Team Europe Ambassadors, representing the European Union, its Member States, and institutions, conducted their annual field visit to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region to observe ongoing projects and businesses supported through EU partnerships. These visits provide an opportunity to engage with local partners and witness the tangible impacts of Team Europe’s support, particularly in Tanzania’s agricultural sector,… [Read More]
Business
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs in Laos to Strengthen Sustainable Tourism
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) and Plan International Laos have launched the Lasting Laos Project, aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Lao tourism sector to adopt sustainable consumption and production practices, circular economy models, and decent work standards. The initiative, co-funded by the European Union,… [Read More]
IDB Approves Financing to Drive AI and Digital Transformation in Piauí, Brazil
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $50 million loan to support the digital transformation of Piauí through the “Piauí Mais Digital” project. The initiative aims to expand digital connectivity, improve the supply and use of digital public services, enhance public management through digitization, and strengthen the digital capabilities of local businesses. The project… [Read More]
Thailand’s Auto Sector Boosted by ILO Mentorship Programme on Responsible Business
A pioneering mentorship initiative in Thailand’s automotive sector has provided key stakeholders with knowledge and tools to improve workplace practices, strengthen industrial relations, and support responsible business. The International Labour Organization (ILO) implemented the social dialogue mentorship programme, reaching over 350 managers, HR professionals, trade unionists, and worker representatives across the automotive supply chain. The… [Read More]
Central Viet Nam to Gain Flood Resilience and Better Connectivity with World Bank Support
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a new project designed to strengthen flood protection and transport connectivity in Da Nang City and Gia Lai Province in central Viet Nam. The initiative will benefit more than 1.2 million people by enhancing flood safety, ensuring reliable evacuation routes, and improving consistent access to markets… [Read More]
Rwanda: Korea and WFP Launch $1.2 Million Initiative for Sustainable Farming and Green Employment
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a grant arrangement worth USD 1.2 million to support sustainable agriculture and youth employment in Rwanda’s Gatsibo District. The signing ceremony in Kigali brought together KOICA Country Director Jinhwa Kim and WFP Rwanda Deputy Country Director Kaori Ura. This… [Read More]
BCR Social Finance Receives €25 Million from CEB to Support Inclusive Romanian Entrepreneurs
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and BCR Social Finance (BCRSF), a non-bank financial institution, have signed a €25 million loan agreement to enhance financial inclusion and support micro-enterprises, farmers, and social economy entities across Romania. The funding will target underserved communities, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs, young people, and rural households…. [Read More]
What Happens to African Trade if AGOA Comes to an End?
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a US trade preference program launched in May 2000 to support sub-Saharan African economies. It provides duty-free access to the US market for over 1,800 products from eligible African countries. Currently, 32 countries benefit from AGOA, with 21 “lesser developed countries” also receiving special preferential treatment for… [Read More]
WTO–ITC Fund Receives $200,000 from Bahrain to Support Women in Trade
The Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, launched in February 2024 at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, is a $50 million initiative jointly funded and managed by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The Fund provides grants, mentorship, and access to international business networks, enabling women entrepreneurs… [Read More]
Sustainable Agriculture Success Stories: Scaling Practices for Global Impact
The Food Securities Fund (FSF) demonstrates how targeted financial innovation can unlock sustainable and equitable agriculture financing. Developed by Clarmondial with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through Conservation International, the fund leverages blended finance to channel investment into agricultural supply chains in emerging and developing markets. By providing pre-harvest working capital, FSF enables… [Read More]
Uzbekistan Women Returnees Gain Economic Opportunities Through OSCE Initiatives
A training seminar was held in the Tashkent region to support women who have returned from labour migration, focusing on expanding their economic opportunities. The event was backed by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and organized in collaboration with the Committee of Family and Women, the Committee on Tourism under the Ministry of Ecology,… [Read More]
Minister Dara Calleary Announces Funding to Develop Roonagh Pier Improvement Plan
