Tag Archives: IFC

Five alarming statistics on global hunger

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As we welcome 2025 and close the first quarter of the 21st century, it is a moment for reflection. We find ourselves at a pivotal midpoint—five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and five years away from the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, food and nutrition insecurity remain pressing global challenges. Many countries continue to grapple with recurring crises fueled by climate change, high food prices, and conflict, all of which undermine access to the healthy, nutritious food that people need to thrive.

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Cameroon’s journey toward affordable, reliable, and universal electricity access for all

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • In rural Cameroon, 75% of the population remains without electricity, even though many live near the grid.
  • The Nachtigal Hydropower Plant financed by the World Bank Group together with partners, will increase Cameroon’s power generation capacity by 30%.
  • In addition to hydropower, Cameroon is developing several solar photovoltaic plants with a total installed capacity of 250 MW to transition to a greener electricity generation mix.
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Bringing Light and Life to Rural Health Centers in Madagascar

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A rural health center in Mateliona Betafo, Madagascar, has transformed healthcare delivery with solar-powered electricity through the World Bank-supported LEAD Project. For nearly seven years, midwives like Lovatiana Rasoarinjanahary worked under unsafe, dim conditions, relying on candles or dying phone batteries. Since June 2024, the center – one of 500 electrified by LEAD – now provides safe, well-lit care, benefiting vulnerable populations. The project improves lighting, refrigeration, and sterilization, enhancing maternal and child healthcare while supporting Madagascar’s goal to double electricity access through cost-effective, off-grid solutions. Lives and communities are brighter and safer with this innovation.

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Why developing economies need a new playbook

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As the 21st century dawned, world leaders were in a confident mood. They resolved to make “the right to development a reality for everyone” and free “the entire human race from want.” Fifteen years later, buoyed by the initial burst of progress, they set a tight deadline: “We resolve, between now and 2030, to end poverty and hunger everywhere.”  

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Working together to save the Ganges River Dolphin

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Endangered Icon: The endangered Ganges River Dolphin is more than just a beautiful creature; it’s a barometer of river systems’ health.
  • United Initiative: To conserve the Ganges dolphin population, a Ganges River Dolphin Platform is set up, which fosters collaboration between governments, development partners, and experts to prioritize dolphin-friendly investments and conservation efforts in the GBM basin.
  • Holistic Approach: Nine World Bank supported projects across the GBM Basin are working together to synchronize conservation efforts, share best practices, and protect river dolphin habitats.
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The AI governance balancing act: Navigating opportunities and risks

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Did you know that in Sub-Saharan Africa, students spend an average of six years in school but leave with only three years’ worth of learning? The learning gap is stark, but artificial intelligence (AI) is rising to the challenge. In Kenya, innovators have created Somanasi (“Learn with me”), an AI-powered chatbot designed to help bridge this divide. By providing real-time, tailored responses to student questions, gamifying lessons, and promoting collaborative learning, this resource helps students better understand and retain the school curriculum, empowering them to make the most of their time in school and narrow the learning deficit. 

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WORLD BANK GROUP YOUTH SUMMIT

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Pitch Competition Launch

Calling all young innovators and changemakers! Join the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2025 Pitch Competition Launch on January 16th, 2025 (time to be confirmed). Discover how to pitch your creative solutions addressing climate action, digital transformation, and creative industries. We will spotlight the inspiring work of young entrepreneurs and past competition winners tackling global challenges. 

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For full competition rules and timeline, visit our website.

More details on the session and speakers coming soon.

 

 
 
 

 

World Bank’s USD 6 Billion 7-Year Global Bond Achieves Record Orderbook

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WASHINGTON, D.C., January 7, 2025 – The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) today priced a 7-year benchmark bond that matures in January 2032.  The Sustainable Development Bond raised USD 6 billion from investors seeking a high-quality liquid investment that supports the World Bank’s work to end extreme poverty and boost prosperity on a livable planet.

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World Bank Group Sanctions System: Promoting good governance and tackling corruption

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Accountability is a basic principle of good governance. But in a rapidly evolving world, howanti-corruption-day-1140x500_1140x500 can public institutions ensure their checks and balances remain strong and responsive to change?  

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Quality, affordable health services for 1.5 billion people: A vision for a healthier, more resilient world

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The scale of the global health challenge is staggering. Global megatrends—such asquality-healthcare-1140x500_1140x500 decreasing investments in health systems, climate change, and aging populations—are making it harder to access quality, affordable health care.  Over half of the world’s population lack access to essential health services, and nearly 2 billion people face financial hardship due to the high costs of health care. Without access to essential health services, millions remain trapped in cycles of poverty. This lack of opportunity stifles human potential and economic growth. Good health means improved quality of life, increased access to education and employment, and greater resilience in the face of future crises.

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