Barbados is strengthening financial access for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through a US$50 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The initiative, part of the IDB’s Flexible Financing Facility, is designed to encourage productive investments across the MSME sector. The funding will support loan guarantees issued through eligible financial intermediaries, enabling MSMEs… [Read More]
Business
EU Proposes Partial Suspension of Israel’s Participation in Horizon Europe
The European Commission has proposed a partial suspension of Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe program. This measure specifically targets Israeli entities involved in activities funded under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, which supports start-ups and small businesses developing disruptive technologies. The decision is linked to the EU-Israel Association Agreement, particularly Article 2, which… [Read More]
Building Climate-Resilient Net Zero Agrifood Supply Chains: A Global Business Guide
This guide offers a practical framework to support agrifood companies in enhancing the resilience of their supply chains to climate-related risks while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The approach is closely aligned with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) of the countries where these businesses operate, helping ensure that corporate climate… [Read More]
2025 AfDB Report: Cameroon Must Strengthen Capital Mobilization for Long-Term Growth
The African Development Bank Group officially launched its 2025 Country Report on Cameroon during a ceremony held in Yaoundé on 22 July 2025. The event featured in-depth discussions on the country’s current economic challenges and development priorities. The report is part of the broader African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2025, which offers an annual review of… [Read More]
Improving Humanitarian Finance Delivery: Key Lessons from Ethiopia’s Somali Region
The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is enhancing Cash Voucher Assistance (CVA) delivery in Ethiopia through strategic partnerships and innovations in digital payments. Its approach demonstrates a commitment to using public and private finance to address urgent humanitarian needs, while also working to stimulate local economies, open markets, and reduce poverty. Digital payments are becoming… [Read More]
£78 Million Environmental Charity Launched to Enhance Suffolk’s Biodiversity
A new environmental charity, the East Suffolk Trust (EaST), has been established to enhance biodiversity and restore landscapes across East Suffolk and the wider county. At least £78 million has been pledged by the Sizewell C nuclear power project to support the trust over the next 70 years. EaST’s mission is to make East Suffolk… [Read More]
Clean Cooking Sector Hits Milestone with Record Growth and Surge in Carbon Revenue
The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) has published its latest Clean Cooking Industry Snapshot, revealing significant financial shifts within the sector. Since 2018, revenues among tracked clean cooking enterprises have increased eightfold, while capital raised has grown fivefold—largely due to a sharp rise in debt financing. The report underscores the increasing influence of carbon markets in… [Read More]
England’s Recycling Services to Get £1.1 Billion Upgrade
The UK government has announced a £1.1 billion investment to overhaul recycling services across towns and cities in England, funded through packaging reforms. Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh confirmed that the funding will support infrastructure improvements and modernized waste collection systems. This marks a major shift from the previous system, where local councils and taxpayers… [Read More]
Canada Invests Over $850,000 to Drive Sustainable Economic Development in Northern Ontario
The Government of Canada has announced $863,023 in funding through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) to support innovation and sustainable economic development across the region. The announcement was made by Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, on behalf of Minister Patty Hajdu. Of the… [Read More]
IDB Commits $1 Billion to Support Economic Reforms and Investment Growth in Brazil
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $1 billion (R$5.5 billion) loan to support Brazil’s Ecological Transformation Plan, a key policy reform agenda aimed at enhancing the business environment and stimulating private investment. The initiative seeks to improve financial conditions, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote sustainable economic growth. Central to this effort is the… [Read More]
UN Human Rights Experts Welcome Easing of Sanctions on Syria
The United Nations experts welcomed the recent lifting of sanctions on Syria by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. These sanctions had been in place for over 14 years and had significant and widespread human rights impacts across the country. The sanctions were initially imposed in 2011 after the Syrian Government, under… [Read More]
FARE Fund Awards $3 Million to Improve Healthy Food Access and Expand Retail Options
