The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 90 billion tenge loan, equivalent to $173.6 million, to Otbasy Bank JSC to expand access to affordable housing finance for women and introduce green mortgage products for low- to moderate-income households in Kazakhstan. Announced in Astana on 1 April 2026, the initiative is aimed at improving housing… [Read More]
AfDB Invests €7.5 Million in Breega Africa Seed I Fund
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a €7.5 million investment in the Breega Africa Seed I Fund to support some of Africa’s most promising early-stage technology start-ups. The financing is designed to help innovative young businesses grow during their critical early phases and strengthen the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The… [Read More]
African Development Bank Invests $15M in SPE PEF III
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a $15 million equity investment in the SPE PEF III private equity fund to help growth-stage businesses expand across Africa. The decision was made in Abidjan on 25 March 2026, reflecting the Bank’s continued commitment to supporting enterprise development and private sector growth… [Read More]
Parliament Urged to Act on Fuel Crisis Immediately
Fuel prices in South Africa are expected to rise sharply, with petrol increasing by over R5 per litre and diesel by over R10 per litre, yet Parliament is nearing the end of its term with no sittings scheduled before the price hike on 1 April. The DA has formally requested the National Assembly to reconvene… [Read More]
Legal Aid and Forced Displacement in Latin America: Why It Matters
Legal aid is a vital tool for protecting the lives and rights of displaced persons, refugees, and migrants in Latin America. In a region where barriers to asylum, immigration regularization, housing, and birth registration are significant, early and ongoing legal assistance ensures that protection is real and effective, rather than just theoretical. Legal aid helps… [Read More]
New Danish Refugee Council Program Backed by Coca-Cola Foundation
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), with support from The Coca-Cola Foundation, has launched Fair Recycling 2.0 to transform plastic waste management into dignified livelihoods and formal employment opportunities for refugees and displaced people in Kenya and Uganda. Africa faces a rapid surge in plastic waste alongside growing refugee populations, many of whom rely on informal… [Read More]
Madagascar Crisis: Youth-Led Revolution Gives Way to Repression and Military Control
Madagascar’s recent political trajectory highlights a shift from a youth-driven demand for reform to increasing military control and repression. In September, widespread protests led by the Gen Z Madagascar movement erupted over worsening living conditions, corruption, and governance failures. Public outrage intensified following revelations about President Andry Rajoelina’s dual citizenship, which many saw as undermining… [Read More]
Small-Scale Green Projects in Poland Get Boost from EIB and Santander
The European Investment Bank (EIB), European Investment Fund (EIF), and Santander Consumer Bank (SCB) have launched a synthetic securitisation to unlock PLN 860 million in funding for Polish SMEs and individuals investing in green projects, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy efficiency. Under the transaction, the EIB Group guarantees a portfolio of existing… [Read More]
Free Speech at Risk? Zimbabwe Public Hearings Raise Human Rights Concerns
Amnesty International has called on Zimbabwean authorities to uphold fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026. The organization emphasized the need to guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for all participants, warning that any restrictions could undermine democratic engagement and public trust in… [Read More]
Israel Expands Death Penalty Powers, Sparks Global Human Rights Concerns
Israel’s parliament has approved new legislative amendments expanding the use of the death penalty, prompting strong criticism from Amnesty International and other human rights advocates. The law, referred to as the “Death Penalty for Terrorists,” broadens the scope of capital punishment and introduces new mechanisms for its application in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian… [Read More]
Baltic Microenterprises Receive €15M Boost via EIF-Backed Capitalia Initiative
The smallest companies in the Baltics will be eligible for up to €15 million in loans through an initiative by alternative financing provider Capitalia, supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF). Using an EIF guarantee under the EU’s InvestEU programme, Capitalia will offer crowdfunded loans of up to €50,000 with maturities of up to 36… [Read More]
New GCF Regional Offices Aim to Improve Climate Funding Access Worldwide
The Green Climate Fund (GCF), the United Nations’ primary climate finance mechanism, has announced the establishment of five new regional hubs aimed at improving access to climate funding for developing countries. The selected locations include Panama City, Amman in Jordan, Suva in Fiji, Nairobi in Kenya, and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. This expansion marks a… [Read More]
