The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and Banco Sabadell have announced a major financing initiative that will unlock nearly €1 billion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies across Spain. The agreement aims to strengthen business competitiveness, support investment growth, and improve access to financing for companies facing evolving market challenges. Under the… [Read More]
AFG Bank Cameroun Grows Assets, Deposits and Strategic Project Financing
AFG Bank Cameroun reported strong financial results for 2025, with net profit rising to CFA25.5 billion from CFA23.1 billion a year earlier. This represents growth of 10.4 percent and reflects the bank’s continued expansion in Cameroon’s competitive banking sector. The bank also recorded significant asset growth during the year. Total assets reached CFA1.55 trillion at… [Read More]
World Bank Approves $1.12 Billion Program for Central Africa Trade Corridor
The World Bank Group has approved a $1.12 billion program to modernize the Douala-Bangui economic corridor, one of Central Africa’s most important trade routes. The corridor links Cameroon’s Port of Douala with Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, and plays a critical role in regional trade and market access. The program was announced… [Read More]
New IOM-IsDB Partnership Aims to Boost Humanitarian Action and Resilience
The International Organization for Migration and the Islamic Development Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on humanitarian action, recovery and long-term resilience. The agreement will support migrants, displaced people and host communities across IsDB member countries. The MoU was signed during the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, at a… [Read More]
Why Investing in Human Capital Is Critical for Poverty Reduction
Human capital refers to the skills, knowledge, health and abilities that allow people to be productive and improve their lives. While society often suggests that success depends mainly on hard work, the article explains that opportunity is also shaped by inequality, access to education, healthcare and employment. The Human Capital Index Plus, or HCI+, helps… [Read More]
How Developing Countries Can Balance Digital Sovereignty and Global Connectivity
Digital sovereignty has become an important policy issue for lower- and middle-income countries as artificial intelligence and digital systems increasingly shape economies, public services and development. Many countries rely on digital infrastructure, platforms and systems that are built, owned or operated by actors they do not fully control or regulate. The debate reflects legitimate concerns… [Read More]
World Bank Research Explains High Borrowing Costs in Developing Economies
Businesses in developing countries often face higher borrowing costs than comparable firms in wealthier economies. According to new research, firms in low- and middle-income countries pay an average of two percentage points more in real interest, creating a major barrier to private sector growth, investment and job creation. The research examines more than 330,000 bond… [Read More]
PAHO Warns Vaccine Misinformation Can Undermine Public Health
The Pan American Health Organization has published new guidance for journalists and content creators to help audiences identify and counter vaccine misinformation. The guidance comes as false and misleading information continues to weaken confidence in immunization across the Americas, despite strong scientific evidence showing that vaccines are safe and effective. PAHO warns that misinformation often… [Read More]
African Development Fund Approves $8.5 Million Grant to Restore Irrigation Schemes in Malawi
The African Development Fund has approved an $8.49 million grant to support communities in Malawi affected by climate-related devastation and strengthen their resilience to future disasters. The funding will be provided through the Climate Action Window, which supports vulnerable countries facing climate risks. The grant will focus on Phalombe and Thyolo, two districts that were… [Read More]
AfDB Supports Benin’s Efforts to Expand Youth Employment Opportunities
Applications are open in Benin for 2,500 young job-seekers to access reskilling programmes and apprenticeship placements in agriculture and renewable energy. The opportunity is supported by the African Development Bank and the Government of Benin under the Skills Development for Employment in Priority Sectors Project. The project aims to improve youth employability by helping young… [Read More]
IOM Seeks USD 55.8 Million to Prevent Regional Spread of Ebola
The International Organization for Migration has launched a six-month Regional Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan seeking USD 55.8 million to strengthen coordinated action across 11 countries. The appeal follows the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and aims to prevent the virus from spreading further across the region. So far, USD… [Read More]
How Guyana Strengthened Institutions and Communities to Reduce Violence
Guyana has made significant progress in reducing violence through targeted investments in stronger institutions and community-level initiatives. In the early 2010s, the country faced serious public safety challenges, including rising homicide rates, high robbery levels and low public confidence in law enforcement institutions. The impacts of violence were especially severe for vulnerable groups, including young… [Read More]
