046d9a6f8fcc09edd0a7cec86085f53d8f2f5332 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sar/publication/south-asia-economic-update English /content/region/sar/en/publication/south-asia-economic-update cq5 Publication Publication 046d9a6f8fcc09edd0a7cec86085f53d8f2f5332 South Asia Economic Update April 2026 The World Bank’s latest economic outlook explores growth prospects for South Asia and provides analysis on how the region can benefit from the green energy transition. 2027-04-08T23:00:00Z South Asia’s growth is expected to slow in 2026 amid headwinds from global energy market dislocation. Trade reforms could unlock further growth by reducing trade barriers, especially for emerging export sectors. The World Bank’s latest economic outlook explores growth prospects for South Asia and provides analysis on how the region can benefit from the green energy transition. 3fe1907d6d0e47798789c26c623277c97f04a171 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sar/publication/a-livable-future-protecting-jobs-and-growth-from-extreme-heat-in-south-asia-s-cities English /content/region/sar/en/publication/a-livable-future-protecting-jobs-and-growth-from-extreme-heat-in-south-asia-s-cities cq5 Publication Publication 3fe1907d6d0e47798789c26c623277c97f04a171 A Livable Future: Protecting Jobs and Growth from Extreme Heat in South Asia's Cities FULL REPORT | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | PRESS RELEASE | INFOGRAPHIC 2026-07-29T20:39:00Z Extreme heat is already costing South Asia nearly the equivalent of 31 million full-time jobs every year and is on track to reduce the region's economy by nearly 7 percent by 2050, according to a new World Bank report released today. FULL REPORT | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | PRESS RELEASE | INFOGRAPHIC c90857ca9fb82c0e5cd90014b7c7020dbae5ca17 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/statement/2026/07/15/keynote-address-by-anna-bjerde-world-bank-managing-director-of-operations-at-the-african-water-forum English /content/wb-home/en/news/statement/2026/07/15/keynote-address-by-anna-bjerde-world-bank-managing-director-of-operations-at-the-african-water-forum cq5 Statement Statement c90857ca9fb82c0e5cd90014b7c7020dbae5ca17 Keynote Address by Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations, at the African Water Forum 2026-07-15T10:57:45Z Keynote Address by Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations, at the African Water Forum b090699076e353551e0dc2f77a640763b273916c cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/07/15/burkina-faso-new-world-bank-financing-to-expand-economic-opportunities-and-strengthen-social-protection-systems English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/07/15/burkina-faso-new-world-bank-financing-to-expand-economic-opportunities-and-strengthen-social-protection-systems cq5 Press Release Press Release b090699076e353551e0dc2f77a640763b273916c Burkina Faso: New World Bank Financing to Expand Economic Opportunities and Strengthen Social Protection Systems 2026-07-15T10:11:34Z The World Bank approved today a new project in Burkina Faso to expand economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, foster social cohesion, and strengthen the country’s social protection system. This marks a renewed partnership between the World Bank Group and the Government of Burkina Faso in the social protection sector. The project will be implemented over five years and financed through an International Development Association (IDA) credit of $100 million and a $20 million grant from the Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Program. aeb25f8857738a5d2cdda558591d5c8523adad51 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/caboverde/publication/cabo-verde-2026-economic-update-inter-island-connectivity-for-inclusive-growth English /content/country/caboverde/en/publication/cabo-verde-2026-economic-update-inter-island-connectivity-for-inclusive-growth cq5 Publication Publication aeb25f8857738a5d2cdda558591d5c8523adad51 Cabo Verde 2026 Economic Update: Inter-Island Connectivity for Inclusive Growth Cabo Verde’s economy performed strongly in 2025. Real GDP expanded by 6.3%, or 5.8% in per capita terms, driven largely by strong tourism activity. Record arrivals from European markets, expanded flight capacity, and surging demand led the services sector to contribute 4.1 percentage points of total growth. Private consumption added 2 percentage points, reflecting the contribution of tourism to household incomes and spending across the islands. Unemployment fell to 6.2%, poverty dropped from 53.8% in 2024 to 51.2% in 2025 (estimated using the UMIC poverty line of $8.3/day (2021PPP). The challenge now is to translate this