Inequality, Economic Growth, and Equity tn the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

This paper aims to find the necessary means to eradicate poverty in the Middle East and North Africa countries through reducing income distribution inequality. In a first stage, it was shown through a nonlinear modeling the limit of the Kuznets theory and that economic growth in the region is far to reduce inequality and eradicate poverty within a reasonable time. In a second step, it was shown that growth must be pro-poor. And improving social equity through education and access to medical care is the essential key to reducing inequality and thus fight poverty. The study period runs from 1975 to 2015 and the sample is composed of 20 Middle East and North Africa countries.

Keywords: Inequality, Economic growth, Pro-poor growth, Kuznets Curve.
JEL classification: D63, F43, C23.