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced funding of €157,300 for Mayo County Council to prepare a preliminary business case for improvements at Roonagh pier. This funding follows a meeting with representatives from Clare Island and Inishturk and is part of efforts to enhance access for the island… [Read More]
Six UK Regions Awarded £25 Million to Strengthen Creative Sector
The UK government is providing a significant boost to creative industries outside of London, with six regions—Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, North East, West of England, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire—each receiving £25 million through the Creative Places Growth Fund. This initiative, part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan and the broader Industrial Strategy, aims… [Read More]
Canada Invests $600K to Drive AI Innovation and Technology Commercialization in Northern Ontario
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced that FedNor is investing $595,400 to support three technology and AI-driven initiatives in Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth… [Read More]
Driving Innovation: TechAlliance Empowers Local Enterprises in Critical Industries
London, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, boasts strengths in agri-food, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and health and life sciences. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting businesses and organizations that drive sustainable growth and innovation, aiming to build a resilient and prosperous future for southern Ontario’s economy. Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister… [Read More]
Moldova Engages Investors to Unlock Capital for Economic Growth
Major investment opportunities are emerging in Moldova as the European Commission launches a Call for Expressions of Interest for private investment. The initiative invites businesses from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Moldova to participate, with the aim of driving economic growth and supporting new investments in the country. This Call will be… [Read More]
Somali Employers Boost Advocacy Capacity in First Step of Strategic Plan
The Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has launched the implementation of its Strategic Plan 2025–2029 by enhancing its policy advocacy capacity, a critical function for influencing the national business environment. This initiative, supported by the ILO, marks a key step in bringing the Chamber’s strategic objectives to life and ensuring that Somali employers… [Read More]
WEF GAEA Awards Recognize UNDP and Lavazza’s Sustainable Coffee Initiative
The collaboration between the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Ecuador, and Lavazza has been selected as a finalist for the World Economic Forum’s GAEA Awards in the Moving Business for Climate Impact category, recognizing its efforts to address forest loss from coffee-related agricultural expansion. The partnership has introduced the world’s first nationally certified,… [Read More]
Equatorial Guinea Secures €73.27 Million AfDB Loan for Jobs and Skills Development
The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a €73.27 million loan to Equatorial Guinea for the first phase of the Human Capital Development Project in Support of Economic and Social Inclusion (PARCH 1). This five-year programme, running from 2025 to 2030, is designed to strengthen vocational training and expand employment opportunities for… [Read More]
AfDB Approves €100 Million Loan to Boost Côte d’Ivoire’s Cocoa Value Chain
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a €100 million agricultural commodity financing facility for Sucres et Denrées Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s leading cocoa producer while advancing sustainable agricultural practices. The package includes €25 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund, a co-financing initiative with… [Read More]
Building Resilience: Lessons from Zimbabwe’s Climate-Smart Irrigation for Smallholder Farmers
In Zimbabwe’s semi-arid districts, climate-smart irrigation schemes are helping farmers overcome erratic rainfall, increase harvests, and secure more stable incomes. Supported by FAO and its partners, these initiatives are enhancing community resilience to climate shocks while safeguarding natural resources. By combining infrastructure improvements with capacity-building, the programs are transforming how smallholders manage water, crops, and… [Read More]
Mauritania 2025: Submit Your Projects for Green Diplomacy Week
The Delegation of the European Union to Mauritania, active in the country since 1973, represents the EU and manages programs across a wide range of sectors, including politics, training, employment, civil society, migration, human rights, rural and local development, fisheries, food security, stability and defense, and communication. The Delegation works closely with national and local… [Read More]
Canada Invests in Northern Tourism Development in Time for World Tourism Day, Minister Chartrand Announces
On September 26, 2025, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), announced over $1.5 million in funding to support six projects aimed at enhancing tourism in northern Canada. The investment will be used to improve tourism marketing, upgrade small infrastructure, and… [Read More]
