Photo: Pexels / cottonbro studioWalk into a grocery store and markets behave as textbooks predict prices signal value; consumers compare options, competition rewards efficiency. Now we swap groceries for cancer treatment, maternal care, or emergency surgery. Healthcare is different. As Nobel Laureate Kenneth Arrow argued six decades ago—and glob...
In recent years, discussions around debt in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have often been framed by narratives suggesting that debt challenges stem primarily from excessive borrowing or ineffective policies. While these perspectives reflect real and important concerns, the latest evidence from the International Debt Report (IDR) 2025 p...
WASHINGTON, February 12, 2026—Current deficits in health, education, and skill development at work are costing low- and middle-income countries 51% of their future labor earnings, according to a new World Bank Group report released today. Over the past 15 years, even as incomes have risen and poverty has declined, two-thirds of low- and middle-income coun...
WASHINGTON, February 11, 2026 — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a €70 million ($80.97 million equivalent) loan to Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve transport connectivity and modernize road infrastructure, essential drivers of jobs and economic growth. The project is complemented by an €8.5 million ($9.99 million equiv...
WASHINGTON, February 10, 2026 — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a $370 million financing to improve sanitation and solid waste management services, reducing water pollution and restoring rivers and canals in Dhaka and surrounding areas.The Metro Dhaka Water Security and Resilience Program will strengt...
WASHINGTON, February 9, 2026 – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $50 million in financing to boost Nepal’s digital public infrastructure and digitize public services, fundamentally changing how services are delivered to the people.The Nepal Digital Transformation Project will invest in digital platforms includin...
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2026—The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved financing to revamp India’s network of skills training institutes to better align with labor market needs and open up more job opportunities for the millions of graduates entering the workforce.Jobs are central to India’s growth trajectory, competitiveness, and meeting ...
OverviewRecent data suggests continued global economic resilience, despite early signs of softening in some countries. Although global trade continues to hold up, forward-looking indicators suggest mixed performance across regions. Table of Contents Monthly Highlights ..........................................2 Special Focus ..........
BEIRUT, January 27, 2026 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved yesterday US$350 million in new financing to help Lebanon meet the basic needs of the poor and vulnerable during its economic and financial recovery and improve the delivery of high-impact public services through digital transformation of the public sector. The ...
WASHINGTON, January 22, 2026—The World Bank Group’s Boards of Executive Directors today approved a financing package to increase the Kingdom of Bhutan’s hydropower generation, facilitate regional clean energy trade, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs.The 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project, located on the Kurichhu River in ea...
