Knowledge to Impact: Research Driving Policy for Cleaner Commutes, Safer Water, and Breathable Air

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/immersive-story/2026/06/22/knowledge-to-impact-research-driving-policy-for-cleaner-commutes-safer-water-and-breathable-air?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM284755 Jobs are at the heart of the World Bank Group’s agenda. That means focusing on foundations - physical infrastructure, and natural and human capital; a business-friendly policy environment; and a vibrant private sector, as the core accelerators that will create jobs at scale.

West Africa’s rice imperative: why investing in the value chain is the most important bet we can make Guangzhe ChenOusmane Diagana June 22, 2026 This page in: English Français

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/west-africas-rice-imperative-why-investing-in-the-value-chain-is-the-most-important-bet-we-can-make?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM284755 Every year, West Africa sends more than $3.5 billion abroad to buy rice — a staple food that millions of people across the region consume every day. Yet, this is a crop that grows and thrives in the region. Expanding domestic production is a major opportunity to strengthen food security, create jobs, boost rural incomes, and mitigate exposure to volatile global commodity markets.

Investing in the future: ensuring women-led small businesses can thrive Najada KumbuliSophie Sirtaine June 24, 2026 This page in: English 中文

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/investing-in-the-future-ensuring-women-led-small-businesses-can-thrive?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM284755 When we picture engines of economic growth and job creation, we tend to think of large multinational companies and global brands. Yet, in emerging and developing economies, it is primarily micro, small, and medium-sized businesses that play this critical role. Small and medium-sized businesses represent around 90 percent of all businesses worldwide, and account for more than half of global employment. In developing countries, these businesses are critical to economic diversity and poverty reduction, creating jobs that provide not just incomes but also purpose and dignity for people within their local communities.

Building on connectivity to transform financial inclusion in Arab countries Leora KlapperAndrej Popovic June 22, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/arabvoices/building-on-connectivity-to-transform-financial-inclusion-in-ara?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM284755 A new Global Findex Note, “Digital Connectivity and Financial Inclusion in Arab Countries”, reviews the region’s progress on financial inclusion, assesses financial vulnerabilities, and identifies pathways to build greater economic resilience — drawing on the latest evidence from the Global Findex 2025. High connectivity rates are not yet enabling high financial inclusion in Arab countries Across the low- and middle-income Arab economies in Africa and Asia, 90 percent of adults own a phone, higher than the world’s low- and middle-income average of 84 percent. In countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, high rates of smartphone ownership are driving higher than average internet use. Social media is popular, with nearly 60 percent of adults across the region engaging on these platforms. People also read news online, access learning materials, and increasingly use government services. The highest share of adults accessing online information to learn, train, or educate is in Lebanon and the West Bank.

Open for Business: Supporting Ukraine's Small Businesses In Wartime

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/06/23/open-for-business-supporting-ukraines-small-businesses-in-wartime?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM284755 STORY HIGHLIGHTS Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted operations for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across the country, as employees fled, facilities were destroyed, and access to finance was constrained. Financed with World Bank Group support, the government’s 5-7-9 loan program has helped subsidize borrowing costs for over 20,000 firms across the country. To date, businesses kept afloat through this program have created over 50,000 new jobs and generated over $318 million of export volumes.

Human Capital: Counting What Counts Over a Lifetime | People First Podcast

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/podcast/2026/06/17/human-capital-counting-what-counts-over-a-lifetime-people-first-podcast?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM284755 In this new episode, we explore a new way of understanding development outcomes across a lifetime: the Human Capital Index Plus (HCI+). A child born today in Sub-Saharan Africa could earn nearly 70% more over their lifetime, if health, learning, and work systems functioned differently. So what’s holding that future back? Joined by Norbert Schady, Chief Economist for the People Vice Presidency at the World Bank Group and Dr. Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, the conversation unpacks what the HCI+ measures, why Sub-Saharan Africa faces a deep human capital crisis, and how some countries and programs are already beating the odds.

Aiming to slash Azneft's emissions to zero by 2022: SOCAR sets ambitions to tackle a critical climate issue

https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/gasflaringreduction/brief/aiming-to-slash-emissions-to-zero-by-2022 A partner in the World Bank's Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR), SOCAR shares its track record and future plans for gas flaring reduction. Azerbaijan has steadily curtailed the polluting practice of gas flaring – from 333 million cubic meters (mcm) per year in 2012 to 135 per year in 2020, according to satellite-based estimates made by GGFR. Meanwhile, its flaring intensity, the amount of flaring per barrel of oil produced, has also declined over time–speaking to the efficiency with which associated gas is utilized.