strong growth performance into more durable jobs gains — not only more jobs, but better-quality and more inclusive employment opportunities across islands, sectors, and population groups. On the external front, the current account recorded a surplus of 3.6% of GDP — the second in a row — buoyed by service exports reaching 30.5% of GDP and remittances contributing a steady 10.3%. International reserves reached a record EUR 975 million, covering 7.1 months of prospective imports. The escudo peg remained stable, the banking system remained well-capitalized, and the fiscal position recorded a budget surplus of 1% of GDP - the first since 2007- supported by strong tax collection and a one-off airport concession payment. Public debt declined to 100.7% of GDP, continuing its downward trajectory since the post-pandemic peak. However, vulnerabilities remain. Debt service absorbs 34.2% of revenues, a figure that would rise to 46.3% if state-owned enterprise (SOE) obligations were included. The national airline remains a significant source of fiscal risk, with domestic guarantees contracted at rates well above the government’s own borrowing costs. A fuller account of these trends is presented in the Cabo Verde Economic Update 2026, which takes stock of the country’s growth trajectory, fiscal risks, SOE vulnerabilities, and the policy priorities needed to build a more diversified and resilient economy.Tourism Drives Growth — Connectivity Determines Its Limits 2026-07-14T11:03:00Z Cabo Verde’s economy performed strongly in 2025. Real GDP expanded by 6.3%, or 5.8% in per capita terms, driven largely by strong tourism activity. Record arrivals from European markets, expanded flight capacity, and surging demand led the services sector to contribute 4.1 percentage points of total growth. Private consumption added 2 percentage points, reflecting the contribution of tourism to household incomes and spending across the islands. Cabo Verde’s economy performed strongly in 2025. Real GDP expanded by 6.3%, or 5.8% in per capita terms, driven largely by strong tourism activity. Record arrivals from European markets, expanded flight capacity, and surging demand led the services sector to contribute 4.1 percentage points of total growth. Private consumption added 2 percentage points, reflecting the contribution of tourism to household incomes and spending across the islands. Unemployment fell to 6.2%, poverty dropped from 53.8% in 2024 to 51.2% in 2025 (estimated using the UMIC poverty line of $8.3/day (2021PPP). The challenge now is to translate this strong growth performance into more durable jobs gains — not only more jobs, but better-quality and more inclusive employment opportunities across islands, sectors, and population groups. On the external front, the current account recorded a surplus of 3.6% of GDP — the second in a row — buoyed by service exports reaching 30.5% of GDP and remittances contributing a steady 10.3%. International reserves reached a record EUR 975 million, covering 7.1 months of prospective imports. The escudo peg remained stable, the banking system remained well-capitalized, and the fiscal position recorded a budget surplus of 1% of GDP - the first since 2007- supported by strong tax collection and a one-off airport concession payment. Public debt declined to 100.7% of GDP, continuing its downward trajectory since the post-pandemic peak. However, vulnerabilities remain. Debt service absorbs 34.2% of revenues, a figure that would rise to 46.3% if state-owned enterprise (SOE) obligations were included. The national airline remains a significant source of fiscal risk, with domestic guarantees contracted at rates well above the government’s own borrowing costs. A fuller account of these trends is presented in the Cabo Verde Economic Update 2026, which takes stock of the country’s growth trajectory, fiscal risks, SOE vulnerabilities, and the policy priorities needed to build a more diversified and resilient economy.Tourism Drives Growth — Connectivity Determines Its Limits 6f40189406fe09dbb3c2ed928494ea1ff1061d62 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/07/14/cabo-verde-economic-update-2026-connecting-islands-unlocking-potential English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/07/14/cabo-verde-economic-update-2026-connecting-islands-unlocking-potential cq5 Press Release Press Release 6f40189406fe09dbb3c2ed928494ea1ff1061d62 Cabo Verde Economic Update 2026: Connecting Islands, Unlocking Potential 2026-07-14T09:50:00Z Cabo Verde’s economy maintained strong momentum in 2025, and real GDP expanded by 6.3%, driven by record tourism arrivals, stronger private consumption, and improved fiscal performance, according to the latest country Economic