The Western Balkans—comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—are undergoing rapid transformation as they modernize public institutions and embrace digital technologies. Despite global uncertainties, the region continues to experience steady economic growth supported by improvements in governance, increased business confidence, and expanding job opportunities. As the countries move closer to European… [Read More]
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Asian Development Bank Launches Türkiye Operations, Targets $3 Billion Yearly Financing for 2026–2027
The Asian Development Bank has officially launched its operations in Türkiye following high-level meetings between ADB President Masato Kanda and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. During the discussions, ADB reaffirmed its intention to provide $3 billion annually in project financing for 2026 and 2027, supporting Türkiye’s national development priorities. President Kanda emphasized Türkiye’s strategic… [Read More]
African Development Bank Clears $310 Million Financing to Support MSMEs, Women Entrepreneurs and Agribusiness Growth in South Africa
The African Development Bank Group has approved a $310 million financial package for FirstRand Bank to expand lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa. The support places strong emphasis on women-led businesses and agribusinesses, aiming to enhance access to capital for groups that traditionally face significant financing barriers. As one of Africa’s… [Read More]
$211.4 Million AfDB Investment Set to Transform Agriculture and Employment in Eastern Angola
The African Development Bank Group has approved a financing package worth $211.4 million to strengthen agricultural production and expand employment opportunities in eastern Angola. The initiative, known as the Eastern Region Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, aims to turn the region into a major food hub for Angola and neighbouring countries by capitalizing on its… [Read More]
Disaster Recovery Timeline: Steps from Immediate Response to Sustainable Rebuilding
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, it triggered one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. The recovery process spanned over a decade and involved multiple phases, beginning with emergency response and gradually moving toward long-term rebuilding. Initially, the priority was rescuing stranded residents and delivering immediate aid, which… [Read More]
Palestinian NGO Denied Appeal on UK F-35 Export Ruling to Israel
A Palestinian human rights organization, Al-Haq, has been denied permission to appeal a UK court ruling that permitted components of F-35 fighter jets to be exported indirectly to Israel. Al-Haq, based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, had previously challenged the UK’s Department for Business and Trade over its decision to exempt F-35 parts from a… [Read More]
Human Trafficking in Romania: Need for Better Legislation, Prevention, and Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Romanian authorities have made important strides in combating human trafficking, yet further measures are needed to protect vulnerable populations, identify and assist victims, and hold perpetrators accountable, according to a new report by the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). The evaluation examines Romania’s actions since 2021,… [Read More]
Taliban in Afghanistan Could Face Fresh Sanctions, Says Australia
The Australian government is moving to amend its sanctions regulations to enhance accountability for Taliban officials and others responsible for serious human rights abuses in Afghanistan, according to Human Rights Watch. The proposed changes to the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations will introduce criteria specific to Afghanistan, allowing Australia to impose targeted sanctions and travel bans on… [Read More]
New Study Warns Jobs Alone Cannot Solve Child Poverty Crisis
New research funded by the Nuffield Foundation warns that the UK government’s reliance on employment growth alone will be insufficient to reduce child poverty unless accompanied by the removal of the two-child limit and the benefit cap. The study, conducted by the London School of Economics (LSE) and the University of Glasgow, finds that even… [Read More]
Ethiopia Strengthens Agricultural Insurance Through Strategic Partnerships
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has entered a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Association of Ethiopian Insurers (AEI) to strengthen the country’s agricultural insurance system and bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers against climate and market risks. This collaboration aims to establish a sustainable, scalable, and farmer-focused insurance framework… [Read More]
R15 Billion South African Infrastructure Bond Aims to Boost Investment in Key Projects
South Africa is set to launch a R15 billion infrastructure bond to fund critical infrastructure projects, aiming to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana highlighted in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) that the government will also contribute R2 billion to capitalise a Credit Guarantee Vehicle, initially focused on expanding electricity… [Read More]
Call for Proposals: Enhance the Impact of Digital Remittances in Morocco’s Rural Communities
