The East Asia and Pacific region continues to outperform much of the world, but creating more quality jobs and sustaining growth will require ambitious reforms amid ongoing global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s October 2025 East Asia and Pacific Economic Update. Regional growth is projected at 4.8 percent in 2025, slightly down from 5.0… [Read More]
Business
Boosting Jobs and Economic Growth Through Entrepreneurship in Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean face a persistent low-growth cycle, but the World Bank’s new Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Review: Transformational Entrepreneurship for Jobs and Growth highlights entrepreneurship as a key driver to create jobs, boost productivity, and accelerate innovation. The region’s growth is forecast at 2.3 percent in 2025 and 2.5 percent… [Read More]
World Bank: Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery Still Fragile Amid Ongoing Challenges
Sri Lanka’s economy has shown signs of improvement, with recent performance indicating a steady recovery. However, the World Bank warns that this recovery remains incomplete, as growth continues to lag behind pre-crisis levels and poverty rates remain significantly higher than before the crisis. Sustaining the recovery will require maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing structural reforms, and… [Read More]
South Asia’s Economy Remains Robust but Faces Impending Slowdown
South Asia’s economy is expected to grow strongly at 6.6 percent in 2025, maintaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing region. However, a slowdown is projected ahead, with growth forecast to ease to 5.8 percent in 2026, according to the World Bank’s latest South Asia Development Update: Jobs, AI, and Trade. The report warns that… [Read More]
World Bank: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Growth Remains Steady but Job Creation Lags
Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, with growth projected to reach 3.8 percent in 2025, up from 3.5 percent in 2024. The modest acceleration is driven by easing inflationary pressures and a gradual recovery in investment despite ongoing global economic uncertainty. The number of countries facing double-digit inflation has dropped significantly—from twenty-three in late… [Read More]
Bangladesh’s Growth Mirage: Why the Nation’s “Poverty Reversal” Exposes a Fragile Foundation
The latest findings from the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) have shattered Bangladesh’s long-celebrated growth narrative. According to the survey, more than one in four Bangladeshis now live in poverty—an alarming rise from the 18.7% reported by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in 2022. This steep increase signals not just an economic setback,… [Read More]
Fort-de-France to Host Caribbean’s First Offshore Solar Installation
The Grand Port Maritime of Martinique (GPMLM), in collaboration with SolarinBlue, is set to launch the Caribbean’s first offshore floating solar installation near the Pointe des Grives container terminal in Fort-de-France Bay. The project, named Soley Blé, is part of the port’s broader decarbonization strategy, aiming to enhance energy autonomy and reduce carbon emissions while… [Read More]
$60 Million Commitment by British International Investment to Green Investment Partnership in South-East Asia
British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has committed $60 million to the Green Investment Partnership (GIP), managed by Pentagreen Capital, to support green and sustainable infrastructure projects in South-East Asia. The region faces an estimated annual requirement of $210 billion for climate-resilient infrastructure, a need that public finance alone… [Read More]
10 Major Challenges African Women Confront in 2025
Gender inequality remains one of the greatest barriers to eradicating extreme poverty, with Africa being among the regions most affected. Despite global progress, no country has yet achieved full gender equality. Across the continent, millions of women face significant obstacles that affect their health, safety, education, and economic empowerment. Organizations like Concern and leaders such… [Read More]
Is Ending Poverty Possible? Global Efforts and Challenges Explained
The question of whether it is possible to end poverty has long inspired debate and action worldwide. Global leaders and organizations like the United Nations assert that poverty can indeed be eradicated through deliberate human effort and collective will. Nelson Mandela famously stated that poverty, much like slavery and apartheid, is man-made and can be… [Read More]
Government of Canada Modernizes Budget Approach for Long-Term Impact
Canada is adapting its federal budgeting approach to meet the challenges of a changing global economy. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, announced the introduction of a new Capital Budgeting Framework designed to separate day-to-day operational spending from long-term capital investments. This framework will guide decisions on projects that generate enduring… [Read More]
£1 Million Competition Launched to Revolutionize Active Travel in the UK
