The World Bank’s latest assessment on poverty and equity in Ethiopia projects that poverty will rise to 43 percent by 2025, up from 33 percent in 2016, measured at $3 per day (2021 PPP). After decades of steady progress in reducing poverty, the country has faced multiple internal and external challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic,… [Read More]
World Bank
Philippines Faces Productivity Challenge Amid Growth and Job Struggles
The Philippines has made steady progress in recent years, but its economic growth continues to lag behind regional peers. Between 2010 and 2024, the country’s GDP grew at an average of 5.3 percent—slower than Korea and Malaysia’s 7–10 percent growth during similar development phases. Most new jobs are concentrated in low-productivity, low-wage service sectors, and… [Read More]
President von der Leyen: Global Gateway Reaches €300 Billion, Expands Smart and Clean Global Links
The second edition of the Global Gateway Forum was held this week in Brussels, bringing together 12 Heads of State and Government and over 70 ministers from around the world. The event highlighted the achievements of Global Gateway in creating smart, clean connections and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with countries worldwide. President Ursula von der… [Read More]
Investing in Global Solutions: Experts Urge Acting as “Good Ancestors”
Launched in February 2025, the World Bank’s Framework for Financial Incentives (FFI) provides countries with a comprehensive package of benefits—including increased financing, longer repayment periods, and lower interest rates—when their projects generate benefits that extend beyond national borders. The FFI is designed to reward middle-income countries for scaling up investments in pandemic preparedness, biodiversity conservation,… [Read More]
How Nepal’s Farmers Are Reaching Markets and Driving Economic Growth
Across Nepal, women farmers are transitioning from subsistence agriculture to income-generating enterprises, signaling a quiet yet powerful transformation in rural livelihoods. This shift is being driven by agricultural cooperatives, grants for modern equipment, improved technologies, and better market linkages that empower women to become entrepreneurs and job creators within their communities. In Madhesh Province, farmer… [Read More]
From US Tariffs to Argentina’s Financial Crisis: Top 5 Topics at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank are preparing for their annual meetings next week, a gathering that carries particular significance this year as the United States continues to play an active role in these Bretton Woods institutions despite withdrawing from several other international agreements. The meetings will address five key issues that encompass… [Read More]
European Commission and World Bank Group Deepen Collaboration at Global Gateway Forum
The European Commission and the World Bank Group are deepening their strategic partnership under the Global Gateway investment strategy to advance a new generation of connectivity projects. The initial pipeline includes 18 high-impact investments across energy, transport, and digital infrastructure in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The collaboration aims… [Read More]
Positive Economic Growth in Nigeria Signals Opportunity to Secure Benefits for All
Nigeria has made significant strides toward stabilizing its economy through recent policy reforms, but translating these gains into improved living standards remains a key challenge, according to the latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) released by the World Bank. The report, titled “From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home,” highlights progress in economic growth,… [Read More]
World Bank: Generating Jobs and Growth in East Asia and Pacific Requires Bolder Reforms
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]
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]
Investing in Jobs Crucial for Boosting Economic Growth in Europe and Central Asia
Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) has slowed but the region has demonstrated resilience despite ongoing global and regional challenges, according to the World Bank’s latest Europe and Central Asia Economic Update: Jobs and Prosperity. Regional GDP is projected to grow by 2.4 percent in 2025, down from 3.7 percent in 2024, largely… [Read More]
World Bank: Timely Reforms Essential for Bangladesh’s Inclusive Growth
Bangladesh’s economy rebounded in the second half of FY25 after early-year disruptions, driven by strong exports, record remittances, and a rise in foreign exchange reserves, according to the World Bank’s latest Bangladesh Development Update. The report notes that while the country is expected to maintain medium-term growth, urgent reforms are essential to sustain momentum and… [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]
MENA, Afghanistan, and Pakistan See Improved Economic Prospects
The World Bank’s latest economic report on the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) highlights signs of recovery and an improved outlook for the region. Economic growth is projected to reach 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026. Despite this positive momentum, the report cautions that global uncertainty, changing trade policies,… [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]
How Early Learning Assessments Are Unlocking Children’s Potential in Sint Maarten
In a classroom on the island of Sint Maarten, children read together in both English and Dutch under the encouraging gaze of their teacher. This simple scene represents a historic shift in the island’s education system — for the first time, educators and policymakers are equipped with national-level data to understand how well children are… [Read More]
New Serbian Initiative Strengthens Early Warning Systems Across Western Balkans
A new three-year initiative aimed at boosting disaster and climate resilience in the Western Balkans was officially launched in Belgrade, focusing on Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia. Supported by the Government of Italy and implemented by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and partners, the project seeks to accelerate targeted disaster risk… [Read More]
New Strategy Paves the Way for Safer, Climate-Resilient Comoros
Comoros, a small island developing state in the Indian Ocean, faces increasing risks from tropical cyclones, sea level rise, erratic rainfall, and extreme heat. According to the World Bank’s Climate Risk Profile, “once-in-a-century” rainfall events could occur nearly twice as often by mid-century, while rising seas threaten to inundate coastal communities. With nearly 40% of… [Read More]
EU, Federated States of Micronesia Launch Major Water and Sanitation Initiative
The European Union (EU) and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have officially launched the “Strengthening Water and Sanitation Governance in FSM” (FSM WASH) project in Palikir, marking a new milestone in their long-standing partnership. The event brought together key government officials, EU representatives, and development partners to celebrate FSM’s leadership in advancing sustainable water… [Read More]
Building Zambia’s Future: The Impact of Investing in Women and Girls
In May, Cathy Gumbo from Chisamba District in Zambia shared her story. At just 16 years old, she faced difficulties staying in school because her family could not always afford essentials like uniforms, books, and sanitary supplies. With a bursary from the GEWEL Project, Cathy now attends school regularly and is beginning to plan for… [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]
