The European Union-funded CIRCULAR project has launched an Access to Finance Strategy to promote Circular Economy investments in Sri Lanka’s food sector. The strategy was presented during an event on 28 October at the Granbell Hotel in Colombo, which included the launch of the Diagnostic and Strategy Report titled “Financing Circular Economy Investments in the… [Read More]
Business
Commissioner Síkela Announces €200 Million Team Europe Investment to Boost Zambia’s Industry
In Lusaka, Zambia, on 12 November 2025, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela announced over €200 million in Team Europe investments to boost Zambia’s industrial growth, skills development, and sustainable development under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The announcement was made at the EU–Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum, co-opened by President Hakainde Hichilema, which… [Read More]
Supporting Agribusiness: EBRD Drives Expansion of Small Farms in Mongolia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a loan of up to US$ 20 million (€16.8 million) to Khan Bank, Mongolia’s largest private financial institution, aimed at supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the country’s agricultural sector. The initiative seeks to strengthen the resilience of Mongolia’s agribusinesses, enhance food security,… [Read More]
Building a Sustainable Future: How Mongolian Businesses Embrace Integrity and Accountability
Over 70 leading Mongolian companies gathered in Ulaanbaatar for a national business conference focused on integrity, compliance, and sustainability. Jointly organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), the event aimed to strengthen corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices. The conference, held on 6 November 2025,… [Read More]
Building Resilience in the Pacific Through Fair and Inclusive Wage Systems
A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Massey Business School, highlights that effective minimum wage systems are crucial for reducing working poverty, advancing social justice, and enhancing economic resilience across Pacific Island Countries. The report, titled “Minimum Wage Systems and Wage-Setting Practices in the Pacific Island Countries,” offers a… [Read More]
Powering a Greener Future: How Smart Investments Are Driving Climate Action and Sustainability
In North Macedonia, the Green Finance Facility (GFF), supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund, is demonstrating how strategic investment can drive measurable progress toward sustainability. By turning every dollar invested into US$12.65 in private investment and development benefits, the initiative highlights how innovative financing can mobilize markets and accelerate the clean energy transition. Through… [Read More]
Clean Water for Dumai: Indonesia’s Journey Toward Sustainable Water Access
In the coastal city of Dumai, Indonesia, access to clean water was once a daily struggle. Residents like Dede Handayani, a mother of two, spent up to US$64 a month buying water from vendors while relying on well water for washing and gardening. Local businesses also struggled to maintain hygiene, and the municipal water utility,… [Read More]
Ecuador Strengthens Financial Access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to Drive Economic Growth
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Ecuador’s economy, accounting for 99 percent of firms and around 60 percent of formal employment, or approximately 1.8 million jobs. However, MSMEs have long struggled with limited access to financing, compounded by political instability and recurring crises such as energy shortages. Ecuador’s financial system faces… [Read More]
AfDB Approves $71.55 Million Project to Generate 28,000 Jobs for Ghanaian Women and Youth
The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a $71.55 million grant to Ghana to fund a new four-year programme (2026–2029) designed to create jobs and enhance social cohesion among women and youth, particularly in the country’s northern regions. The initiative aims to train 28,000 individuals and generate 22,000 direct jobs along with… [Read More]
AfDB Grants $100 Million to Emerging Africa and Asia Infrastructure Fund to Boost Green Infrastructure
The African Development Bank Group has approved a $100 million loan to the Emerging Africa and Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) to strengthen sustainable infrastructure development across Africa. The financing aims to attract greater private sector investment and support projects in renewable energy, digital connectivity, transportation, and other critical sectors that foster inclusive growth and climate… [Read More]
Global Push at COP30: Sustainable Cooling and AI Innovation to Combat Heat
At COP30, the intersection of technology, climate action, and sustainable development is taking centre stage, with a strong focus on both artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable cooling solutions. AI is already helping farmers predict droughts, manage crops, and plan irrigation more efficiently, offering real-time data-driven insights that can improve food security. However, the environmental cost… [Read More]
$300 Million CESCE-Backed Loan for Panama Power Grid Modernisation by EIB and Naturgy
