The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $275 million in financing for three major projects in Papua New Guinea (PNG) aimed at expanding access to financial services, improving rural connectivity, and boosting low-carbon electricity supply. The initiatives are designed to strengthen infrastructure, promote private sector development, and support transformative reforms in the country’s power and… [Read More]
Business
$9 Million from Asian Development Bank to Boost Women-Led Businesses in Tonga
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $9 million grant to expand credit access and create business opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Tonga. The initiative aims to boost the growth of women-owned and women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by providing targeted financial and business support. The Women Entrepreneurs Leveraging Innovative Finance in… [Read More]
$20 Million from Asian Development Bank to Strengthen Vanuatu’s Fiscal Resilience and Disaster Preparedness
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $20 million in financing to strengthen fiscal sustainability and enhance Vanuatu’s disaster response capabilities. The package includes a $10 million policy-based grant to support reforms in domestic resource mobilization, public expenditure, and state-owned enterprise (SOE) management, alongside a $10 million multi-year contingent disaster financing (CDF) with a replenishment… [Read More]
Jimmy Lai Conviction Signals Major Threat to Hong Kong Press Freedom
Amnesty International condemned the conviction of Hong Kong newspaper founder Jimmy Lai on national security charges, calling it a “death knell for press freedom” in the city. Sarah Brooks, Amnesty’s China Director, highlighted that Lai has been imprisoned solely for peacefully criticizing the government through his Apple Daily newspaper, with activities that would not have… [Read More]
New Frontiers in Anti-Corruption: Why Integrity Will Shape Asia’s Future
Six years ago, the author questioned whether Asia’s future could break from its past if corruption continued to distort public institutions, development outcomes, and public trust. On the International Day for Anti-Corruption, these concerns remain highly relevant as corruption in the form of state capture, bribery, abuse of power, and embezzlement continues to shape how… [Read More]
$24M Hanoi Venture Fund Aims to Support Emerging Tech Startups
At the National Policy Forum on International Investment Cooperation for Innovation and Startups held on December 13, Truong Viet Dung, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee, announced that the city will officially launch its venture capital fund on December 20. The fund will begin with an initial budget of 600 billion VND (approximately 24 million… [Read More]
€100 Million Armenia Investment: EIB Global and Ardshinbank Drive Economic Growth and Employment
EIB Global and Ardshinbank have launched a €100 million partnership to expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-cap companies across Armenia. The initiative aims to support around 300 Armenian firms and sustain more than 10,000 jobs by providing the necessary resources for businesses to modernize operations, expand production, adopt… [Read More]
Fabjona’s Role in Expanding Digital Access in Albania
Fabjona, 25, from Vora, Albania, faced a life-changing accident that left her with mobility challenges. Rather than letting her circumstances define her, she chose to focus on recovery, education, and personal growth. Despite physical obstacles, she returned to her studies, earned her degree, and prepared herself for opportunities where her abilities, not limitations, would take… [Read More]
Best Practices in Gender-Responsive Human Rights Due Diligence
The ETI Gender Responsive Action Community (GRACE) programme highlighted that preventing gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) requires long-term, systemic change rather than quick fixes. Success depends on shifting power, building trust, and creating systems that genuinely work for women, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities for brands, suppliers, and communities to drive meaningful impact. A… [Read More]
Boosting South Sudan’s TVET: UNESCO and NIESBUD Training Initiative
Under the “Strengthening the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model in the South Sudan TVET Ecosystem” project, an 11-day training programme was successfully conducted at the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) in New Delhi. The programme focused on enhancing skills development and vocational training in South Sudan, covering topics such as equal participation… [Read More]
Papua New Guinea Revenue Reforms Receive World Bank Support
Papua New Guinea will implement reforms to strengthen revenues, facilitate trade, create jobs, and improve community protection from disasters following the World Bank Board’s approval of a US$150 million budget support package. PNG’s economy relies heavily on mining, oil, and gas, while most citizens earn a living through agriculture and informal work. Low and unpredictable… [Read More]
Europe’s Strategic and Technological Independence Gets Boost with EIB Group’s €100 Billion Financing Goal
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has approved its 2026–2028 Operational Plan, maintaining a record-high financing target of €100 billion for 2026. This includes €4.5 billion dedicated to security and defence projects within the European Union, representing 5% of the total financing. The investments will follow the eight priorities outlined in the EIB Group’s Strategic… [Read More]
