In Ogun State, Nigeria, the consistent use of IITA’s AKILIMO recommendations by a lead farmer has not only enhanced productivity but also earned recognition from the Ogun State Government and Prof. Ruth Oniang’o, a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment through agriculture. Prof. Oniang’o praised the farmer’s discipline and long-term commitment, highlighting that such sustained application… [Read More]
Business
From Intervention to Transformation: AKILIMO Boosts Agriculture in Ogun State
In Ogun State, Nigeria, the sustained use of IITA’s AKILIMO recommendations by lead farmers has transformed agricultural productivity and earned formal recognition from the Ogun State Government and Prof. Ruth Oniang’o, a renowned advocate for women’s empowerment through agriculture. Prof. Oniang’o praised the farmer’s long-term commitment, noting that consistent application of AKILIMO demonstrates the tool’s… [Read More]
Investment Promotion Key to Job Creation, Says ILO at WAIPA’s 29th World Investment Conference
At the 29th World Investment Conference (WIC), held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, from 21–23 October 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) showcased how investment promotion and facilitation can translate foreign direct investment (FDI) into more and better jobs, contributing to inclusive growth and sustainable development. The event, convened by the World Association of Investment… [Read More]
DKK 1.7 Billion Raised as Danske Vækstkapital IV Launches for Start-Up and Growth Investments
Danske Vækstkapital IV has successfully completed its first fundraising round, securing approximately DKK 1.7 billion from a mix of leading Danish organisations, companies, funds, and selected high-net-worth individuals. The fund aims to provide risk capital to entrepreneurs and growth companies while generating attractive returns for investors, with additional capital expected to be raised over the… [Read More]
African Development Bank Group Provides €58 Million to Support Youth Jobs in Equatorial Guinea
The African Development Bank Group and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea have signed a €58.61 million financing agreement to implement the first phase of the Project to Strengthen Human Capital in Support of Economic and Social Inclusion (PARCH 1). The agreement, signed on 30 October 2025 in the city of Bata by Léandre Bassolé, the… [Read More]
British Food and Drink Exports Gain £100 Million Boost as UK Removes Trade Barriers
British food producers are set to benefit from new export opportunities valued at nearly £100 million, following extensive work by the UK’s network of 16 agri-food attachés. Since January, these attachés have successfully removed 41 trade barriers and opened key global markets for British products. Major achievements include reopening pork exports worth up to £80… [Read More]
IDB Supports Costa Rica in Expanding Access to Reliable and Sustainable Electricity
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $200 million loan to enhance Costa Rica’s electricity system, aiming to make it more reliable, efficient, and sustainable. The financing marks the second phase of a broader program designed to expand the nation’s renewable energy capacity and improve power transmission and distribution infrastructure. The initiative will directly… [Read More]
Canada Invests $10 Million to Support Kap Paper and Safeguard 2,000+ Jobs in Northeastern Ontario
The Government of Canada has announced a $10 million investment to support Kap Paper and safeguard over 2,000 jobs in Kapuskasing and surrounding communities in Northeastern Ontario. The funding, delivered through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), will help the company adapt to changing market conditions in the forestry industry, maintain operations,… [Read More]
From tradition to enterprise: How EU support helped launch new businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina
After spending years abroad in France, Biljana longed to return home to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite living a stable and peaceful life overseas, she felt a deep yearning for her homeland. Encouraged by her children, she decided to come back, realizing that her heart truly belonged there. However, returning home brought new challenges — she… [Read More]
EIB backs Amethis Europe Expansion Fund with €20 million to boost SME growth in Africa
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced a €20 million investment in the Amethis Europe Expansion Fund, a new private equity vehicle aimed at supporting European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expanding their business in Africa, as well as in Europe and the Middle East. The fund seeks to strengthen economic ties between Europe and… [Read More]
EIB and Santander invest €1 billion to strengthen small businesses, sustainability, and women’s entrepreneurship
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, through its subsidiaries—the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund (EIF)—is partnering with Santander in a new €569.5 million securitisation transaction aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies in Spain. The initiative will enable Santander to channel approximately €1.08 billion in… [Read More]
IFAD and Italy’s BF S.p.A. collaborate to drive sustainable agri-industrial growth in Africa
