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WASHINGTON: Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the global economy will continue to face a range of challenges this year, some of which are expected to persist into 2026 as the effects of major structural shifts shape fiscal and monetary policies worldwide.

His comments came after he attended the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, held this week under South Africa’s G20 presidency, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Jadaan was accompanied at the meetings by Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Alsayari, SPA added.

He also stressed that solutions should not involve withdrawing from the multilateral trading system, but rather collective efforts to improve it in order to strengthen trust and promote long-term investments.

The minister further underlined that adherence to fiscal discipline and the sustainability of public debt remain fundamental pillars of macroeconomic stability, adding that these objectives required enhanced transparency, sound financial governance, and improved spending efficiency.

Addressing the impact of rapid technological change, Al-Jadaan pointed to the rise of artificial intelligence and digital assets as areas that necessitate “proactive regulatory frameworks” that balance the exploitation of opportunities with risk mitigation.

He urged international financial institutions to provide clear guidance to help countries align their national policies with global financial stability.

During discussions on supporting Africa’s economic growth, Al-Jadaan highlighted the continent’s increasing importance to global economic expansion and called for “practical and implementable” solutions that focused on reducing capital costs, stimulating private investment, and bolstering financial sustainability.

He emphasized that achieving sustainable progress in Africa required the support of multilateral institutions that had to implement structural reforms to enhance productivity and create favorable conditions for private sector-led growth.

Al-Jadaan also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s longstanding partnership with African nations, noting that �������� had financed a wide range of projects in infrastructure, energy, and health across more than 40 countries on the continent.