Organisations and businesses in England can now apply for a share of £1 million in funding to support innovative initiatives that encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling. The Active Travel Innovation Fund, announced by Active Travel England (ATE) on 6 October 2025, offers grants of up to £100,000 per successful project. The funding targets small to… [Read More]
Exploring Industrial Relations: ILO Launches Inaugural Summer School on Social Dialogue
The International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), with support from the French Government and in collaboration with the ILO, held the inaugural Summer School on Social Dialogue from 16 to 19 September 2025 in Turin, Italy. The event brought together over 60 participants from governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, enterprises, and academia to explore… [Read More]
600,000 African Smallholders Empowered by Expanded Local Processing Investment
Robust International, a global trader of sesame and cashew nuts headquartered in Singapore, is expanding its presence in Africa with three new processing plants now operational in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique. The company is shifting from traditional trading to a fully integrated supply chain model, aiming to bring more value creation to the… [Read More]
Feeding the Planet Sustainably: IFAD Highlights Rural Investment and Job Creation at EAT Forum
At the EAT Stockholm Food Forum on 3 October 2025, Gerardine Mukeshimana, Vice-President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), emphasized the critical role of investments and partnerships in creating resilient food systems that feed a growing global population while generating jobs, stability, and hope for future generations. She highlighted the launch of the… [Read More]
Somali Rural Families Gain Economic Independence Through Charitable Initiatives
Qatar Charity, with support from generous donors, has launched an initiative aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable rural families in Kismayo, Jubaland State, Somalia, particularly those affected by drought and displacement. As part of this effort, 38 livestock projects were distributed to beneficiary families, including dairy cows and sheep, to promote economic empowerment, food… [Read More]
Second Cohort of IYBA-WE4A Programme to Fund 1,000+ Women-Led Enterprises
The European Union (EU), Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) have launched the second cohort of the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA-WE4A) Programme. This initiative… [Read More]
New Government Funds Aim to Boost Innovation and Job Creation Through Local Leadership
Local leaders across the United Kingdom can now apply for up to £20 million in government funding to expand regional science and technology expertise. The initiative, announced under the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, aims to strengthen local innovation ecosystems, create hundreds of jobs, and support the UK’s long-term growth strategy as part of a record… [Read More]
Thailand’s Path to High Income: The Role of Climate-Smart Investment
The World Bank’s new Country Climate and Development Report indicates that while Thailand faces significant climate risks, strategic and timely development investments can unlock new economic growth opportunities. Focused on adapting to extreme weather, reducing emissions, and promoting green exports, these investments are crucial for Thailand to realize its aspiration of becoming an inclusive and… [Read More]
Africa Resilience Forum 2025 Highlights Power of Local Solutions in Preventing Conflict
Development financiers, aid agencies, and political leaders across Africa have emphasized the need to prioritize investment in local solutions for conflict prevention rather than crisis response. This call was made during the opening of the Africa Resilience Forum, hosted by the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Participants noted that around 250 million people… [Read More]
Digital Kyzylorda: Linking Local Entrepreneurs to Global Innovation Through Astana Exchange
The Digital Kyzylorda initiative reached a new milestone this week as 15 entrepreneurs and local municipality representatives from Kyzylorda traveled to Astana for an experience exchange workshop focused on digital transformation, startup support, and the evolving role of AI. Hosted at Maqsut Narikbayev University, the program combined expert lectures, business pitching sessions, and networking with… [Read More]
Ontario Pledges $6 Million to Boost Indigenous-Led Community Infrastructure
The Ontario government is investing $6 million to launch the annual intake for the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP), supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in building vital infrastructure projects. These projects aim to foster long-term economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen local prosperity across the province. “Working alongside Indigenous communities, our government is investing… [Read More]
New Alliance Harnesses Islamic and Arab Finance to Transform Economies in Africa and Beyond
UNIDO, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), the Union of Arab Banks (UAB), and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) have launched a strategic partnership under the Islamic and Arab Finance for Economic Transformation in Africa, the Arab Region and Beyond (IFETAA) Programme. Access to finance remains a critical barrier to small… [Read More]
