Yemen’s fisheries sector, once central to food security and local livelihoods, has suffered immense damage due to prolonged conflict, collapsing infrastructure, and worsening climate impacts. Fishers have faced rising costs, limited access to cold storage, and deteriorating landing sites, all of which have reduced earnings and made nutritious fish less affordable for communities. Despite these… [Read More]
World Bank
Boosting Rural Incomes and Fisheries Productivity Across the Philippines
Agriculture plays a vital role in the Philippines, employing a quarter of the labor force and contributing significantly to the national economy. Despite its importance, the sector’s transformation has been slow due to persistent challenges such as low productivity, limited value addition, and the growing impacts of climate change, which have reduced yields and arable… [Read More]
New Cambodian Roadmap Aims to Save Lives Through Early Warning Systems
The Government of Cambodia, in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme and other UN agencies, has launched the National Roadmap for Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL 2025–2028), a strategic plan designed to ensure inclusive, multi-hazard early warning systems reach every community in the country. Developed collaboratively with government ministries, UN partners, and civil… [Read More]
IDB & World Bank: Jamaica Faces Historic US$8.8 Billion Loss from Hurricane Melissa
The World Bank, in coordination with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has estimated that Hurricane Melissa caused physical damages in Jamaica totaling US$8.8 billion, equivalent to 41% of the country’s 2024 GDP, making it the costliest hurricane in the nation’s recorded history. The Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE), conducted immediately after the hurricane, assessed damage… [Read More]
Angola Approves 2026-2030 National Immunization Strategy for Stronger Health Systems
Angola has officially launched its National Immunization Strategy (NIS) 2026-2030, aimed at strengthening the country’s Expanded Program on Immunization and safeguarding children’s health. The Strategy sets ambitious targets aligned with WHO recommendations and global immunization goals, emphasizing equity, sustainability, and integration of vaccination services into the national health agenda. Developed through a participatory and evidence-based… [Read More]
World Bank, IDB Estimate Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Damage at Unprecedented US$8.8 Billion
The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have estimated that Hurricane Melissa caused US$8.8 billion in physical damage in Jamaica, making it the most destructive hurricane in the nation’s history. This figure represents 41 percent of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP and reflects losses across homes, infrastructure, public buildings, and agriculture. The assessment, conducted through the… [Read More]
Educating, Empowering, and Elevating: The Transformation of Girls and Women in Nigeria
The International Development Association (IDA) is advancing human capital development in Nigeria through a wide range of initiatives focused on adolescent girls and women. These programs aim to expand education, improve health and nutrition, strengthen economic inclusion, and enhance social protection. Together, they are reshaping opportunities for millions of girls and women and supporting Nigeria’s… [Read More]
From Waste to Wealth: Transforming South Asia’s Food Systems for a Sustainable Future
South Asia, home to nearly two billion people, loses up to 40% of its food before it reaches consumers—an enormous challenge but also a major opportunity for transformation. With rising climate pressures, persistent undernutrition, and a rapidly growing youth population, the region is now mobilizing policy, innovation, and investment to build more resilient and efficient… [Read More]
Cotonou Declaration: West and Central Africa Unite for Accelerated Digital Transformation
Ministers responsible for the digital economy from West and Central African countries met in Cotonou, Benin, where they reaffirmed their collective commitment to accelerate digital transformation and the responsible development of Artificial Intelligence. They emphasized that digital progress must improve people’s lives by creating jobs, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing economic competitiveness. While acknowledging progress… [Read More]
Driving Inclusive Growth and Jobs Through Digital Transformation
Western and Central African countries have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating digital transformation by 2030, aiming to expand broadband access, strengthen artificial intelligence capabilities, generate digital jobs, and build a more integrated regional digital market. This commitment was formalized in the Cotonou Declaration, adopted during a regional summit held in Benin on November 17–18, 2025…. [Read More]
Colombia’s Multipurpose Cadaster Expansion Backed by World Bank Funding
The World Bank has approved a new loan to support the expansion of Colombia’s Multipurpose Cadaster, a key instrument for modernizing land administration. By updating cadastral information nationwide, the initiative aims to strengthen land tenure security, improve local government finances, and enhance public investment. Citizens and municipalities will benefit from better access to cadastral services,… [Read More]
Road Repair Projects Strengthen Connectivity and Drive Job Growth in Lebanon
