Bengaluru-based quick commerce startup FirstClub has raised $55 million in a Series B funding round, marking a major milestone in its rapid growth journey within India’s competitive grocery delivery sector. The round was led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina, with continued participation from existing investors including Accel, RTP Global, and Paramark Ventures. The latest… [Read More]
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EIB Releases Second $576.2 Million Tranche for Morocco Earthquake Reconstruction
June 2026 – The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced the disbursement of a second loan tranche worth €500 million ($576.2 million) to support Morocco’s ongoing earthquake reconstruction programme. This latest financing brings the EIB’s total post-earthquake commitment to €1 billion, following the first tranche released in October 2024. The funds will be directed toward… [Read More]
A Mother’s Strength: Surviving Conflict and Rebuilding Hope in Sudan
A 30-year-old mother of five, Sarro Suliman, has shared her story of displacement, survival, and resilience after conflict forced her to flee her home in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan. Her experience highlights the human cost of ongoing violence and the struggle of families trying to rebuild their lives amid instability. Before the conflict escalated… [Read More]
€6.3 Million Cross-Border Peace Project to Unite Creeslough and Greysteel Communities
A new €6.3 million Peaceplus-funded initiative has been launched to support long-term healing, regeneration, and community-building between the rural communities of Creeslough in County Donegal and Greysteel in County Derry. The project aims to strengthen cross-border relationships through shared spaces, wellbeing programmes, and community-led development. The funding will support major infrastructure and engagement activities across… [Read More]
Norvestor Closes Oversubscribed €2 Billion Flagship Fund
June 2026 – Nordic private equity firm Norvestor has announced the successful closing of its flagship fund, Norvestor X SCSp (Fund X), at its hard cap of €2 billion. The fund surpassed its €1.8 billion target just three months after launch, reflecting strong investor confidence in Norvestor’s mid-market investment strategy. Building on more than three… [Read More]
ARM-Harith Secures $76 Million for Africa Climate Fund
June 2026 – ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments has achieved a $76 million first close for its pioneering Multi-Currency Climate Fund, a blended finance platform designed to accelerate infrastructure investment across sub-Saharan Africa. Targeting a $200 million final close, the fund is Africa’s first integrated structure combining US dollar and local currency investments, addressing one of the… [Read More]
UN Warns Humanity’s Future Depends on Protecting a Rapidly Changing Ocean
A major United Nations scientific assessment has warned that the future of humanity is closely tied to the health of the ocean, which is facing accelerating environmental pressure from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. The findings were highlighted in the World Ocean Assessment, compiled by around 550 experts from 86 countries over nearly five years…. [Read More]
Egypt Launches Red Sea Initiative to Protect Coral Reefs and Build a Sustainable Blue Economy
Egypt has launched the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative, a national programme aimed at protecting coral reef ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable tourism and green investment along the Red Sea coast. The initiative was announced during World Environment Day 2026 celebrations in the Red Sea Governorate, bringing together government representatives, development partners, private sector… [Read More]
Egypt Launches Digital Skills Programme for 10,000 Students
June 2026 – Egypt has unveiled its largest-ever digital skills summer programme, targeting 10,000 university students with training in the most in-demand technology fields. The initiative, announced by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), is designed to strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional hub for digital services and outsourcing. Implemented in partnership with the… [Read More]
Africa’s First Inclusive-Insurance Fund Hits $12M First Close
June 2026 – Mauritius-based 3IF Ventures has announced the first close of its Inclusive Insurance Investment Fund, raising $12 million to back Africa’s growing insurtech ecosystem. Co-anchored by FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi) and ZEP-RE, the pan-African reinsurer, the fund is the first impact venture-capital vehicle dedicated to insurance start-ups across the continent. The fund is… [Read More]
$30 Million Investment to Improve Drinking Water Safety in New Zealand Schools
The New Zealand Government has announced a $30 million investment under the Drinking Water in Schools Programme to upgrade water infrastructure in rural and remote schools and ensure safer, more reliable drinking water for students. Education Minister Erica Stanford said around 20 percent of schools and kura manage their own water supplies, with many located… [Read More]
New $62.5 Million Investment to Expand Classrooms Across South Island Schools
