The Ontario government is investing $3.2 million to launch the next intake of funding applications under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF), aimed at supporting Indigenous businesses, communities, and organizations to boost economic growth and create jobs across the province. The program forms part of Ontario’s broader plan to foster prosperity and opportunities for Indigenous… [Read More]
Business
Green Transition Fund Expands with UK and ASEAN Clean Energy Initiative
The UK Mission to ASEAN has officially launched the Clean and Just Energy Transition Pillar of the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund (GTF) during the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF). Officiated by UK Ambassador to ASEAN Helen Fazey and Yanuar Fajari, Head of the Energy and Minerals Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, the initiative marks… [Read More]
African Development Bank Partners with Angola in $125 Million Youth Entrepreneurship Programme
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB), in collaboration with the Government of Angola and the European Union, has launched the $125 million Youth Employment Project (Crescer Project) to stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills development among young Angolans. The initiative aims to generate over 112,000 indirect jobs, support the growth of more than 10,000 micro,… [Read More]
Lesotho Launches 2025 Human Development Report Focused on People-Centered AI
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Lesotho, launched the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) on 6 August, marking a significant step in advancing the country’s efforts to integrate technology and innovation into its human development agenda. The report, themed “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age… [Read More]
Africa Private Credit Fund Hits $100 Million First Close, Enko Capital Leads
Enko Capital, an Africa-focused alternative asset manager with $1.3 billion in assets under management, has announced the first close of its new impact-focused private credit fund, raising $100 million toward a $150 million target, with a hard cap of $200 million at final close. The fund has attracted commitments from a range of high-profile investors,… [Read More]
Human Rights at Risk: UN Expert Urges Reform in Global Water Governance
Governments must move away from market-driven models and adopt democratic, rights-based approaches to water governance, according to Pedro Arrojo Agudo, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. In a report to the UN General Assembly, he emphasized that water is a common good essential to life, dignity, and… [Read More]
Global Malaria Fight at Risk: Funding Cuts May Cause Record-High Deaths
A recent analysis warns that cuts in contributions from wealthy countries to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria could trigger a resurgence of malaria, potentially costing millions of lives and billions of pounds by the end of the decade. The fight against malaria faces additional pressures from extreme weather, humanitarian crises, and… [Read More]
EmpowHER Fund Launching Soon – Empowering Women in Business
The EmpowHER Fund is a new initiative designed to address the disproportionate burden of HIV among girls and young women in Southern Africa, who account for nearly 63% of new infections in the region. Adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 face infection rates three times higher than their male peers due to intersecting factors… [Read More]
Charity Faces Funding Crisis Amid Financial Challenges
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), a charity that assesses needs and distributes grants to other local organizations, has reported unprecedented demand for funding, with only about one in ten applicants able to receive support. Typically, the foundation distributes around £1 million annually across the region. Its flagship funding program, which usually funds… [Read More]
Investing in Canada’s Future: Programs to Foster Safe and Thriving Communities
The Government of Canada is investing over $82.3 million in Manitoba in 2025 to strengthen communities and support growth through critical infrastructure projects. These investments focus on foundational and recreational infrastructure, including public transit, water systems, local roads, and bridges, which are essential for supporting housing development and fostering connected communities. In Rhineland, Manitoba, federal… [Read More]
Minister Valdez Unveils $189M Program to Support Black Entrepreneurs Across Canada
Growing an inclusive economy is a key priority for Canada, as supporting Black entrepreneurs enables the creation of jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens local communities. When Black business owners have access to the tools and resources they need, they can start, grow, and sustain businesses that benefit communities nationwide. To advance this goal, the Honourable… [Read More]
Black Entrepreneurs in Southern Ontario Can Access New Funding Opportunities
The Government of Canada has announced that eligible organizations in southern Ontario can now apply to the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund, aimed at strengthening services for Black entrepreneurs and businesses to foster economic growth. The initiative seeks to reduce barriers for Black Canadian entrepreneurs, providing them with greater access to capital and resources… [Read More]