Lebanon’s road network has suffered years of deterioration due to prolonged neglect, limited public investment, and the added strain of hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees. Nearly one-third of the country’s 6,500-kilometer main road network is in moderate to poor condition, contributing to safety risks and long travel times. Against this backdrop, the Roads and… [Read More]
Deepening Economic Hardship Pushes Yemen Toward Greater Instability
Yemen’s economy continued to face severe pressure in the first half of 2025, as years of conflict and institutional fragmentation were compounded by a continued blockade on oil exports, rising inflation, and declining international aid. According to the World Bank’s Fall 2025 Yemen Economic Monitor, real GDP is expected to contract by 1.5 percent this… [Read More]
UN Joint SDG Fund Catalytic Investment Boosts Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions
The Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha reaffirmed a strong global commitment to social justice through the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration in November 2025. With nearly 4 billion people lacking social protection and widespread unemployment and exclusion, the declaration highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address growing social vulnerabilities… [Read More]
Nepal Receives $9.4M Payment for Forest Carbon Credits Under FCPF
Nepal has received $9.4 million from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility for reducing around 1.88 million tons of carbon dioxide under its REDD+ Emission Reductions Program in the Terai Arc Landscape. This marks the first payment under the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement and represents a major step in the country’s efforts to curb… [Read More]
World Bank Group Launches Network for Impact in Africa to Accelerate Development Solutions
The World Bank Group, together with four leading African think tanks, has launched the Network for Impact in Africa (NIA), a collaborative platform aimed at strengthening knowledge partnerships and improving development outcomes across the continent. The initiative focuses on combining global expertise with local insights to support policymakers and deliver practical, country-specific solutions. By embedding… [Read More]
World’s Most Extensive Resource on Reserve Management Practices Released in New Report
The World Bank has released its most comprehensive report to date on global reserve management practices, based on survey responses from 136 central banks—the highest participation since the survey began. The 5th Biennial Reserve Management Survey Report 2025, produced by the World Bank Treasury’s Reserve Advisory & Management Partnership (RAMP), examines how central banks protect… [Read More]
World Bank Launches New Support to Modernize Transport Infrastructure in Haiti
The World Bank has approved a new project in Haiti designed to improve rural accessibility and strengthen road connectivity in the country’s South and North departments. The initiative focuses on critical segments of National Road 2 and Departmental Road 41, both of which are vital corridors for regional mobility and economic activity. By targeting these… [Read More]
How Digital Transformation and Public Sector Reform Are Accelerating Western Balkans’ EU Integration and Economic Development
The Western Balkans—comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—are undergoing rapid transformation as they modernize public institutions and embrace digital technologies. Despite global uncertainties, the region continues to experience steady economic growth supported by improvements in governance, increased business confidence, and expanding job opportunities. As the countries move closer to European… [Read More]
Clean Water for Dumai: Indonesia’s Journey Toward Sustainable Water Access
In the coastal city of Dumai, Indonesia, access to clean water was once a daily struggle. Residents like Dede Handayani, a mother of two, spent up to US$64 a month buying water from vendors while relying on well water for washing and gardening. Local businesses also struggled to maintain hygiene, and the municipal water utility,… [Read More]
How Climate Change is Affecting Human Health Worldwide
Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest global health emergencies of the century, threatening the well-being of populations across all regions. Its impacts are widespread, affecting every community, though the most severe consequences fall on vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, marginalized communities, displaced persons, and people with pre-existing health conditions… [Read More]
Ecuador Strengthens Financial Access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to Drive Economic Growth
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Ecuador’s economy, accounting for 99 percent of firms and around 60 percent of formal employment, or approximately 1.8 million jobs. However, MSMEs have long struggled with limited access to financing, compounded by political instability and recurring crises such as energy shortages. Ecuador’s financial system faces… [Read More]
Strengthening Digital Access: UN Expands Connectivity Efforts for Refugees in Eastern Chad
The Connectivity for Refugees (CfR) initiative is gaining momentum in its mission to promote digital inclusion for 20 million forcibly displaced people and host communities by 2030. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are expanding partnerships in Chad and other refugee-hosting countries to provide affordable and accessible internet connectivity that… [Read More]