Update 2026, released today by the World Bank. 9dc51b7b37ece4da39b7ad9c90a2219e0b92dd8e cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/07/06/madagascar-to-boost-urban-resilience-and-jobs-in-antananarivo-and-toamasina English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/07/06/madagascar-to-boost-urban-resilience-and-jobs-in-antananarivo-and-toamasina cq5 Press Release Press Release 9dc51b7b37ece4da39b7ad9c90a2219e0b92dd8e Madagascar to Boost Urban Resilience and Jobs in Antananarivo and Toamasina WASHINGTON, July 6th, 2026 — The World Bank Group has approved US$225 million in financing for the Integrated Urban Development and Resilience Project for Jobs (PRODUIRE2) to strengthen climate resilience, improve infrastructure, and create more and better jobs in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina. Madagascar’s rapidly growing cities face mounting challenges. In early 2026, cyclones Fytia and Gezani caused damages estimated at the equivalent to 3.4 percent of the country’s GDP. In Greater Antananarivo, extreme urban poverty has more than doubled over the past decade, despite the capital generating close to 44 percent of GDP. Recurrent flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure deter private investment, limit economic opportunities, and keep the city's most vulnerable residents locked in poverty. Building on the World Bank-supported urban resilience program in Antananarivo, PRODUIRE2 will deepen investments in flood protection, drainage, solid waste management, neighborhood upgrading, and land administration in Greater Antananarivo. In Greater Toamasina, where cyclone Gezani damaged 70 percent of the housing stock, the project will focus on rebuilding resilient housing and rehabilitating critical public infrastructure such as schools and health facilities. By 2032, the project aims to bring climate-resilient infrastructure to 1.5 million people, reconstruct 20,000 homes to resilient standards, issue land documentation for 50,000 parcels, and generate approximately 17,000 jobs — laying the groundwork for sustained private investment, jobs, and economic growth. “When cities work better, people live better. With the support of this new World Bank Group-financed project, families will benefit from safer neighborhoods, better infrastructure, improved access to land services, and greater economic opportunities. This investment will help create jobs, support local businesses, and give more people the chance to build a brighter future for their families,” said Dr Herinjatovo Ramiarison, Minister of Economy and Finance of Madagascar. “ The project will also address insecure land tenure – nearly half of the land in Antanarivo lacks formal titles, a key barrier to urban development and investment. PRODUIRE2 will support land regularization and digital land services to help residents obtain legally recognized documentation and streamline transactions. At least 40 percent of new land documents issued will include women as sole or joint rights holders. “Cyclone Gezani damaged nearly 70 percent of homes in Toamasina and disrupted the lives of thousands of families. Through PRODUIRE2, families will be supported to rebuild stronger homes, while critical public infrastructure and services will be restored and strengthened. The University of Barikadimy, which suffered extensive damage, will be fully rebuilt to higher standards so it can continue serving students for generations to come. In Greater Antananarivo, investments in flood protection, drainage infrastructure, including the Canal C3 ter and Canal C3 bis, solid waste management, and land administration will help reduce flooding and give families greater peace of mind during the rainy season. At its heart, this project is about helping people live more safely, creating better economic opportunities, and enabling families to focus on what matters most: their children’s future, their work, and their well-being.”, said Atou Seck, World Bank Group Country Manager for Madagascar. PRODUIRE2 reflects a long-term partnership between the Government of Madagascar and the World Bank Group It will support Antananarivo and Toamasina to become more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic engines of growth. PRODUIRE2 is supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and by the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership financed by the Government of Japan, which provide technical and analytical assistance to strengthen Madagascar's framework for disaster risk management, urban resilience, and infrastructure quality.Contacts In Madagascar: Dia Styvanley, +261 34 78 254 44, dstyvanley@worldbank.org In Washington: Daniella van Leggelo-Padilla, +1 (202) 