Ethiopia has made significant progress in energy access in recent years; however, despite a 94% electrification rate in urban areas, around 60 million Ethiopians remain without electricity access.
The World Bank-supported Ethiopia Electrification Program (ELEAP), has facilitated nearly 1.3 million on-grid connections, providing electricity to about 6.3 million people, and more than 19,000 public facilities such as schools, healthcare centers, and administrative government buildings, across Ethiopia.
ELEAP has supported the installation of 11 mini-grids, bringing electricity to nearly 20,000 people in isolated communities, promoting social and economic growth, and particularly benefiting rural women.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For full competition rules and timeline, visit our website.
More details on the session and speakers coming soon.
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.
Accountability is a basic principle of good governance. But in a rapidly evolving world, how can public institutions ensure their checks and balances remain strong and responsive to change?
The scale of the global health challenge is staggering. Global megatrends—such as 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.
Can you imagine a job where you can decide where to work, when to work, and which projects to work on? According to our recent data analysis, this is exactly how 243 million youth around the world are challenging the traditional career path, particularly in developing countries where they seek higher pay and jobs that are not easily available close to home.
As explored in the recent World Bank report Working without Borders, many young workers are using digital platforms to access jobs from all over the globe and embracing online gig work rather than pursuing informal, low-quality, local jobs. They are performing task-based jobs facilitated through online gig platforms, continually upgrading their skills, and trying to stay ahead of the competition and evolving technology.
In addition to flexibility, online gig work also presents the opportunity to earn higher pay compared to traditional employment. This income potential, coupled with the ability to be one’s own boss and access job opportunities in areas where local demand for labor may be low, makes online gig work an attractive proposition for many. It also enables people to cover income gaps and achieve greater financial stability, especially during shock or transition.
Figure 1: Motivations for Youth Participation in Online Gig Work
Source: Global Online Gig Workers Survey (2022)
Where do online gig workers live, and how does internet access affect this trend?
Contrary to a commonly held assumptions, our research revealed that a significant number of online gig workers hail from smaller towns rather than major metropolitan areas. This presents a valuable opportunity for youth living in smaller cities, where there may be few local employment opportunities.
Online gig workers may not need to move to big cities to find work, but they need access to the internet, a reliable connection, and digital devices. In countries with higher internet coverage, the percentage of online gig workers from smaller cities is notably higher, highlighting the importance of expanding internet access to address spatial inequalities in labor markets.
So, is expanding internet access enough? The answer is NO. Our survey found variations across countries with similar levels of internet coverage, suggesting there are barriers to online gig work beyond internet access. For example, in the Middle East and Northern Africa, the share of youth performing online gig work in smaller cities is lower despite higher internet coverage, highlighting untapped potential opportunities.
Figure 2: Internet coverage and the share of young online gig workers in smaller cities
Source: Global Online Gig Workers Survey
Source: Global Online Gig Workers Survey
What are the benefits of online gigs for different workers?
Online gig work offers better pay and opportunities for young people regardless of their education attainment. For example, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, online gig workers earn more than informal sector workers, even after adjusting for education, age, marital status, and working hours. Our research, however, suggests that in general workers with a college education have a greater chance of accessing higher-paying gigs.
Young gig workers aim to improve their skills, while also earning an income. While technical and digital skills are important, youth also highlight the importance of learning communication and time management skills to be successful as gig workers.
How can we help address potential challenges of online gig work?
While online gig work holds immense potential, most online gig workers – like other informal jobs in developing countries – do not have adequate social protection. While most young gig workers lack access to health insurance or old age benefits, they aspire for more than just traditional social security benefits; they are keen to develop their skills and want financial support for work-related needs such as computers and devices, highlighting the need for targeted social protection programs.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$25 million program to improve Suriname´s air transportation sector, increasing its safety and connectivity.
The program approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors will support actions to improve compliance with international civil aviation safety and security standards and increase the quality and resilience of air transport infrastructure.
can public institutions ensure their checks and balances remain strong and responsive to change? 
decreasing investments in health systems, climate change, and aging populations—are making it harder to access quality, affordable health care. 
Netherlands for the World Bank 
You must be logged in to post a comment.