Barbados is strengthening financial access for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through a US$50 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The initiative, part of the IDB’s Flexible Financing Facility, is designed to encourage productive investments across the MSME sector. The funding will support loan guarantees issued through eligible financial intermediaries, enabling MSMEs… [Read More]
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Nepalese Unions Develop Custom Training Tools for Informal Workers
A design sprint in Kathmandu, Nepal brought together 14 worker representatives to co-develop union-led training tools aimed at supporting informal domestic and waste management workers. With 84.6% of Nepal’s workforce engaged in informal employment—many of whom are women—there is a pressing need for inclusive, rights-based solutions. These workers often lack formal contracts, social security coverage,… [Read More]
EU Proposes Partial Suspension of Israel’s Participation in Horizon Europe
The European Commission has proposed a partial suspension of Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe program. This measure specifically targets Israeli entities involved in activities funded under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, which supports start-ups and small businesses developing disruptive technologies. The decision is linked to the EU-Israel Association Agreement, particularly Article 2, which… [Read More]
European Union Continues Support to Tackle Nigeria’s Food Crisis
The European Union has refuted claims made in a 25 July press release by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which alleged that the EU, along with other international donors, had made significant cuts to humanitarian aid addressing nutrition insecurity in Nigeria. According to the EU Delegation in Nigeria, these claims are inaccurate. The EU Civil Protection… [Read More]
European Union Allocates €1.1M for Urgent Water Relief in Basra
In response to the worsening water crisis in Basra, located in southern Iraq, the European Union has allocated EUR 1.1 million in humanitarian aid. The funding will support emergency efforts to meet urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs over a six-month period, focusing on the most vulnerable populations. Around 500,000 people are estimated to… [Read More]
Apply Now: Digital Freedom Fund Grants Open for Summer 2025
In June 2025, the Digital Freedom Fund approved its latest round of grants, awarding 11 projects with a combined total of approximately EUR 380,000. These grants aim to support litigation that advances digital rights across Europe. With this new round, the Fund has now awarded over 130 grants worth nearly EUR 5 million since its… [Read More]
Beyond Aid: The World Bank Framework that Seeks to Empower Millions of Filipinos
The World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework for the Philippines covering 2025 to 2031 arrives at a pivotal moment in the country’s economic and social trajectory. With the Philippine economy nearing upper‑middle‑income status and development indicators showing considerable progress, the new framework is designed to build on this momentum while addressing persistent gaps in access… [Read More]
World Bank Pledges $50 Million to Empower African Think Tanks
African think tanks play a vital role in providing localized analysis and policy recommendations that have practical impacts on the ground. To support and enhance their influence, the World Bank has committed $50 million to strengthen these institutions, aiming to promote evidence-based policymaking across the continent. The funding is channeled through a new initiative under… [Read More]
Period Poverty: Why Millions of Girls and Women Can’t Afford Menstrual Products
Millions of women and girls around the world still lack access to basic menstrual products and safe water and sanitation facilities, severely affecting their ability to manage their menstrual health. This situation results in missed days at school or work and poses serious risks to their health, education, and overall well-being. Despite menstruation being a… [Read More]
Building Climate-Resilient Net Zero Agrifood Supply Chains: A Global Business Guide
This guide offers a practical framework to support agrifood companies in enhancing the resilience of their supply chains to climate-related risks while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The approach is closely aligned with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) of the countries where these businesses operate, helping ensure that corporate climate… [Read More]
Kenyan and Ugandan Civil Society Push for Inclusive HIV Services as US Funding Declines
Seven months after the Trump-Vance administration froze U.S. global aid, African countries severely affected by the cuts to health programs have begun implementing alternative strategies to address the funding crisis. While governments act urgently to fill the gaps, queer rights groups in Kenya and Uganda have raised concerns about being excluded from these interventions, stressing… [Read More]
Tackling Health-Care Stigma and Legal Barriers in Western and Central Africa
In 2023, a survey conducted across seven countries in western and central Africa revealed that over 12% of young people aged 18–24 living with HIV avoided health centers due to stigma associated with their status. Experiences such as refusal of care, humiliating remarks, and involuntary disclosure of HIV status contributed to this avoidance, highlighting widespread… [Read More]
