor confidence, but warned on Tuesday... →
Standing Committee on Appropriations notes that economic pressures pose challenges to South Africa's export sector
3rd June 2026 The Standing Committee on Appropriations has noted that South Africa’s export sector continues to face significant pressure, largely due to the 30... →
South Africa private sector contracts after four months of growth, PMI shows 
By: Reuters 3rd June 2026 South Africa's private sector contracted in May as output and new orders fell amid higher fuel prices and uncertainty linked to the Iran war, a... →
Daily Podcast – June 02, 2026
By: Reza Creamer 2nd June 2026 Making headlines: Liam Jacobs apologises for ‘disgraced departure’ from DA; S&P flags Middle East oil risk for South Africa; And, World Health... →
Iran war disruption threatening delivery of lifesaving supplies for children, UN says
By: Reuters 2nd June 2026 Surging global transport costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis are threatening the delivery of lifesaving aid to... →
S&P flags Middle East oil risk for South Africa, warns low growth an outlier among peers
By: Reuters 2nd June 2026 S&P Global Ratings warned on Tuesday that rising oil prices from the Middle East crisis pose a growing risk to South Africa's consumer-led economy,... →
Chief Economists' Outlook: May 2026
2nd June 2026 The May 2026 Chief Economists’ Outlook opens on a more pessimistic note than the January edition. Drawing on consultations and survey responses... →
AfDB expects Africa's economic growth to slow to 4.2% due to the Middle East crisis
By: Reuters 26th May 2026 Africa's economic growth is expected to slow slightly to 4.2% this year from 4.4% last year, the African Development Bank said, as Middle East... →