The New Zealand Government has announced a $62.5 million investment to build new classrooms and upgrade existing school facilities across the South Island, aiming to address growing student populations and improve learning environments. The funding package will deliver 59 additional classrooms across multiple regions, with a significant share allocated to Canterbury, where rapid housing development… [Read More]
Japan and FAO Launch $1.33M Fisheries Recovery Project in Sri Lanka’s East
Colombo — June 8, 2026 — Japan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, have launched a USD 1.33 million initiative to restore fisheries and rebuild livelihoods in the Eastern Province following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah earlier this year. The project, running from… [Read More]
EBRD and EU Boost Youth Entrepreneurship in Mongolia with $80 Million Financing
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union (EU), is expanding support for youth-led businesses in Mongolia through a new financing facility worth up to $80 million for XacBank, one of the country’s leading financial institutions. The initiative is designed to strengthen access to finance for young entrepreneurs and… [Read More]
CAR Secures $90M World Bank Grant for Roads and Energy
Bangui — June 5, 2026 — The Central African Republic (CAR) has secured a $90 million grant from the World Bank to finance critical road and energy infrastructure projects, marking a major step in boosting connectivity, electricity access, and economic growth. The funding will support the Bangui-Gara-Mboulaï corridor, a vital trade route linking CAR’s capital to Cameroon… [Read More]
EBRD and EU Expand SME Go Green Programme to Accelerate Green Investment in Western Balkans
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union (EU), has expanded its SME Go Green Programme to increase access to green finance for small and medium-sized enterprises across the Western Balkans. The initiative aims to support sustainable business growth while accelerating the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The… [Read More]
EBRD Expands Trade and Green Finance Support in Kyrgyz Republic with $25 Million Package
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a new financing package of up to $25 million for Demir Kyrgyz International Bank to strengthen trade, promote green investment, and support business growth in the Kyrgyz Republic. The initiative aims to enhance economic resilience while addressing climate-related challenges facing the country. The funding package… [Read More]
From Field to Digital Platform: Armenia Builds Biodiversity Data Skills
Yerevan — June 5, 2026 — In celebration of International Biodiversity Day, a two-day intensive training series titled From Field to Digital Platform: Biodiversity Data Management was held on May 26–27. Organized by the UNDP BES-Net Armenia project in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Environment, the training aimed to strengthen biodiversity data knowledge and management skills… [Read More]
EBRD Provides $15 Million to Boost Green Finance and Women’s Entrepreneurship in Tajikistan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing up to $15 million in financing to two Tajik banks, the Investment and Credit Bank of Tajikistan (ICB) and Bank Arvand, to expand access to green finance and support women-led businesses. The initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion while promoting climate resilience and sustainable economic… [Read More]
Bhutan’s National Waste Survey Highlights Urgent Need for Stronger Management
Thimphu — June 5, 2026 — Bhutan has released the findings of its National Waste Inventory Survey 2025, providing the most comprehensive data yet to guide waste policy, infrastructure planning, and investment. The survey reveals that daily waste output has surged to 240,940 kilograms, a 40 percent increase since 2019, underscoring the urgency of strengthening waste management… [Read More]
EBRD Provides €95 Million Loan to Rebuild Water Infrastructure in Earthquake-Hit Malatya
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a sovereign loan of up to €95 million to rehabilitate and modernize water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems in Malatya, Türkiye. The investment aims to restore essential municipal services severely damaged during the February 2023 earthquakes while strengthening the city’s long-term resilience. The financing will… [Read More]
Ocean Plastic Pollution Continues to Rise, UN Warns Ahead of World Ocean Day 2026
Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is increasing at an alarming rate, posing severe risks to marine ecosystems, human health, and global economies, according to a new analysis highlighted by the United Nations ahead of World Ocean Day 2026. Despite growing awareness, scientists warn that the scale of the problem continues to expand due to… [Read More]
UNDP and IMF-CEF Launch Training on Sovereign Thematic Bonds and Sukuk
June 7, 2026 — Virtual Programme — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Monetary Fund Middle East Center for Economics and Finance (IMF-CEF) have launched a new regional training programme to explore how sovereign thematic bonds and sukuk can help governments finance national priorities and long-term development goals. The initiative convened government officials from… [Read More]