SHF’s Impact: Advancing Sanitation Economies and the Menstrual Health Market
In mid-2025, the UN Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) commissioned an independent Mid-Term Review (MTR) to assess its progress, relevance, and impact, with the goal of guiding its next phase of strategic development. This review was more than an evaluation—it was a learning opportunity, intended to refine SHF’s role in the evolving development space and… [Read More]
FAO Africa CoP Highlights South Sudan’s Resilient Seed System Strategies in Fragile Settings
The FAO Regional Office for Africa Resilience Team conducted its third virtual Community of Practice (CoP) meeting on 8 July 2025, gathering FAO staff and technical experts from across the continent. The focus was on sharing practical lessons from South Sudan’s experience in strengthening seed systems within fragile and conflict-affected environments. South Sudan has significantly… [Read More]
New FAO Projects Target Soil Health and Water Management in the Global South
Two major initiatives have been launched in Zimbabwe to support sustainable management of soil and water resources. The projects, titled “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” and “National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” are designed to accelerate progress toward the SDGs by enhancing technical capacities, promoting inclusive governance, and… [Read More]
Orange Money Teams Up with Fintech JUMO to Boost Access to Credit in Africa
Orange Money Group and fintech provider JUMO have partnered to expand financial inclusion in Africa by introducing microcredit services targeting unbanked populations. The collaboration aims to strengthen Orange Money Group’s digital financial offerings by leveraging JUMO’s expertise in data analytics and artificial intelligence to enable secure, mobile-based credit solutions. With a combined reach of over… [Read More]
Top African Venture Capital Funds Actively Investing in 2025
Sport England has announced a significant investment aimed at transforming lives in Thurrock and surrounding areas through increased access to sport and physical activity. This initiative is part of the broader Place Partnership investment, which focuses on increasing physical activity levels, reducing inactivity, providing positive experiences for children and young people, and addressing inequalities in… [Read More]
£9.8 Million Funding to Build Stronger, More Active Communities in Essex
Sport England has announced a significant investment aimed at transforming lives in Thurrock through sport and physical activity. This is part of the Place Partnership programme, designed to increase physical activity levels, reduce inactivity, provide positive experiences for children and young people, and address inequalities within local communities. Backed by £250 million in National Lottery… [Read More]
$16 Million Funding to Empower Australia’s Social Impact Leaders
An unprecedented philanthropic investment of $16.4 million is set to significantly expand Australia’s leading leadership development initiative for the social sector — Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA). This funding aims to build the capacity of CEOs and organisations addressing complex social and environmental issues, by helping to close the leadership development gap between corporate and… [Read More]
UK NGOs Mark Race Riots Anniversary with CEO-Led Solidarity Statement
Ahead of the first anniversary of the race riots in the UK, 43 leaders from UK-based NGOs have issued a solidarity statement reaffirming their commitment to anti-racist leadership. The statement emphasizes a shift towards global solidarity, equitable relationships, mutual learning, and collective action in the international development and humanitarian sectors. The NGO leaders acknowledge their… [Read More]
UK Launches Civil Society Covenant to Strengthen Community Partnerships
The UK government has published the Civil Society Covenant following nearly a year of consultation and negotiation with civil society. The Covenant serves as a formal agreement aiming to create a respectful and supportive environment where civil society is both engaged as a partner and empowered to hold government accountable. It sets the stage for… [Read More]
£30 Million Funding Boost for Local Leaders Across UK Nations to Spur Innovation
The UK government has announced that local leaders across all four nations of the United Kingdom will each receive at least £30 million to direct science and technology funding towards their regional strengths. This initiative, part of the £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, aims to unlock transformative research and innovations that improve everyday life… [Read More]
Youth Strategic Investment Fund Welcomes Two New Organizations in 2025
Each year, the Youth Strategic Investment Fund provides long-term support to organisations driving youth-led change. Through this initiative, selected organisations receive grants totalling £550,000 over five years to cover core operational costs. In addition to financial support, each organisation is offered tailored expert assistance valued at £175,000 to strengthen their capacity and long-term sustainability. These… [Read More]