Zimbabwean Youth Chapter of World Food Forum Partners with FAO to Transform Agrifood Systems
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Zimbabwe recently hosted a courtesy visit from the World Food Forum (WFF) Zimbabwe Youth Chapter, highlighting FAO’s dedication to empowering young people as key drivers of agrifood systems transformation. The meeting convened youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and FAO officials to discuss collaborative efforts in fostering… [Read More]
Boosting Local Economies: Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund Launched
The UK government has launched the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, a £360 million investment designed to support fishing businesses and coastal communities across the country. Of this, £56 million has been allocated specifically to Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish fishing industries, aiming to boost local economies and strengthen regional fishing sectors. The fund will… [Read More]
Historic Collaboration: Ireland and Northern Ireland Unite to Launch First All-Island Apprenticeship
The launch of Ireland’s first all-island apprenticeship marks a historic milestone in education and cross-border collaboration between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The new Accounting Technologist Apprenticeship, jointly developed by the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), Technological University of the Shannon, and The Open University in Northern Ireland, aims to equip learners with advanced skills in digital… [Read More]
Advancing Global Gateway: €30 Million EIB–Vista Group Deal to Strengthen SMEs and Agri-Business in West Africa
xThe European Investment Bank (EIB), through its development arm EIB Global, has signed two landmark financing agreements with Vista Group — €20 million with Vista Gui in Guinea and €10 million with Vista Bank (SL) in Sierra Leone. These agreements mark the EIB’s first-ever intermediated loans to domestic banks in both countries, with a strong… [Read More]
New Health Works Leaders Coalition Aims to Strengthen Health Systems and Drive Job Creation
The World Bank Group, the Government of Japan, and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched the Health Works Leaders Coalition, a global alliance uniting health and finance ministers, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, global health agency heads, and civil society representatives. The coalition aims to promote investments in health systems as a driver of economic… [Read More]
How Quality Jobs Promote Economic Growth and Equity in the Dominican Republic
Every October 17, the world observes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a moment to reflect on progress and ongoing challenges in reducing inequality. In the Dominican Republic, this day highlights the country’s notable achievements in poverty reduction, driven by sustained economic growth and inclusive policies. The World Bank’s new representative in the… [Read More]
ADB Urged to Redefine Its Strategy in Kazakhstan, Says Independent Evaluation
A new evaluation by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Independent Evaluation Department (IED) has called for a major strategic shift in how ADB engages with Kazakhstan. The report recommends that ADB build on its strong record of project-level success and adopt a more integrated approach that combines lending, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and policy dialogue…. [Read More]
Advancing Sustainable Development: EU and UN Drive Circular Economy in Georgia
The European Union, in collaboration with a United Nations-led consortium, has launched a new initiative to accelerate Georgia’s transition to a circular economy. Backed by EUR 4.4 million in EU funding, the two-year project (2025–2027) will be implemented by UNDP, UNIDO, and the Environment Agency Austria, with technical support from Avfall Sverige, Sweden’s trade association… [Read More]
Transforming rural livelihoods: IFAD pledges support for 70 million farmers through AgriConnect
Rome/Washington, 14 October 2025 – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has pledged to reach at least 70 million small-scale farmers and transform their lives by 2030 through increased incomes, improved productive capacity, and enhanced market access. This commitment was made at the launch of the World Bank’s AgriConnect initiative during the Bank’s Annual… [Read More]
Scaling Up Youth Jobs in Africa: IFAD Calls for Increased Investments and Partnerships
Youth leaders, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa convened in Naivasha, Kenya, on 15–16 October 2025 to call for expanded partnerships and increased investments in the Agribusiness Hubs (ABH) programme. The forum, titled “From Learning to Policy Action – Scaling Youth Employment through Systems Change,” brought together financing partners including the International Fund for… [Read More]
Boosting smallholder livelihoods: IFAD’s sorghum mechanization pilot in Zimbabwe
Harare, 16 October 2025 – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), together with the Government of Zimbabwe and private sector partners, has launched the pilot phase of the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission Pillar 3 (FARM P3), aiming to strengthen Zimbabwe’s sorghum value chain. The initiative seeks to reduce post-harvest losses of up to… [Read More]
