The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank Group have unveiled the first two projects under their innovative Full Mutual Reliance Framework, a cofinancing model designed to streamline development finance and maximize impact in the Pacific region. The framework allows countries to work with a single lead lender, either ADB or the World Bank,… [Read More]
World Bank
IFC Makes First-Ever Global Green Hydrogen Investment, Selecting Uruguay as Regional Clean Energy Pioneer
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has chosen Uruguay for its first global investment in green hydrogen, partnering with Grupo Santander to develop Kahirós—Uruguay’s first major project in the sector. The initiative is set to generate new jobs and position the country as a regional leader in scalable clean energy… [Read More]
Zimbabwe on the Rise: Economic Rebound Sparks Optimism for Investment and Jobs
Zimbabwe’s economy is poised for a strong rebound, with GDP expected to grow by 6.6 percent, driven by a recovery in agriculture, iron and steel production, and services—outpacing many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the newly released sixth Zimbabwe Economic Update (ZEU). The report highlights easing inflation and sustained growth momentum while urging continued… [Read More]
Circular Economy Powers Up: Over 140 Million Jobs Driving a Greener Global Future
A groundbreaking new report reveals that between 121 and 142 million people around the world are currently employed in the circular economy, contributing through sectors such as repair, recycling, second-hand trade, and waste management. This accounts for roughly 5 to 5.8 per cent of global employment outside of agriculture, according to the study released jointly… [Read More]
Somalia Secures Full Debt Cancellation, Opening a New Chapter for Growth and Stability
The African Development Bank Group has granted full debt relief to Somalia after the country successfully completed the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. This decision clears all African Development Fund loans for the period 2024 to 2039 and will reduce Somalia’s external debt by $17.68 million, creating much-needed fiscal space to support development… [Read More]
Ethiopia Launches New Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Ethiopia has launched its fourth National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), reinforcing its commitment to addressing this urgent global health threat. The plan positions Ethiopia among African nations with concrete strategies to combat AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to drugs designed to eliminate them. The initiative received support… [Read More]
Joint SDG Fund Showcases Uzbekistan’s Global Accelerator at New York Event
The deep dive session held on 20 November 2025 by the Permanent Missions of Uzbekistan and Germany, together with the Joint SDG Fund, showcased Uzbekistan’s progress under the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. The discussion highlighted the country’s focus on formalization as one of its key pathways to speed up… [Read More]
Kiribati Secures $10 Million ADB Grant for Sustainable Development and Ocean Protection
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $10 million policy-based grant to support Kiribati in strengthening public sector management, expanding women’s financial inclusion, and improving environmental protection. The grant forms part of the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Recovery Program, which continues earlier reforms aimed at building a more resilient and inclusive economy. ADB highlighted that… [Read More]
Global Biodiversity Finance Facility Mobilizes $87M for Project Preparation in 34 Nations
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved 22 new project preparation grants across 34 countries, totaling over $87 million. This fourth round of grants prioritized support for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and projects involving international financial institutions (IFIs), aiming to direct biodiversity funding… [Read More]
Civil Protection Shelter Coalition Inaugurated by Ukraine and Team Europe for Strengthened Civil Safety
The Government of Ukraine, together with Team Europe, has inaugurated the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition, a major initiative aimed at protecting civilians from Russia’s ongoing missile and drone attacks. The Coalition seeks to transition Ukraine from relying on ad-hoc shelters to establishing a nationwide modern civil protection shelter network, prioritizing frontline communities and regions most… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank Sanctions $846 Million to Enhance India’s Skills and Workforce Readiness
The Asian Development Bank has approved an $846 million loan to support the development of a future-ready workforce in India, particularly for its manufacturing and emerging technology sectors. The initiative will strengthen the government’s national skilling program by transforming Industrial Training Institutes across the country and improving the quality of technical education and training available… [Read More]
CCNF Flags UNHCR for Excluding Local NGOs in Rohingya Response Plan
The Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) has raised concerns over UNHCR’s 2026–2029 partnership plan for the Rohingya response, accusing the agency of sidelining local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and thereby undermining their capacity. The forum also criticised the World Bank’s USD 700 million support package for similarly excluding local civil society organisations (CSOs) in its… [Read More]
