In Ethiopia, major reforms to the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system are helping young women gain practical skills, pursue employment, and start small businesses. Supported by the World Bank–backed EASE and EASTRIP projects, the reforms aim to improve training quality, promote inclusion, and better align education with labor market demands. At Misrak… [Read More]
World Bank
World Bank Raises AUD 1.5 Billion Through Dual Sustainable Bond Tap
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA, Moody’s/S&P) has successfully raised AUD 1.5 billion by reopening its August 2028 and February 2035 Sustainable Development Bonds. The taps added AUD 800 million to the 3-year line and AUD 700 million to the 10-year line, bringing their outstanding amounts to AUD 1.7 billion… [Read More]
Multilateral Development Banks Deliver Record $137 Billion in Climate Finance in 2024
Multilateral development banks (MDBs) provided a record $137 billion in climate finance in 2024, up 10% from the previous year, according to a new joint report released today. The majority of the funding was directed to low- and middle-income economies, underscoring MDBs’ growing role in advancing global sustainable development. Private finance mobilised by MDBs for… [Read More]
Burkina Faso Secures $250 Million from Global Fund to Strengthen Disease Response
Burkina Faso will receive $250 million in funding from the Global Fund for the 2024–2026 cycle to reinforce its fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, amid growing pressure on the country’s health system. The announcement was made in Ouagadougou by Maria Kirova, the Global Fund’s country representative, during a meeting with Minister of Economy and… [Read More]
World Bank Launches New Program to Safeguard India’s Coastline and Boost Jobs in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a new $212.64 million project to protect India’s coastal ecosystems, curb plastic pollution, and create sustainable livelihoods for 100,000 people in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. India’s coastline stretches over 11,000 kilometers, with nearly one-third vulnerable to erosion and climate-related threats. About 250 million people rely on… [Read More]
Multilateral development banks hit record $137 billion in climate finance, driving sustainable development worldwide
In 2024, multilateral development banks (MDBs) delivered a record $137 billion in global climate finance, marking a 10% increase and highlighting the rising scale of international investment in climate action. The majority of these funds were directed to low- and middle-income economies, emphasizing support for countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. The MDBs also mobilized… [Read More]
World Bank Raises EUR 90 Million Through 7-Year Sustainable Development Bond for Japanese Investor
The World Bank, through its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has issued a EUR 90 million 7-year Sustainable Development Bond maturing in September 2032. The National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (Zenkyoren) was the sole investor in the transaction. The proceeds from this bond will finance eligible sustainable development projects that generate… [Read More]
Accounting for Natural Capital: Africa’s Path to Resilient and Sustainable Development
Nature forms the foundation of economic growth, providing essential services such as climate regulation, flood prevention, agricultural productivity, and human health support. Despite their critical importance, these services have historically been absent from national accounting systems. However, a shift is occurring as countries increasingly measure and value nature’s contributions through natural capital accounting (NCA), with… [Read More]
World Bank: Sri Lanka Urged to Adopt Balanced Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Growth
Sri Lanka has undertaken one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history, amounting to nearly 8 percent of GDP over three years. According to a new World Bank review, this adjustment was sharper and faster than most similar efforts worldwide since 1980. While these measures helped restore economic stability, they also placed a burden… [Read More]
Ireland Contributes €200,000 to Promote Safe and Inclusive Trade in Developing Nations
Ireland has announced a contribution of EUR 200,000 (approximately CHF 187,400) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems in developing countries. This latest funding brings Ireland’s total support to the STDF since 2007 to more than CHF 3.8 million. The contribution will help implement the STDF’s… [Read More]
World Bank Group Partners with Sri Lanka to Enhance Agriculture, Rural Jobs, and Climate Resilience
More than 380,000 people in Sri Lanka are set to benefit from a new US$100 million partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank Group. The initiative, known as the Integrated “Rurban” Development and Climate Resilience Project, aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, create jobs, and build climate resilience in the country’s agri-food… [Read More]
Mozambique Launches $6 Billion Electricity Project, Southern Africa’s Largest in 50 Years
