J-PAL Middle East and North Africa (MENA), based at the American University in Cairo, leads J-PAL’s work in the Middle East and North Africa region. J-PAL MENA conducts randomized evaluations, builds partnerships for evidence-informed policymaking, and helps partners scale up effective programs.
Our research team evaluates the impact of social programs and policies in MENA, covering a wide range of sectors including social protection, employment, education, and gender. Through online and in-person courses, we train implementers, policymakers, donors, and advocates on how to generate and use rigorous evidence. Our policy team works to institutionalize learning from evidence and disseminate research results to governments and other partners.
More about J-PAL Middle East and North Africa
Explore the J-PAL website to learn more about who we are, what we do, where we work, and how to engage with the J-PAL Middle East and North Africa team.
Blog
Blog
Building a culture of evidence-informed decisions in the Middle East and North Africa: Celebrating five years of J-PAL MENA
J-PAL Middle East and North Africa was established in 2020 in response to growing recognition of the need to embed evidence into decision-making across the region. Our goal was not simply to conduct randomized evaluations, but to work hand-in-hand with governments and development practitioners to...
Blog
Blog
When childcare subsidies and employment services are not enough: How social norms shape women's choices in Egypt
How do we ensure we are addressing the correct barriers to women's empowerment in Egypt? This blog unpacks why childcare might not be the right solution to supporting women's employment and increasing gender equity in Greater Cairo.
Blog
Blog
Egypt Impact Lab: Making every Egyptian pound spent on development count
The EIL’s integration into the formal structure of the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development in 2024 marked a turning point in Egypt’s commitment to evidence-based governance.