473-4989, dvanleggelo@worldbank.org 2026-07-06T11:40:42Z See how a new US$225 million World Bank Group project will help 1.5 million people with safer housing, flood protection, and jobs in Madagascar. WASHINGTON, July 6th, 2026 — The World Bank Group has approved US$225 million in financing for the Integrated Urban Development and Resilience Project for Jobs (PRODUIRE2) to strengthen climate resilience, improve infrastructure, and create more and better jobs in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina. Madagascar’s rapidly growing cities face mounting challenges. In early 2026, cyclones Fytia and Gezani caused damages estimated at the equivalent to 3.4 percent of the country’s GDP. In Greater Antananarivo, extreme urban poverty has more than doubled over the past decade, despite the capital generating close to 44 percent of GDP. Recurrent flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure deter private investment, limit economic opportunities, and keep the city's most vulnerable residents locked in poverty. Building on the World Bank-supported urban resilience program in Antananarivo, PRODUIRE2 will deepen investments in flood protection, drainage, solid waste management, neighborhood upgrading, and land administration in Greater Antananarivo. In Greater Toamasina, where cyclone Gezani damaged 70 percent of the housing stock, the project will focus on rebuilding resilient housing and rehabilitating critical public infrastructure such as schools and health facilities. By 2032, the project aims to bring climate-resilient infrastructure to 1.5 million people, reconstruct 20,000 homes to resilient standards, issue land documentation for 50,000 parcels, and generate approximately 17,000 jobs — laying the groundwork for sustained private investment, jobs, and economic growth. “When cities work better, people live better. With the support of this new World Bank Group-financed project, families will benefit from safer neighborhoods, better infrastructure, improved access to land services, and greater economic opportunities. This investment will help create jobs, support local businesses, and give more people the chance to build a brighter future for their families,” said Dr Herinjatovo Ramiarison, Minister of Economy and Finance of Madagascar. “ The project will also address insecure land tenure – nearly half of the land in Antanarivo lacks formal titles, a key barrier to urban development and investment. PRODUIRE2 will support land regularization and digital land services to help residents obtain legally recognized documentation and streamline transactions. At least 40 percent of new land documents issued will include women as sole or joint rights holders. “Cyclone Gezani damaged nearly 70 percent of homes in Toamasina and disrupted the lives of thousands of families. Through PRODUIRE2, families will be supported to rebuild stronger homes, while critical public infrastructure and services will be restored and strengthened. The University of Barikadimy, which suffered extensive damage, will be fully rebuilt to higher standards so it can continue serving students for generations to come. In Greater Antananarivo, investments in flood protection, drainage infrastructure, including the Canal C3 ter and Canal C3 bis, solid waste management, and land administration will help reduce flooding and give families greater peace of mind during the rainy season. At its heart, this project is about helping people live more safely, creating better economic opportunities, and enabling families to focus on what matters most: their children’s future, their work, and their well-being.”, said Atou Seck, World Bank Group Country Manager for Madagascar. PRODUIRE2 reflects a long-term partnership between the Government of Madagascar and the World Bank Group It will support Antananarivo and Toamasina to become more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic engines of growth. PRODUIRE2 is supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and by the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership financed by the Government of Japan, which provide technical and analytical assistance to strengthen Madagascar's framework for disaster risk management, urban resilience, and infrastructure quality.Contacts In Madagascar: Dia Styvanley, +261 34 78 254 44, dstyvanley@worldbank.org In Washington: Daniella van Leggelo-Padilla, +1 (202) 473-4989, dvanleggelo@worldbank.org 3c0a1623ee90ed091d4fcfadf7656ce61273ad0c cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/07/02/central-african-republic-reforming-public-finances-to-support-growth English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/07/02/central-african-republic-reforming-public-finances-to-support-growth cq5 Press Release Press Release 3c0a1623ee90ed091d4fcfadf7656ce61273ad0c Central African Republic: Reforming public finances to support growth 2026-07-02T14:16:30Z A new World Bank report released today calls for urgent structural reforms in the public finance sector and the mobilization of domestic resources in the Central African Republic (CAR) to consolidate macroeconomic stability and support human development, boost growth, and create the conditions for job creation. 