How Banking Competition Can Support SMEs, Jobs and Economic Growth
Access to affordable finance is essential for economic development because businesses need credit to invest, expand and create jobs, while households rely on loans to manage income changes, buy homes and pay for education. However, in Latin America and the Caribbean, credit remains limited and expensive, partly because banking competition is weak. The region’s banking… [Read More]
Record 24,174 Children Suffered Grave Rights Violations in 2025, Says UN
A new report by the United Nations has revealed that a record 24,174 children experienced grave violations of their rights during armed conflicts in 2025, representing an eight percent increase compared to the previous year. The violations were documented across 23 conflict situations worldwide and include killing, maiming, recruitment, attacks on schools and hospitals, and… [Read More]
Humanity AI Launches $18 Million Fund to Support Public-Interest AI Initiatives
A coalition of ten major philanthropic organizations operating through the Humanity AI initiative has announced more than $18 million in funding to strengthen the public-interest side of artificial intelligence. The initiative focuses on ensuring that AI development supports democracy, education, labor rights, journalism, and social well-being rather than being driven solely by commercial interests. The… [Read More]
Singapore-Based Foundation Healthcare Launches IPO Targeting $187 Million
Foundation Healthcare Holdings, a Singapore-based private healthcare provider backed by SeaTown, is seeking to raise up to S$242 million (approximately US$187 million) through an initial public offering on the Singapore Exchange. The company plans to offer shares priced between S$0.76 and S$0.92, which could value the business at between S$1.01 billion and S$1.20 billion. The… [Read More]
HPV Vaccine Eliminates Cervical Cancer Deaths Among Young Women in England, Study Finds
A groundbreaking new study has found that no women aged 20 to 24 died from cervical cancer in England between 2020 and 2024, marking the first time the country has recorded zero deaths in this age group since the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Published in The Lancet, the study analyzed cervical cancer… [Read More]
Indonesia Strengthens Energy Security Through Renewable Energy and Community Resilience
Indonesia is accelerating its transition toward a more secure, sustainable, and climate-resilient energy future with support from multiple United Nations agencies. As countries worldwide face energy price volatility, supply disruptions, and increasing climate risks, Indonesia is investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and community-based solutions to strengthen long-term energy security. A key focus of the… [Read More]
Nine Essential Ways to Stay Safe and Cool During a Heatwave
As heatwaves become more frequent and intense across the world, health experts are urging people to take precautions to protect themselves from extreme temperatures. Heatwaves are already linked to nearly 500,000 deaths annually and pose serious risks to older adults, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those with existing health conditions. Experts recommend preparing homes… [Read More]
AI Startups Drive India’s Weekly Funding to $432 Million Across 23 Deals
India’s startup ecosystem witnessed a significant funding surge during the week of June 15–20, 2026, with 23 startups collectively raising nearly $432 million across 21 disclosed deals. The total investment represents a 70.5% increase compared to the previous week, reflecting stronger investor confidence and renewed momentum across the innovation landscape. Growth-stage startups accounted for the… [Read More]
From Unemployed Graduate to Entrepreneur: How Marko Guri Is Showcasing Northern Albania
What began as a period of unemployment after graduation has turned into an inspiring entrepreneurial success story for 25-year-old Marko Guri, who is now helping put northern Albania on the tourism map through his growing business, Hidden Routes Albania. After earning a degree in economics, Marko faced the challenge experienced by many young Albanians—limited job… [Read More]
Government Amends FCRA Rules, Strengthening Oversight of Foreign-Funded NGOs
The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Rules (FCRA), introducing stricter requirements for non-profit organizations seeking or receiving foreign funding. Under the revised regulations, organizations must now select their objectives from a predefined list of approved purposes and clearly identify the states or Union Territories where they intend to carry out their activities…. [Read More]
Pope Leo XIV Visits World Food Programme to Highlight Global Hunger Crisis
Pope Leo XIV visited the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) headquarters in Rome, demonstrating strong support for global efforts to combat rising hunger and food insecurity. The visit comes at a critical time as humanitarian organizations face increasing challenges due to growing food crises and declining funding. During his visit, Pope Leo XIV honored… [Read More]