MC14 Concludes with Joint Ministerial Declaration from IFD Members
The 129 WTO members participating in the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) issued a joint ministerial declaration on 29 March at the conclusion of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, highlighting strong political support, expanded participation, and backing for incorporating the Agreement into the WTO rulebook. The declaration signals members’ commitment to… [Read More]
UK Invests £950,000 to Boost Global Trade Facilitation Programme (2026–2029)
The United Kingdom has committed £950,000 to support the next phase of the “Accelerate Trade Facilitation” programme for the period 2026–2029. This initiative, implemented jointly by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Customs Organization, and UK Customs, aims to strengthen global trade systems and help countries better integrate into international… [Read More]
Global Food Security at Risk as Fertilizer Trade Faces Disruption from Hormuz Crisis
The ongoing conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz has triggered major disruptions in global energy and fertilizer supply chains, creating growing concerns for food security, trade, and economic stability. As one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, the Strait plays a central role in transporting oil, natural gas, and fertilizers. However, shipping activity has… [Read More]
Strategic Property Sale Approved by Maitland City Council
Maitland City Bowls, Sports & Recreation Club has approached Maitland City Council to purchase the land and buildings at 12 Woodberry Street, Rutherford, currently leased by Kookaburra Korner Early Education Centre. At a council meeting on 17 March 2026, it was resolved to proceed with the sale, enabling Club Maitland City to submit a major… [Read More]
€19M Annual Aid Reinstated: Netherlands Backs UNRWA Despite Political Opposition
The Dutch government has reinstated its annual financial contribution of €19 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees. This decision marks a reversal of the previous government’s stance, which had suspended funding following allegations by Israel that a small number of UNRWA staff were involved in… [Read More]
GIP+ Initiative Strengthens UK-Philippines Economic Ties
The UK and the Philippines have officially launched the UK-Philippines Growth and Investment Partnerships Plus (UK-PH GIP+), marking the next phase of their long-term economic collaboration. Building on the 2023 Growth and Investment Partnerships, GIP+ aims to promote transparent, green investment, job creation, and integration into global value chains while opening new opportunities for UK… [Read More]
Enhancing Education: UK-Philippines EdTech Partnership
The British Embassy Manila and the Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) are strengthening their partnership to promote equitable, evidence-based use of education technology (EdTech) across the country. Supported by UK International Development and delivered through the EdTech Hub, the collaboration provides expert guidance to improve foundational learning and build a more resilient education system. Key… [Read More]
New UK Funding Model Sparks Concerns Over Loss of Critical Youth Services
Concerns are growing across Northern Ireland as proposed changes to UK government funding threaten vital services that support vulnerable young people. The replacement of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) with the new Local Growth Fund, set to take effect on 1 April, has raised alarm among community organisations, many of which rely heavily on… [Read More]
EIB and Santander Unlock PLN 860 Million for Green Energy Projects in Poland
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, together with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Santander Consumer Bank (SCB), has launched a major financing initiative aimed at accelerating green investments in Poland. Through this collaboration, a total of PLN 860 million will be made available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals, enabling them to… [Read More]
Paris and London Strengthen Food Security and Cooperation
The UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds, and the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard, met in Paris to discuss food security, agricultural resilience, and the future of agri-food trade between the UK, France, and the EU. They emphasized the importance of strong domestic agricultural production… [Read More]
Local Food Procurement Boosts Schools, Hospitals, and Public Services
Pupils, patients, and public sector workers across England will benefit from healthier, more sustainably sourced meals as several councils, including Middlesbrough, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, and Cambridge, receive £155,000 each to strengthen local food procurement. The funding will help councils improve how food is sourced, increase access to nutritious and sustainable options, and support local… [Read More]