22a425140c9e6e3c9f77ac2b5755412b3b740039 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/07/02/world-bank-group-appoints-nicola-pontara-as-division-director-for-burkina-faso-chad-mali-and-niger English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/07/02/world-bank-group-appoints-nicola-pontara-as-division-director-for-burkina-faso-chad-mali-and-niger cq5 Press Release Press Release 22a425140c9e6e3c9f77ac2b5755412b3b740039 World Bank Group Appoints Nicola Pontara as Division Director for Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger 2026-07-01T15:06:00Z The World Bank Group has announced the appointment of Nicola Pontara as Division Director for the Sahel countries – Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad. e42b881de0a65fa84f70cffb0b08462c93240ae7 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/07/01/no-longer-invisible-unlocking-legal-identity-for-millions-in-madagascar English /content/wb-home/en/news/feature/2026/07/01/no-longer-invisible-unlocking-legal-identity-for-millions-in-madagascar cq5 Feature Story Feature Story e42b881de0a65fa84f70cffb0b08462c93240ae7 No Longer Invisible: Unlocking Legal Identity for Millions in Madagascar Mr. Francois Rakotondramanana, 37, mends shoes on the streets of Andoharanofotsy, on the outskirts of Antananarivo. A father of eleven, he has never held a formal job. “I hope to find more stable work as a security guard. But without a national identity card, nobody hires me. And without a birth certificate, I cannot obtain one,” he says. In Madagascar, François’s story is not unique. An estimated six million adults, around 40% of the population, do not have a birth certificate. For many, this means exclusion from jobs, barriers to opening a bank account, and limited access to basic services. In theory, registering a birth in one of Madagascar’s 1,700 communes is relatively straightforward, if it is done within thirty days. After that, the process becomes far more difficult. Late registration requires appearing before a judge, presenting witnesses, and obtaining a doctor’s attestation. For families living far from administrative centers and struggling with the costs of transport and paperwork, these requirements are often out of reach. For years, the Ministry of Justice, responsible for the judicial process, organized periodic field campaigns to encourage late birth registration. But the approach was costly and reached only a fraction of those affected. A problem of this scale required a different response: one combining legal reform, administrative coordination, and innovation. That response is now taking shape. On May 28, 2026, the Government of Madagascar passed a new law allowing births to be registered en masse “within the framework of the mass biometric enrollment operation.” The reform opens a pathway for adults who have long lived outside the civil registration system to obtain birth certificates without a costly and complex judicial process. The reform builds on an unprecedented national enrollment effort that is underway. Since April, more than 2,000 teams, led by Ministry of Interior staff and supported by the World Bank- and GFF-financed Digital Governance and Identification Management System Project (PRODIGY), have been deployed across the country with biometric kits. Operating 26 days a month, they are registering adults nationwide by collecting fingerprints, iris scans, and basic personal information, along with any existing documents. As of June 10, more than 3.25 million adults were enrolled in the national database. A critical part of the effort lies at the community level. Across Madagascar, more than 19,000 fokontany chiefs, the heads of the country’s smallest administrative units, can help confirm the identity of people who have no formal documentation at all. Their signed testimony, combined with biometric data stored in a de-duplicated database, provides a trusted basis for issuing birth certificates at scale. For the first time, community verification, biometric technology, and legal reform are being brought together to address a problem that had long seemed impossible. François was enrolled in the biometric database on February 4, 2026, during the pilot phase, in the spacious marriage hall of