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through its Financing Facility for Remittances (FFR) and as part of the DigitRemit Morocco programme (2024–2028) co-financed by the European Union Delegation in Rabat, has launched a Call for Proposals (CfP25) to increase the impact of digital remittances in Morocco. The initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion, economic… [Read More]
COP30 Insights: How Governance, Transparency, and Inclusive Leadership Accelerate Climate Action
As the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) convenes in Belém, Brazil, marking the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, the global focus has shifted toward implementing climate solutions and translating commitments into tangible action. Climate change is not solely an environmental issue but a multidimensional challenge that intersects with governance at all… [Read More]
$6.5 Million Mellon Awards Propel Jazz Research and Cultural Storytelling
The Mellon Foundation has announced over $6.5 million in grants to expand jazz scholarship and strengthen its cultural infrastructure, as part of the Foundation’s broader $35 million commitment to preserving jazz as America’s first original art form. Central to this funding is a $5.8 million grant to the Jazz Study Group (JSG), an interdisciplinary collective… [Read More]
FAO Hosts 17th Multidisciplinary Team Meeting for West Africa in Abidjan
West Africa is among the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change, facing recurrent droughts, floods, and irregular rainfall that exacerbate insecurity, pressure on natural resources, and poverty. These compounding shocks have negatively impacted agricultural performance and worsened food insecurity, which currently affects over 34 million people across the region. In response to these challenges,… [Read More]
WHO Confirms Egypt Has Eliminated Trachoma as a Public Health Problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Egypt has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the seventh country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to reach this milestone. Globally, Egypt’s achievement brings the total number of countries that have eliminated trachoma as a public health issue to 27. This landmark accomplishment… [Read More]
Global TB Fight at Risk Amid Funding Challenges, Experts Warn
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, claiming over 1.2 million lives and affecting an estimated 10.7 million people in 2024, according to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025. Despite notable progress in diagnosis, treatment, and innovation, persistent challenges in funding and equitable access to care threaten to reverse gains in the… [Read More]
Guinea Plans Sovereign Wealth Fund Supported by Simandou Mining Revenue in 2026
Guinea’s planning minister has announced plans to launch a sovereign wealth fund in the second quarter of 2026, starting with an initial investment of $1 billion. The fund will leverage revenues from the country’s newly operational Simandou Iron Ore Mine to invest in long-term projects in education, infrastructure, agriculture, and industry, aiming to shield the… [Read More]
€50 Million Investment by EIB Global Supports Global Reforestation Through Ardian
The European Investment Bank Group’s development arm, EIB Global, has committed €50 million to a reforestation fund managed by Ardian, a leading private investment firm. The equity investment will support reforestation, afforestation, and the restoration of wetlands and mangroves across the globe, with a particular focus on projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The… [Read More]
€30 Million Funding Mobilised by EIB Global and ZICB to Strengthen Zambian Agri-Businesses
The European Investment Bank’s international arm, EIB Global, and Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) have signed an agreement to mobilise a combined €30 million to support private sector development in Zambia’s agricultural sector. The announcement was made during the EU-Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum in the presence of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and EU Commissioner… [Read More]
Strengthening EU-Laos Relations Through Sustainable Tourism Dialogue
The European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos, hosted the EU–Laos Business Talk & Networking event in Luang Prabang to mark the 50th anniversary of EU–Laos relations. The event was co-chaired by Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR, and Mr. Bounleua Sinxayvoravong,… [Read More]
European Union Unveils Plan to Boost Sri Lanka’s Agri-Food Investments
The European Union-funded CIRCULAR project has launched an Access to Finance Strategy to promote Circular Economy investments in Sri Lanka’s food sector. The strategy was presented during an event on 28 October at the Granbell Hotel in Colombo, which included the launch of the Diagnostic and Strategy Report titled “Financing Circular Economy Investments in the… [Read More]
Commissioner Síkela Announces €200 Million Team Europe Investment to Boost Zambia’s Industry
In Lusaka, Zambia, on 12 November 2025, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela announced over €200 million in Team Europe investments to boost Zambia’s industrial growth, skills development, and sustainable development under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The announcement was made at the EU–Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum, co-opened by President Hakainde Hichilema, which… [Read More]