The Reinvestment Fund has announced $3 million in financial assistance through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund. These funds will support 14 food retail and supply chain projects across 14 U.S. states, targeting rural, urban, and tribal communities. The initiative focuses on improving access to healthy food, strengthening… [Read More]
Blended Finance Success Stories: Real-World Results and Lessons
Blended finance has emerged as a central strategy for financing sustainable development, especially in the aftermath of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). The concept involves using public or philanthropic funds to reduce investment risks, thereby attracting private capital to areas that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With developing countries facing… [Read More]
TUI Futureshapers Expands to Portugal and North Africa, Turning Social Issues into Business Opportunities
The TUI Care Foundation has launched two new initiatives under its global TUI Futureshapers programme, aimed at transforming social challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism. The latest projects target Portugal and North Africa, offering tailored support to aspiring social entrepreneurs seeking to develop sustainable tourism businesses. In Portugal, the new phase of TUI Futureshapers builds… [Read More]
$1.05B Raised by Zero Gap Fund to Accelerate UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Rockefeller Foundation has published its Zero Gap Fund: 2024 State of the Portfolio report, showcasing the role of catalytic capital in tackling global challenges. As of December 2024, the Zero Gap Fund (ZGF) had mobilized over $1.05 billion in private capital through 12 high-impact investments. By January 2025, the fund had fully committed its… [Read More]
New Recognition for IUCN Med’s Leadership in Mediterranean Blue Economy
The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med) was honored with the 2025 Sustainability, Environment and Nature Award at the sixth edition of the Proa 2025 Awards held in Málaga. Organized by the Andalusian Maritime-Marine Cluster (CMMA), the awards recognize outstanding maritime and marine initiatives both in Andalusia and internationally. IUCN Med was awarded for… [Read More]
Pontiac to Gain New Affordable Housing with EGLE Brownfield Redevelopment Grant
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is providing a $1 million Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to support the construction of 54 new units of low-income housing in Pontiac. The project, known as Auburn Place, will be developed on a vacant site located at 454 Auburn Avenue. The site was previously occupied by… [Read More]
UK-India Trade Agreement Brings £50 Million Investment to Northern Ireland
The newly signed UK-India trade agreement is set to deliver a £50 million boost to Northern Ireland’s economy, according to analysis released on 24 July. This development is part of the UK’s broader Plan for Change and follows the formal signing of the deal by Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Narendra Modi, alongside UK Business… [Read More]
Historic UK-India Trade Agreement Delivers £6 Billion in Exports and Jobs Boost
The UK Prime Minister has announced nearly £6 billion in new investment and export deals between the UK and India, which will create over 2,200 jobs across Britain. These developments result from Indian firms expanding their presence in the UK and British companies securing opportunities in India, notably in aerospace, technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors…. [Read More]
Boosting SME Lending: Africa’s New Trade Finance Fund Unveiled
Nigerian investment management firm ARM is preparing to launch a new trade finance fund aimed at increasing access to trade finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. The fund will work by providing loans to banks on the continent, thereby strengthening their ability to extend financing to local businesses involved in trade. The… [Read More]
Expanded Investment in Entrepreneurial Education to Empower Future Innovators
The Scottish Government has announced an increase in funding for the Entrepreneurial Education Fund for the year 2025–26, raising the total available to up to £1.2 million. This funding aims to inspire and support young people in developing business skills and considering entrepreneurship as a viable career path. The fund represents an increase of more… [Read More]
€3.68 Billion NDP Investment to Boost Irish Enterprise, Innovation, and Tourism
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has announced a €3.68 billion capital allocation under the National Development Plan (NDP) to fund enterprise, innovation, and tourism initiatives through 2030. This includes an additional €400 million in funding and is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of Irish businesses across all regions, supporting start-ups… [Read More]
African Development Bank Approves $50 Million Trade Finance Facility for CRDB Bank in Tanzania
The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a $50 million Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee facility for CRDB Bank Plc in Tanzania. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen trade finance operations within the country, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates. The approved facility allows the African Development Bank to… [Read More]