EIB Global, the international partnerships and development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Naturgy Energy Group have signed a $300 million CESCE-guaranteed loan to modernise and expand Panama’s power grid. The agreement, the largest loan EIB has signed for a private company in Central America, aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of… [Read More]
Empowering Women and Promoting Sustainability: EIB Global Partners with Banco do Brasil in the Amazon
EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, has committed €350 million in a funding initiative with Banco do Brasil to support women-led businesses and renewable energy projects in the Legal Amazon region. The partnership was formalised during the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, and is part… [Read More]
Shaping a Better Future for Migrants: IOM Brings Together Global Voices
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched the 2025 International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) in Geneva, a global forum that unites governments, community leaders, and experts to focus on making migration safer, fairer, and more humane. The Dialogue emphasizes practical solutions for migrants, including recognizing skills, granting legal identity, improving access to visas, securing… [Read More]
How Digital Innovation Is Making Cooling Smarter and Greener in Trinidad & Tobago
At the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), a groundbreaking pilot project is transforming how cooling is managed across the country. Beyond keeping indoor spaces comfortable, the initiative aims to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and equip the next generation of technicians and engineers with essential skills for sustainable technology adoption. Cooling systems, including air… [Read More]
Empowering PWDs: UNDP & Digicel Foundation Innovation Challenge
In a landmark initiative for disability inclusion in Trinidad and Tobago, the Digicel Foundation partnered with the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme to award six entities through the first-of-its-kind ‘Innovation Challenge’ grant. The program provides each grantee with funding of up to TT$450,000 to advance their business ideas and transform… [Read More]
From Preparedness to Action: Turning Planning into Effective Outcomes
The Caribbean and Central American regions have long faced hurricanes, but the frequency and intensity of these storms have increased in recent years, causing growing damage and losses. Notable examples include Hurricane Mitch in 1998, Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, Dorian in 2019, Beryl in 2024, and Melissa in 2025. These events highlight the… [Read More]
EU Returns Thousands of Africans Home, Many Complain of Lack of Support
Oumar Bella Diallo, a 24-year-old from Guinea, returned home in July after nearly a year attempting to reach Europe, during which he faced police attacks, scams, and witnessed fellow migrants die in the desert. He is one of tens of thousands of Africans repatriated through a European Union-funded program run by the International Organization for… [Read More]
New Employment Policy in Namibia Aims to Address Jobless Growth and Boost Decent Work
The Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), in partnership with the Hanns Seidel Foundation, recently held a policy dialogue under the theme “The jobless growth puzzle: Can Namibia unlock inclusive prosperity?” The event brought together senior government officials, economists, representatives of business and workers’ organizations, and university students to discuss how Namibia can transition from jobless… [Read More]
Namibia Advances Toward New National Employment Policy to Drive Job Creation
At the beginning of November 2025, national experts and social partners gathered in Swakopmund, Namibia, to advance the drafting of the country’s third National Employment Policy (NEP). The technical workshop, led by the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, brought together representatives from government institutions, employers, and workers’ organizations. The shared objective was to shape… [Read More]
Promoting Ethical Fashion: Indonesia Business Forum 2025 Advances Responsible Garment Production
The Indonesia Business Forum (IBF) 2025, organized by Better Work Indonesia (BWI)—a joint programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)—brought together around 130 key stakeholders in Jakarta to promote Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in the garment sector. Under the theme “The Power of Unified Efforts in Driving Sustainable… [Read More]
World Bank Supports Tunisia’s Shift to Renewable Energy with New Power Sector Project
The World Bank and the Government of Tunisia have signed a financing agreement to implement the Tunisia Energy Reliability, Efficiency, and Governance Improvement Program (TEREG), a five-year initiative valued at US$430 million, including US$30 million in concessional financing. The program aims to modernize Tunisia’s energy sector by ensuring a sustainable, reliable, and affordable electricity supply…. [Read More]
Game-Changing Climate Adaptation Innovations Receive €50 Million Investment
The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change have partnered to fast-track climate resilience innovations across Europe, allocating €50 million through the EIC Accelerator to support pioneering start-ups and SMEs. Half of this funding, €25 million, comes from the EU Mission, aimed at helping a dozen companies develop deep-tech… [Read More]
