Why Muslim Economies Need a New Development Conversation
Across regions as diverse as South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, Muslim-majority countries present a striking paradox. Many possess abundant natural resources, strategic geography, large and youthful populations, and deep historical trading networks-yet struggle to translate these advantages into broad-based prosperity.
The explanation most often offered is identity-based, rooted in culture, religion, or historical grievance. This book rejects that narrative.
The real constraints are institutional.
Weak rule of law, elite capture of economic rents, the exclusion of women and youth, under- performing education systems, fragmented markets, and politicized bureaucracies have collectively produced growth that is either unsustainable or deeply unequal. Where growth has occurred, it has often failed to generate employment, resilience, or social trust.
This book argues that economic reform must begin with governance reform, followed by market restructuring, sustained investment in human capital, and ethical-but not ideological-economic frameworks.