World Bank Approves Two Digital Initiatives in India for Education and Agriculture
The World Bank has approved two major projects in India aimed at improving education outcomes in Punjab and boosting incomes for small and marginal farmers in Maharashtra through digital solutions. Together, these initiatives are expected to benefit over six million people by leveraging technology to enhance learning and agricultural productivity. The Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School… [Read More]
Mauritania Receives World Bank Support to Advance Inclusive Growth and Sustainability
The World Bank has approved Mauritania’s First Reform for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Development Policy Financing, providing a $30 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the government’s efforts to build a more diversified, resilient, and job-creating economy. The program aims to expand economic opportunities, strengthen institutions, and improve essential services, ensuring… [Read More]
Mauritania: World Bank Introduces EDGE Strategy to Accelerate Growth and Employment
The World Bank Group has launched a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Mauritania covering fiscal years 2026 to 2030, aimed at accelerating Economic Diversification for Growth and Employment (EDGE). The five-year strategy focuses on four key outcomes: creating more and better jobs, strengthening institutions and governance, improving connectivity in communities, and enhancing population resilience…. [Read More]
Tunisia’s Economic Recovery Depends on Stronger Social Safety Nets
Tunisia’s economy is showing signs of recovery, driven by stronger agricultural production, a revival in the construction sector, and improving tourism, according to the World Bank’s latest economic update, “Strengthening Social Safety Nets for Increased Efficiency and Equity.” Real GDP grew by 2.4 percent in the first nine months of 2025, following years of moderate… [Read More]
Improving Teaching Quality and Instruction Time to Boost Primary Education in Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, November 25, 2025 — Cambodia has made significant progress in enrolling children in school, but urgent improvements are needed in classroom teaching, according to two new World Bank reports. The studies examine both the quality and quantity of instruction in primary schools and provide recommendations to strengthen basic literacy and numeracy, ensuring all… [Read More]
ADB Supports Armenia’s Power Grid Modernization to Boost Energy Security
In the early 1990s, Armenia faced a severe energy crisis following the collapse of the Soviet Union and political tensions that disrupted energy supplies. The country’s only nuclear power plant, Metsamor, had been halted after the 1988 Spitak earthquake, leaving Armenia almost entirely dependent on hydropower. Widespread blackouts paralyzed industries and households, with electricity available… [Read More]
Financial Intermediary Fund Established to Support Gaza’s Reconstruction and Development
Conflict in Gaza has caused severe damage to its people, infrastructure, and economy, creating enormous recovery needs that go beyond traditional post-conflict reconstruction. By mid-2025, total recovery and reconstruction requirements in Gaza exceeded $67 billion, according to the Addendum to the Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA) led by the World Bank Group, the… [Read More]
World Bank: Creating Jobs Essential for Faster Poverty Reduction and Social Equality in Bangladesh
Bangladesh achieved significant progress in poverty reduction between 2010 and 2022, lifting 25 million people out of poverty and 9 million out of extreme poverty, while improving access to electricity, education, and sanitation. However, since 2016, the pace of poverty reduction has slowed, and economic growth has become less inclusive, according to the Bangladesh Poverty… [Read More]
Boosting Economic Stability and Employment in The Gambia
The World Bank Group has approved $45 million in grant financing from the International Development Association (IDA) to support The Gambia in enhancing domestic revenue mobilization, developing key infrastructure, strengthening the regulatory and skills environment for private sector growth, and improving climate resilience. The funding aims to help the government implement transformational reforms to sustain… [Read More]
World Bank Supports India with Two Projects to Enhance Education and Digital Agriculture
The World Bank has approved two projects in India aimed at improving education outcomes in Punjab and boosting farmers’ incomes in Maharashtra through innovative digital solutions. Together, these initiatives are expected to benefit over six million people, enhancing economic development, poverty reduction, and livelihoods through technology-driven interventions in key sectors. The Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School… [Read More]
Africa Investment Forum Hosts Inaugural ‘Mission 300’ Day to Drive Universal Energy Access
The inaugural Mission 300 Day, held alongside the Africa Investment Forum 2025 in Rabat, brought together the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank Group, and key partners to accelerate efforts toward providing electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. The event showcased National Energy Compacts developed by participating countries and highlighted investment-ready opportunities… [Read More]
