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Banking & Financial Services

World Bank approves $56 million for improving rural road connectivity in Laos

A new World Bank project aims to improve connectivity in central and southern Laos, benefiting around 600,000 people by making rural roads more resilient to climate change. The $56 million Lao PDR Climate Resilient Road Connectivity Improvement Project was approved yesterday. It will support government efforts to enhance approximately 300 kilometers of district and rural roads in Khammuan, Saravan, and Savannakhet provinces.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank officials highlight importance of continued support for Haiti

On his first visit to Haiti at the end of August 2024, Dirk Reinermann, Director for Resource Mobilization with the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), toured the new location of the National Emergency Operations Center of the Direction Générale de la Protection Civile. The recently inaugurated 480 square-meter facility, partly financed by IDA, aims to improve coordination among populations at risk before, during, or after climatic, geological, or other events.


Banking & Financial Services

Djibouti economy grows strongly amid challenges

Djibouti’s economy saw significant growth in 2023, with GDP rising by an estimated 6.7 percent. This growth was driven by a recovery in Ethiopia's demand for port and logistics services and strong domestic demand bolstered by private investment and government measures to counter inflation from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank backs Indonesian reforms for sustainable land management

A new land management reform initiative aims to help Indonesia achieve its climate objectives, with the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approving a US$653 million project on September 30, 2024. The Integrated Land Administration and Spatial Planning (ILASP) project is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with land conversion, particularly in the Forestry and Other Land Use sector. This effort aligns with Indonesia's target to cut emissions by 31 percent by 2030 and supports the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.


Banking & Financial Services

Niger expects economic recovery driven by oil revenues amid challenges

Niger's economy is expected to recover following a challenging year marked by political instability. This recovery hinges on favorable security and climate conditions, along with sustained oil production for exports, as detailed in the World Bank's latest economic update for Niger.


Banking & Financial Services

NCUA prohibits two individuals from participating in federally insured depository institutions

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has issued one consent and one prohibition notice in September 2024. The individuals named are permanently prohibited from participating in the affairs of any federally insured depository institution.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank official visits Haiti highlights ongoing support amid crises

On his first visit to Haiti at the end of August 2024, Dirk Reinermann, Director for Resource Mobilization with the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), toured the new location of the National Emergency Operations Center of the Direction Générale de la Protection Civile. The recently inaugurated 480 square-meter facility, partly financed by the International Development Association, will facilitate better coordination among populations at-risk before, during or after climatic, geological, or other events.


Banking & Financial Services

Niger's economic resilience amid crises highlights urgent need for investment in education

In Niger, 2023 was marked by a severe political crisis that triggered regional commercial and financial sanctions and disrupted external financing. The sanctions lasted seven months, and an estimated 7.5% of GDP in external financing was not disbursed in 2023 due to disruptions in international development assistance. The report estimates that the crisis significantly reduced GDP growth to 2.0% in 2023 (-1.7% per capita), compared to 6.9% prior to the crisis.


Banking & Financial Services

Binance announces cooperation with India ED in Fiewin app scam investigation

Binance announced that India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested four individuals connected to the Fiewin gaming app scam. The investigation revealed links to digital wallets, with Binance's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) providing significant assistance.


Banking & Financial Services

Romania publishes roadmap for developing offshore wind industry

The European Commission and the World Bank Group have collaborated with the Government of Romania to publish a new roadmap aimed at developing offshore wind energy in the Black Sea. The document, part of the project 'Internal energy market and energy transition in Romania,' received technical support from the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM). The initiative was funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC), alongside DG...


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank grants $30 million to support Zambian refugee policy

The World Bank has approved a new grant to help Zambia improve socio-economic opportunities for refugees and their host communities. The $30 million Zambia Refugee and Host Communities Project will focus on legislative reforms supporting the Government of Zambia’s 2023 Refugee Policy and invest in social and economic activities within the Meheba refugee settlement.


Banking & Financial Services

Uruguay's Ceibal initiative highlights benefits of tech in education

Ceibal, Uruguay’s digital education initiative, offers valuable lessons for countries seeking to leverage technology for improved learning outcomes and educational equity. This brief explores Ceibal's journey from its initial goal of providing laptops to every student and teacher to its evolution into a comprehensive platform for educational innovation.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank Group expands partnership with IFRS Foundation on sustainability standards

The World Bank Group and the IFRS Foundation have announced their commitment to expand their partnership towards adopting sustainability standards in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). This announcement was made during New York Climate Week.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank supports Serbia with EUR 25 million for innovation growth

Serbia is set to enhance its international competitiveness and accelerate economic growth by strengthening the links between scientists and innovators, supporting artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and biotechnology, and mobilizing private capital. The World Bank has approved EUR 25 million in additional financing through the Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship (SAIGE) Project to support these efforts.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank continues extensive support efforts for Afghan people

The World Bank Group has provided over $1.7 billion in support to the Afghan people since August 2021, focusing on service delivery for women and girls. The funds are managed outside the control of the Interim Taliban Administration (ITA).


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank highlights economic benefits of nature-based tourism

Nature-based tourism is emerging as a significant driver for economic development and biodiversity conservation, according to recent findings. In areas rich in natural assets but with limited economic opportunities, nature-based tourism can create jobs and diversify rural economies. The spending by tourists on activities, transportation, food, and accommodation benefits local communities by generating jobs and income. This ripple effect extends to both poor and non-poor households.


Banking & Financial Services

UN agencies collaborate with EU & World Bank Group against gender-based violence

The United Nations, European Commission, and World Bank Group have announced a joint commitment to prioritize gender equality and the eradication of violence against women and girls as part of their cooperation efforts. This initiative aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank debars three Indian IT firms over collusive practices

The World Bank Group has announced the 15-month debarment of three India-based IT companies—Venus Softwares, Venus IT Solutions Private Limited, and Zytron Systems. This action is in response to collusive practices related to the West Bengal Institutional Strengthening of Gram Panchayats Program II in India.


Banking & Financial Services

Governments urge increased investment in Latin American education at UN summit

On the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future, governments and multilateral organizations have called for increased financing for education in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic and Chile, supported by UNICEF, UNESCO, ECLAC, IDB, World Bank, CAF, OEI, CLADE, and Varkey Foundation, emphasized education as crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.


Banking & Financial Services

World Bank approves $1.57 billion funding package for Nigeria

The World Bank has approved three operations totaling $1.57 billion to aid Nigeria in enhancing health outcomes, dam safety, and irrigation services. The financing includes $500 million for the HOPE-GOV program, $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program (HOPE-PHC), and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN).