A radical shift toward sustainable business strategies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region could make available more than $637 billion across the region by 2030. These opportunities are the focus of Better Business, Better World MENA, a new report from the Business & Sustainable Development Commission. The estimated $637 billion of economic value for the MENA region are broken down across four key systems: energy and materials at $229 billion; cities at $183 billion; health and well-being at $133 billion; and food and agriculture at $92 billion. Mark Malloch-Brown, chair of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission, declared that “Better Business, Better World MENA, shows there is a compelling economic incentive for business and government to accelerate, embracing sustainable solutions and rolling out innovative strategies to ensure that the region exploits fully its potential.”

The Sustainable Development Goals may help to target investments. “The Goals are relevant to the MENA region where we see a young dynamic population, motivated to seize opportunities and make positive contributions to the wider society” said Arif Naqvi, Chief Executive at the Abraaj Group, and member of the Business and Sustainable Development Commission. Better Business, Better World MENA puts a price tag on the economic opportunities if the entire region pursues a more inclusive, sustainable pathway, as outlined by the Global Goals. According to the Business Commission, 12.4 million jobs could be generated through SDG-aligned business models in the region. Developments in urban construction, mobility, and infrastructure will generate nearly 6 million jobs. Sustainable business models could also open up 3 million jobs related to energy and materials, 2.1 million in health and well-being, and more than 1.5 million in food and agriculture.

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