The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, is investing up to $250 million in Sicredi, a nationwide cooperative financial institution in Brazil, to expand access to finance for micro and small enterprises (MSEs), with a particular focus on women-led businesses and underserved communities in the Legal Amazon. This financing package includes… [Read More]
IFC Teams Up with JBM Group and GreenCell Mobility to Boost Electric Bus Adoption in India
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is investing $137 million to advance electric public transport in India, providing $100 million to JBM ECOLIFE (JBM), a leading e-bus manufacturer and operator, and $37 million in mezzanine capital to GreenCell Mobility, India’s largest OEM-agnostic e-bus operator. These investments aim to deploy 4,000 e-buses and charging stations across 39… [Read More]
IFC Celebrates 20 Years in Iraq, Unveils $1 Billion in New Investments for Development
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, held an IFC Partnerships Day in Baghdad to celebrate 20 years of impact in Iraq and to announce $1 billion in new investments across energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, and finance. The event, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, underscored IFC’s… [Read More]
Botswana Launches $1 Billion Wealth Fund to Boost Economic Diversification and Jobs
Botswana, long considered an African economic success story, is facing a slump due to a prolonged downturn in the global diamond market, its main export. To address this challenge, the country has launched a new sovereign wealth fund aimed at driving economic diversification, creating jobs, and managing state-owned companies. Unlike the existing Pula Fund, which… [Read More]
Poland Shoots Down Russian Drones: Is Putin Escalating His War on Europe?
On Wednesday, Poland shot down several Russian drones that had entered its eastern territory near the borders with Ukraine and Belarus. These incursions coincided with Russia’s large-scale drone and missile strikes in Ukraine and have sparked concerns over whether the drones strayed by accident or represent an intentional escalation by President Vladimir Putin. In response,… [Read More]
KawiSafi Secures $90 Million to Drive Climate Solutions Across Africa
Acumen has launched its second KawiSafi fund, securing $90 million in approved capital, including $40 million in committed capital, to accelerate climate solutions across Africa. Supported by the African Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and the Quadrature Climate Foundation, the fund targets fast-growing businesses that promote a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and… [Read More]
10th Africa Scout Youth Forum Begins in Madagascar Promoting Peace and Youth Leadership
The 10th Africa Scout Youth Forum opened on 14 September 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar, bringing together over 60 young participants from 31 African countries. Centered on the theme “Living Together for Peace,” the forum addresses challenges such as conflict, insecurity, and forced displacement, which disproportionately affect young people across the continent. The event provides a… [Read More]
EU Provides €40 Million to Protect Ukraine Civilians from Harsh Winter
The European Commission is providing an additional €40 million in humanitarian funding to support Ukrainians as they face a fourth winter under the ongoing war of aggression by Russia. This funding aims to enhance Ukraine’s winter preparedness and protect civilians from extreme cold conditions. EU humanitarian aid partners will use the funding to provide shelter… [Read More]
EIB Provides €80 Million Loan to CAF for Innovation and Sustainable Mobility Projects
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Compañía Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) have signed an €80 million loan agreement to finance CAF’s research, development, and innovation (RD&I) programme. The financing will support the company’s efforts to modernize the mobility sector and make it more sustainable by applying advanced technologies to trains and buses. CAF develops comprehensive… [Read More]
Turkiye Faces Major Social Media and Messaging Platform Disruptions
Human rights and press freedom organizations have condemned Türkiye for throttling social media platforms and messaging apps during politically sensitive events, saying it restricts public access to vital information and impedes democratic participation. On September 7, major platforms including X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal were inaccessible in Istanbul for about 21… [Read More]
Ethiopian Health Professionals Set to Resume Strike Amid Ongoing Disputes
Health professionals in Ethiopia are set to resume striking on September 15 to demand better wages and living conditions, marking the second major strike in recent months. The nationwide walkout in May, organized by the Ethiopian Health Professionals Movement (EHPM), halted nonemergency health services and highlighted grievances including fair salaries, improved working conditions, health insurance,… [Read More]
USDA Announces $1 Billion Support for Livestock Producers Affected by Floods and Wildfires
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that eligible livestock producers affected by floods and wildfires in 2023 and 2024 can receive disaster recovery assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW). The program, which aims to offset increased supplemental feed costs caused by qualifying disasters, is expected to provide… [Read More]