Mozambique is embarking on an ambitious $6 billion electricity project—the Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric plant—which is set to become the largest power project in southern Africa in the past 50 years. Supported by the World Bank and private sector players, the 1,500 MW plant is expected to begin operations in 2031 and aims to significantly boost… [Read More]
Uzbekistan’s Strategy to Unlock Jobs and Drive Economic Prosperity
In Bukhara, 24-year-old Ravshan Akhrorov’s job as a waiter has become a critical source of financial stability, enabling him to support his parents and plan for his future. Working at the Old Bukhara Restaurant for seven years, he has not only out-earned his siblings and relatives working in the public sector but also purchased household… [Read More]
World Bank: Vietnam’s Growth to Stay Resilient in 2025, High-Tech Talent Pivotal for Future
Viet Nam’s economy is projected to grow by 6.6 percent in 2025, bolstered by a robust first half of the year in which growth surged to 7.5 percent, according to the World Bank’s latest Viet Nam Economic Update report. This strong performance was driven primarily by early-year export momentum. However, growth is expected to moderate… [Read More]
Addressing Global Food Security Challenges: Insights from Natasha Hayward
Natasha Hayward, Program Manager of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) at the World Bank, shared her expert insights on global food security in an exclusive interview with Capital. With over two decades of experience across Africa, South and East Asia, Hayward has led major initiatives in agriculture, rural livelihoods, and nutrition security,… [Read More]
Budget Execution in Health: Tackling Bottlenecks and Driving Solutions
Effective budget execution in health is critical for achieving universal health coverage and reaching 1.5 billion people with quality health services by 2030. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, this report examines how budget execution impacts health service delivery, identifies common challenges, and offers practical recommendations for improvement. Country case… [Read More]
From Floods to Resilience: How Cambodia’s Gap Fund Builds Greener, Safer Cities
Cambodia is urbanizing rapidly, with nearly a quarter of its 17 million population now living in cities—a figure expected to reach 6 million by 2050. While urban growth has driven economic development and job creation, it has also intensified inequality and heightened vulnerability to climate impacts, particularly floods and extreme heat. In Phnom Penh, informal… [Read More]
World Bank Issues NOK 5 Billion Floating Rate Sustainable Development Bond
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, rated Aaa/AAA) has priced a 5 billion Norwegian krone-denominated floating rate Sustainable Development Bond, maturing on December 16, 2030. The bond carries a quarterly coupon of 3-month NIBOR plus 20 basis points and was issued at par. Nordea and SEB served as lead managers for… [Read More]
Investing in Nutrition: The Key to Building a Healthier, More Productive Guatemala
In Guatemala, chronic malnutrition continues to pose one of the country’s most pressing challenges, with 46% of children under the age of two suffering from it. This alarming rate means that nearly half of Guatemalan children face compromised physical, cognitive, and economic development even before beginning school, placing Guatemala among the most affected countries in… [Read More]
Australia Pledges AUD 4 Million to Boost Safe Trade in Developing Nations
Australia is contributing AUD 4 million (approximately CHF 2.1 million) through the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) benefit from global agriculture markets. This funding supports the STDF’s 2025–2030 Strategy, “Facilitating Safe Trade to Meet the Global Goals,” which aims to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities,… [Read More]
Ivory Coast Secures Africa’s First Sustainability-Linked Loan Backed by World Bank Guarantee
Ivory Coast has successfully raised €433 million ($507 million) through Africa’s first sustainability-linked foreign currency loan, backed by guarantees from the World Bank. The landmark deal highlights the country’s growing focus on sustainable finance as it works to strengthen resilience against climate shocks and diversify its funding sources. Earlier in July, Ivory Coast had also… [Read More]
Rockefeller Foundation Launches Initiative to Strengthen Development Finance for Resilient Asian Economies
The Rockefeller Foundation has announced a US$200,000 grant through its Asia Regional Office to support AVPN’s new Asia Partnership for Investment in Resilient Economies (ASPIRE), an initiative aimed at strengthening development finance and supporting vulnerable communities across Asia. ASPIRE seeks to scale Asian-led financing solutions that address regional development challenges while connecting capital to community-driven… [Read More]
Ethiopia’s Urban Program Generates Over One Million Jobs, Strengthening Livelihoods
The Ethiopia Urban Institutional and Infrastructure Development Program (UIIDP), supported by the World Bank, has created over 1.15 million jobs while improving infrastructure and living conditions in 117 cities, benefiting more than 6.6 million people. The program strengthened local governance and financial systems, enabling cities to plan, deliver, and sustain employment-generating urban development, even amid… [Read More]
