Tag Archives: RVO

Digital Opportunities in African Businesses

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Tapping Tech to the Full

How much do African firms use digital technology, for what purposes, and how can they be encouraged to use it more? While advances have been made in digitalizing Africa, with mobile payments a success story, firms still face challenges like higher costs of technology. Much more can be done to enable and empower them to reap its full potential, IFC research shows. A new book, Digital Opportunities in African Businesses, outlines the steps to be taken—from investing in digital infrastructure to funding tech startups offering user-friendly, affordable digital solutions. More than 600,000 formally registered firms and 40 million microbusinesses—about 20 percent of businesses in Africa—are potentially ready to benefit from digital upgrades.

Becoming a Knowledge Bank – Delivering solutions at impact and scale

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As part of our efforts to become a better Bank, one that’s fit for purpose to meet the needs of the countries we support and to end poverty on a livable planet, the World Bank is transforming its approach to knowledge. We’re putting the client, those living in developing countries, at the heart of our knowledge work.

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IDA’s Role in an Increasingly Complex Global Aid Architecture

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Global aid architecture has transformed significantly in the last two decades, with Official Financial Flows (OFF) increasing and benefiting low-income countries.
  • However, this led to a complex and fragmented aid architecture and fewer concessional resources. Multiple donors and channels create obstacles for low-income countries with weak implementation capacity.
  • IDA is the partner of choice to tackle challenges caused by complex aid architecture. Its global presence and ability to convene stakeholders facilitate better coordination among various efforts.
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Collaboration between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast on Coastal Protection

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The governments of Ivory Coast and the Netherlands, represented by Ivory Coast officials, Invest International, and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, have initiated a project to strengthen the coastline near Abidjan. The collaboration aims to protect Ivory Coast’s coastline from flooding and erosion using sustainable, nature based solutions. To begin, a feasibility study funded by a one million euros investment will assess the best methods for coastal reinforcement. The subsequent implementation phase, anticipated to cost millions of euros, will safeguard Ivory Coast’s coastal regions and creates substantial opportunities for Dutch companies.

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WORK WITH USAID

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Visit the Work with USAID’s YouTube Channel
Have you taken a look at Work with USAID’s YouTube channel recently? This is a great resource to help you navigate partnering with USAID. The YouTube channel contains playlists where you can find videos specific to your needs. “Resources on WorkwithUSAID.gov” holds demo videos to help you explore the WorkwithUSAID.gov platform. You can also view recordings of webinars like the Business Forecast and Partner Updates webinars to better understand the Agency’s priorities and the How to Work with USAID 101 webinars to learn how USAID approaches funding. Also, check out our video resources in French, Arabic, and Spanish!

The Commodity Markets Outlook in eight charts

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Commodity prices are projected to experience a slight downturn in 2024 and 2025 but are expected to remain above pre-pandemic levels. Energy prices are expected to decline by 3 percent in 2024, as notably lower prices of natural gas and coal offset higher oil prices, followed by a further decline of 4 percent in 2025. Agricultural prices are expected to ease as well in this year and next amid improved supply conditions. Metal prices are set to remain steady in 2024, before rising slightly in 2025. Although the price forecasts assume no further conflict escalation, risks remain tilted to the upside, stemming from the possibility of conflict in the Middle East and its consequent impact on energy supplies.

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Banking on Women Who Trade Across Borders

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“Banking on Women Who Trade Across Borders” underscores the critical need for genderrepor-cover-banking-on-women-who-trade-across-borders equality in international trade and trade finance. Despite the documented positive impacts of women-owned businesses on economic growth and poverty reduction, a significant gap remains in understanding how international trade intersects with female participation, particularly in accessing trade finance. Drawing from interviews across Africa and Latin America, the report explores the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and proposes solutions.

 

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Despite High Potential, 75 Vulnerable Economies Face ‘Historic Reversal’

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In Half of IDA Countries, Income Gap with Wealthiest Economies is Widening

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2024—Despite their high potential to advance global prosperity, one-half of the world’s 75 most vulnerable countries are facing a widening income gap with the wealthiest economies for the first time in this century, a new World Bank report has found. Taking full advantage of their younger populations, their rich natural resources, and their abundant solar-energy potential can help them overcome the setback.

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Ingredients for Accelerating Universal Electricity Access: Lessons from Rwanda’s Inspirational Approach

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In just 15 years, Rwanda has increased its electricity access to 75% from 6% in 2009. This took government ownership, leadership, and commitment, partnership with the private sector, funding from development partners, and dedicated structure and institutional strengthening.

The goal of lighting up every household is not a dream, but an achievable reality. In a remarkable 15-year journey, Rwanda increased access to electricity to households from 6% in 2009 to 75% as of March 2024. The country has connected 100% of health centers and administrative facilities at the sector level and 84% of schools and most productive users (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises). This electrification expansion was one of the fastest in the world between 2010 and 2020, ranking 11th globally and 3rd in Africa.

Government ownership, leadership, and commitment to universal electrification. Since 2008, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) has been intentional in engraining electrification targets in its development strategies. The Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 1 (EDPRS1 2008-2012) set out targets for electricity connections from 70,000 to 200,000 households, and for institutions providing social and administrative services from 50% to 80%. Likewise, both the EDPRS2 (2013-2018), and the National Strategy for Transformation 1 (2017-2024) set a universal electrification target by 2024.

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Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System

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Download the report here recipe-cover-publication-page

Recipe for a Livable Planet is the first comprehensive global roadmap for mitigating the agrifood system’s contributions to climate change. It shows how the agriculture system that produces the world’s food can cut greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to feed the world.

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