US Awards $500 Million Grant to Expand Green Iron Production and Reduce Emissions
The Australian government has released guidelines for the National Development Stream of the Green Iron Investment Fund, providing eligible businesses with an early opportunity to prepare their applications. The program offers $500 million in grant funding to support the growth of a domestic green iron industry, aiming to position Australia as a leader in sustainable… [Read More]
Trump Administration Halts Funding for Global HIV/AIDS Programs Amid Uncertain Impact
The United States has suspended some funding for its flagship HIV/AIDS relief program, PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), raising alarms among international organizations and members of Congress about the immediate impact on patients and global projects. PEPFAR, established in 2003, has been credited with saving over 26 million lives and providing antiretroviral therapy… [Read More]
Equal Pay: A Fundamental Right and Key to Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
On International Equal Pay Day, UN Women reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women workers globally in the effort to close the persistent gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for work of equal value. Despite three decades since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and reaffirmation in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, women… [Read More]
HKMU Wins Over HK$33 Million in RGC Research Funding, Leading Self-Financing Institutions
In the latest round of the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local Self-financing Degree Sector of the Research Grants Council (RGC), Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) secured over HK$33.42 million for 47 projects, representing more than 37.1% of the total allocation. For the third consecutive year, HKMU ranked first among all local self-financing institutions… [Read More]
Resolution Ventures Launches £9 Million WorkerTech Fund to Support Innovative Start-Ups
Resolution Ventures, the social investment arm of the Resolution Foundation, has launched a £9 million WorkerTech fund to back startups using technology to improve conditions for workers in sectors with low pay and insecure employment. The first close of the fund has already secured £6.75 million, with the goal of reaching £9 million. The fund… [Read More]
Ontario Secures $100 Million Investment to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chain
Electra Battery Materials is set to establish North America’s first battery-grade cobalt refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, with a total investment of nearly $100 million. The Ontario government is supporting the project as part of its strategy to strengthen domestic supply chains, protect jobs, and support key sectors, including the automotive industry, amid U.S. tariffs… [Read More]
Canada Launches Greener Homes Program to Lower Energy Bills and Reduce Emissions
Canada has launched the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP), a new initiative aimed at helping low- to median-income households reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions through no-cost home retrofits. Buildings are Canada’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, making energy-efficient heating, cooling, and power critical to tackling climate change. The program represents a… [Read More]
British Embassy Dublin Awarded Autism Accreditation for Inclusive Practices
The British Embassy in Dublin has officially been awarded its AsIAm Autism Accreditation, becoming the first autism-friendly embassy in Ireland and the first within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) network worldwide. This milestone reflects the Embassy’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion for both visitors and staff. The accreditation is the result of more… [Read More]
UK and Brazil Partner to Lead Global Efforts on Fertiliser Sustainability
The United Kingdom and Brazil have signed a new partnership aimed at addressing the environmental impact of fertilisers while unlocking their economic potential. The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, focuses on making fertiliser production and use more sustainable and efficient. Priority areas include protecting biodiversity, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening resilient supply… [Read More]
UK Announces £1.1 Billion Investment to Create Jobs and Boost Growth in Coastal Towns
The UK government and private industry have announced a joint investment of more than £1.1 billion to boost growth, jobs and skills in coastal towns and cities, with a strong focus on maritime innovation and clean energy. The funding, revealed at London International Shipping Week (LISW), includes £448 million in government support and £700 million… [Read More]
UN Report: Human Rights in DPR Korea Remain Dire After a Decade
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) interviewed 314 witnesses who fled the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), along with consulting organizations and experts, to assess the country’s human rights situation since 2014. The findings reveal that conditions have not improved and, in many cases, have worsened, bringing further suffering to the population. James Heenan,… [Read More]