the Andoharanofotsy commune. Welcoming people to enroll, at scale, without any prior document marks a significant shift. Some officials initially expressed concerns about the risk of identity fraud, while others remained attached to traditional procedures. The new law is a breakthrough, but its success depends on implementation. As of June 10, only about 50,000 of the 3.25 million people enrolled had never held any identity document. This is a small share of those who could benefit from the reform. Reaching the millions who have lived outside the system for years will require sustained communication, local mobilization, and continued deployment of mobile teams to remote communities. The reform also leaves an important challenge unresolved. While it creates a pathway for adults who were previously excluded, it does not remove the barriers that continue to prevent many newborns from being registered on time. Distance, cost, limited awareness, and the short registration window continue to hinder this aspect. Even though the PRODIGY Project strengthened capacity of hospitals and communes to digitally register births, further reforms will be needed to ensure that exclusion is not passed on to the next generation. Madagascar’s new approach marks an important step forward. It shows how evidence-based advocacy, political commitment, and practical innovation can work together to address a long-standing development challenge. “This reform shows that solving exclusion at scale requires more than technology. It requires political leadership, local institutions, and practical solutions that people can actually access,” shared Zubair Bhatti and Lira Rajenarison, World Bank Task Team Leaders of the PRODIGY Project. Ms. Meme Zeria, 25, a farmer from Antetezamba commune in the Toamasina region, grew up without a birth certificate. She enrolled on May 23, 2026. For her, the process was simple enough to be possible. “The centre is only 15 kilometers away, and there is no fee,” she said. Her hopes extend beyond herself. “It will help me obtain documents for my three children. I also want to benefit from the advantages that people with a national identity card receive,” she said. She then added: “I want to be recognized by the state.” 2026-07-01T15:04:41Z See how Madagascar’s 2026 reform could help millions gain legal identity, access services, and secure their rights. Mr. Francois Rakotondramanana, 37, mends shoes on the streets of Andoharanofotsy, on the outskirts of Antananarivo. A father of eleven, he has never held a formal job. “I hope to find more stable work as a security guard. But without a national identity card, nobody hires me. And without a birth certificate, I cannot obtain one,” he says. In Madagascar, François’s story is not unique. An estimated six million adults, around 40% of the population, do not have a birth certificate. For many, this means exclusion from jobs, barriers to opening a bank account, and limited access to basic services. In theory, registering a birth in one of Madagascar’s 1,700 communes is relatively straightforward, if it is done within thirty days. After that, the process becomes far more difficult. Late registration requires appearing before a judge, presenting witnesses, and obtaining a doctor’s attestation. For families living far from administrative centers and struggling with the costs of transport and paperwork, these requirements are often out of reach. For years, the Ministry of Justice, responsible for the judicial process, organized periodic field campaigns to encourage late birth registration. But the approach was costly and reached only a fraction of those affected. A problem of this scale required a different response: one combining legal reform, administrative coordination, and innovation. That response is now taking shape. On May 28, 2026, the Government of Madagascar passed a new law allowing births to be registered en masse “within the framework of the mass biometric enrollment operation.” The reform opens a pathway for adults who have long lived outside the civil registration system to obtain birth certificates without a costly and complex judicial process. The reform builds on an unprecedented national enrollment effort that is underway. Since April, more than 2,000 teams, led by Ministry of Interior staff and supported by the World Bank- and GFF-financed Digital Governance and Identification Management System Project (PRODIGY), have been deployed across the country with biometric kits. Operating 26 days a month, they are registering adults nationwide by collecting fingerprints, iris scans, and basic personal information, along with any existing documents. As of June 10, more than 3.25 million adults were enrolled in the