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News, ideas, and analysis from J-PAL staff and affiliated professors. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly email updates.

Abhijit Banerjee delivers a keynote address at J-PAL Middle East and North Africa's five year anniversary event.

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...
A gif showing different group images

Egypt Impact Lab: Making every Egyptian pound spent on development count

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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.
Panelists at J-PAL hosted event at COP29

Harnessing evidence and partnerships: Scaling climate resilience at COP29

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The impacts of climate change are expected to intensify over the next thirty years and will disproportionately affect those experiencing poverty, exacerbate inequalities, trap disadvantaged groups in a cycle of poverty and vulnerability, and threaten to reverse years of progress. Global events, such...
A large group of people stand on a stage

Driving evidence-based humanitarian action and displacement response in MENA

This blog post provides an overview of the evolving policy narratives in humanitarian work, emphasizing J-PAL’s initiatives to address evidence gaps. It also highlights the establishment of a dedicated portfolio at J-PAL MENA, aimed at supporting localized actions and ensuring that humanitarian...
Group of persons

How to integrate qualitative methods into RCTs

Economists have long used qualitative methods to inform the design and help interpret the results of RCTs. To support the further integration of qualitative methods into randomized evaluations and provide more structured guidance, J-PAL has developed new research resources and training materials for...
Participants at South South Learning Journey event

Building effective social protection programs through government and researcher partnerships: Reflections from a MENA-SEA South-South Learning Journey

In a critical moment for global social protection systems, policymakers from Egypt and Indonesia recently came together in Jakarta for the groundbreaking event, South-South Learning Journey.
Aerial view of irrigated nile river valley meeting the dry arid desert

Navigating climate justice in MENA: Emerging carbon markets

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Carbon markets are rapidly being developed by multiple countries, including those in the Middle East North Africa. While these markets aim to reduce emissions and enhance corporate action, rigorous impact evaluation and evidence-use is needed to ensure that the design and implementation of these...
A man using a saw

Building the foundation for robust vocational education RCTs in Egypt

More than two million students are enrolled in Egypt's technical education and vocational training education system, most of them from low-income backgrounds, seeking better livelihoods through skills attainment and the search for jobs in the labor market. These students are the constituents of our...