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and BF S.p.A., Italy’s largest agri-industrial group, have signed a Letter of Intent to explore new opportunities for collaboration in promoting sustainable agricultural development, particularly across Africa. Announced in Dakar on 29 October 2025 during the Dakar Business Forum, the partnership aims to strengthen food security, reduce reliance… [Read More]
Building a Just Transition: Addressing Root Causes of Decent Work Deficits Through a Systems Approach
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), organized a two-day learning event on 30–31 October 2025 to explore how a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach can support climate action, social justice, and decent job creation. The event brought together over 100 global participants, including policymakers, donors, UN… [Read More]
Iran Faces Spike in Executions and Crackdown on Dissent, Warn UN Human Rights Investigators
The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran presented its findings to the General Assembly for the first time, revealing a sharp deterioration in the country’s human rights situation following Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed over 1,000 people. According to Iranian Government data, 276 civilians, including 38 children and 102 women, were among the dead, and more… [Read More]
IFC Backs EcoEnterprises Partners IV to Strengthen Small Businesses Across Latin America and the Caribbean
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced an investment in EcoEnterprises Partners IV, a women-led impact fund designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Through IFC’s SME Ventures Program, this US$10 million investment highlights IFC’s dedication to expanding access to… [Read More]
Tanzania Schools Adopt Clean Cooking Solutions to Improve Health and Environment
Hanny G Investment Company Ltd, a women-led enterprise in Tanzania, has signed the fourth Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) project to promote clean cooking solutions in schools and institutions. Established in 2016, the company shifted its focus during the COVID-19 pandemic from producing carbonised charcoal for households and hotels to manufacturing and supplying non-carbonised… [Read More]
KSrelief and UNDP Support Yemeni Women Bringing Renewable Energy to Thousands of Families
The Empowering Yemeni Women Catalysing Renewable Energy project, funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen with local partner For All Foundation, has successfully addressed the critical energy needs of thousands of Yemeni families. With a total investment of USD 2.5… [Read More]
IFC Partners with Mali’s BNDA to Strengthen SME Development and Job Creation
IFC has announced a new partnership with the Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole (BNDA) to strengthen small business financing and promote job creation in Mali’s vital agricultural sector. The sector, which supports nearly 80% of the population and contributes around one-third of the country’s GDP, will receive a significant boost through this collaboration aimed at… [Read More]
IFC Backs America Embalagens to Strengthen Brazil’s Circular Economy
In October 2025, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced a strategic investment in America Embalagens, one of Brazil’s leading rigid plastic packaging manufacturers. The funding aims to support the expansion and modernization of the company’s largest plant in São Paulo state. This initiative aligns with efforts to enhance… [Read More]
Ontario Announces $7 Million Funding Boost for Literary Arts and Publishers
The Ontario government has announced more than $7 million in funding to protect and promote the province’s literary arts and publishing sector. This investment aims to strengthen Ontario’s creative industries by supporting local authors, publishers, and cultural producers to deliver events and programs that highlight the province’s diverse stories and voices. The initiative is part… [Read More]
UK Government Commits £17.3 Million to Drive Clean Energy Growth in Aberdeen
The UK Government has announced £17.3 million in new funding to boost Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone (ETZ), marking a major step toward advancing clean energy innovation in North East Scotland. The investment, confirmed by Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander during his visit to Aberdeen, will help develop a renewables business hub adjacent to the recently upgraded… [Read More]
Strong International and Regional Interest in Sierra Leone’s Agrifood Investment Potential
The Government of Sierra Leone convened the Sierra Leone Agrifood Investor Summit in Freetown on 28 October 2025, bringing together around 25 international and regional investors and over 40 domestic agrifood companies. Opened by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the event highlighted the country’s vast agricultural and agribusiness investment potential, supported by political will, rich… [Read More]
Innovative Solutions Take Center Stage at Africa Inclusive Finance Week 2025
More than one in four people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to financial services, preventing them from overcoming persistent and emerging challenges such as conflict, climate disruptions, and migration. The 2025 Africa Inclusive Finance Week focused on addressing these critical gaps under the theme, “(Re)focusing on vulnerable people to meet upcoming challenges in inclusive… [Read More]