Shell Foundation and Accion Launch Applications for ClimaFii Alliance Cohort 2 to Support Climate Finance Solutions
The Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance has opened applications for its second cohort, aiming to bring clean energy and sustainable financing solutions to microenterprises in sub-Saharan Africa and India. Led by UK charity Shell Foundation and global nonprofit Accion, in partnership with BFA Global and Upaya Social Ventures, the program supports startups and SMEs… [Read More]
Stronger Protections Ahead: Indonesian Companies Unite Against Workplace Gender-Based Violence
JAKARTA, Indonesia (ILO News) — Indonesian workers remain vulnerable to violence and harassment in the workplace. A survey by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that more than 70 percent of workers in Indonesia have experienced or become victims of some form of violence or harassment at work. This underscores the urgent need for companies… [Read More]
Ghana Exhibition Shows How Productivity and Decent Work Strengthen Each Other
The concept of productivity is often viewed through the lens of efficiency and output, yet for many workers in Ghana’s garment and shea sectors it is deeply personal. Their livelihoods support entire families and even other sectors such as agriculture, making their working conditions crucial to both economic stability and overall well-being. Challenges such as… [Read More]
Small Businesses to Benefit from Government Support for Lowering Operational Expenses
The UK Government has announced a £2 million funding boost to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reduce operating costs through sustainability investments. Provided through the ‘Made Smarter Adoption Programme,’ this funding will support SMEs in adopting energy-efficient technologies such as heating, insulation, and solar power, enabling them to lower energy bills and improve operational… [Read More]
Economic Recovery in Laos Requires Ongoing Reforms and Road Infrastructure Preservation
Increased exports, foreign investment, and tourism have helped the Lao PDR begin emerging from a prolonged economic slowdown, according to a World Bank economic update. The report notes that further reforms in the business, finance, and infrastructure sectors are needed to sustain this progress and strengthen economic resilience. The World Bank’s Consolidating Recent Reform Momentum… [Read More]
Advancing Reforms Can Strengthen China’s Economic Prospects, Says Latest Economic Update
China’s economy sustained solid momentum in the third quarter of 2025, bringing year-to-date GDP growth to 5.2% year-on-year. Accommodative fiscal and monetary policies supported domestic consumption and investment, while demand from developing countries maintained export growth. However, households remained cautious in spending due to a soft labor market and declining home prices. Investment growth moderated… [Read More]
Cambodia Can Weather Economic Challenges Through Strong Buffers and Targeted Reforms, Says World Bank
Cambodia’s economy is projected to grow by 4.8 percent in 2025, down from 6 percent in 2024, as domestic and external shocks dampen activity. Prudent fiscal and monetary policies, along with targeted structural reforms, are seen as essential to cushion the slowdown and strengthen economic resilience. The December 2025 Cambodia Economic Update, Coping with Shocks,… [Read More]
Boosting Women’s Entrepreneurship in India: ADB Partners with Five-Star Business Finance
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $100 million loan agreement with Five-Star Business Finance Limited (FBFL) to expand access to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) loans for women borrowers from lower-income groups in India. This initiative, called the Five-Star Social Loan Improving Access to MSME Finance for Lower-Income Women Borrowers Project, aims… [Read More]
Saskatchewan Wildfire Recovery: Red Cross Offers Financial Support to Local Businesses and Nonprofits
The Canadian Red Cross has launched the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program to aid recovery for those affected by the 2025 Saskatchewan wildfires. Backed by a $15 million funding commitment from the Government of Saskatchewan, the program provides $2,000 in financial assistance to eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organizations directly impacted by the… [Read More]
$150 Million Agreement Between African Development Bank and KCB Bank to Accelerate Green Finance in Kenya
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and KCB Bank Kenya Limited have signed a $150 million financing package aimed at supporting green finance and accelerating climate-smart investments, while enhancing KCB’s trade finance capacity within Kenya’s small business and corporate banking sector. The package includes a $100 million subordinated debt facility to strengthen KCB Kenya’s Tier… [Read More]
Uzbekistan Receives EUR 7 Million from EU to Strengthen Agriculture Sector
On 9 December 2025, the European Union disbursed a EUR 7 million grant to the Government of Uzbekistan to support the continued implementation of the country’s Agricultural Development Strategy 2020–2030. The announcement was made by EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar, during a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov. The meeting reviewed ongoing… [Read More]