national database. A critical part of the effort lies at the community level. Across Madagascar, more than 19,000 fokontany chiefs, the heads of the country’s smallest administrative units, can help confirm the identity of people who have no formal documentation at all. Their signed testimony, combined with biometric data stored in a de-duplicated database, provides a trusted basis for issuing birth certificates at scale. For the first time, community verification, biometric technology, and legal reform are being brought together to address a problem that had long seemed impossible. François was enrolled in the biometric database on February 4, 2026, during the pilot phase, in the spacious marriage hall of the Andoharanofotsy commune. Welcoming people to enroll, at scale, without any prior document marks a significant shift. Some officials initially expressed concerns about the risk of identity fraud, while others remained attached to traditional procedures. The new law is a breakthrough, but its success depends on implementation. As of June 10, only about 50,000 of the 3.25 million people enrolled had never held any identity document. This is a small share of those who could benefit from the reform. Reaching the millions who have lived outside the system for years will require sustained communication, local mobilization, and continued deployment of mobile teams to remote communities. The reform also leaves an important challenge unresolved. While it creates a pathway for adults who were previously excluded, it does not remove the barriers that continue to prevent many newborns from being registered on time. Distance, cost, limited awareness, and the short registration window continue to hinder this aspect. Even though the PRODIGY Project strengthened capacity of hospitals and communes to digitally register births, further reforms will be needed to ensure that exclusion is not passed on to the next generation. Madagascar’s new approach marks an important step forward. It shows how evidence-based advocacy, political commitment, and practical innovation can work together to address a long-standing development challenge. “This reform shows that solving exclusion at scale requires more than technology. It requires political leadership, local institutions, and practical solutions that people can actually access,” shared Zubair Bhatti and Lira Rajenarison, World Bank Task Team Leaders of the PRODIGY Project. Ms. Meme Zeria, 25, a farmer from Antetezamba commune in the Toamasina region, grew up without a birth certificate. She enrolled on May 23, 2026. For her, the process was simple enough to be possible. “The centre is only 15 kilometers away, and there is no fee,” she said. Her hopes extend beyond herself. “It will help me obtain documents for my three children. I also want to benefit from the advantages that people with a national identity card receive,” she said. She then added: “I want to be recognized by the state.” 51a7d786f31c18dc6cb600ed62fb427d9d3a133b cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/30/burkina-faso-world-bank-calls-for-economic-resilience-to-become-a-sustainable-drive-of-jobs-and-opportunity English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/06/30/burkina-faso-world-bank-calls-for-economic-resilience-to-become-a-sustainable-drive-of-jobs-and-opportunity cq5 Press Release Press Release 51a7d786f31c18dc6cb600ed62fb427d9d3a133b Burkina Faso: World Bank Calls for Economic Resilience to Become a Sustainable Drive of Jobs and Opportunity 2026-06-30T16:21:51Z Against a backdrop of persistent security challenges, Burkina Faso's economy showed resilience in 2025, with real GDP growth estimated at 5.3%, up from 4.8% in 2024. Real GDP per capita also increased from 2.5% to 3% over the same period. This momentum will only translate into tangible progress for the people if ambitious structural reforms are initiated now—particularly to generate productive jobs and expand economic opportunities for all Burkinabè. This is the central message of the June 2026 Burkina Faso Economic Update, published today by the World Bank. d45f3ae3aa091a60382432bc3cc9a0e33f5e63b5 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/immersive-story/2026/06/29/western-central-africa-fit-to-prosper English /content/wb-home/en/news/immersive-story/2026/06/29/western-central-africa-fit-to-prosper cq5 Immersive Story Immersive Story d45f3ae3aa091a60382432bc3cc9a0e33f5e63b5 Fit to Prosper: How Health, Nutrition, and Early Childhood Development Can Power Growth in Western and Central Africa NA 2026-06-29T23:10:00Z Discover why investing in health, nutrition, and human capital is crucial to shaping Western and Central Africa's future and laying the foundation for growth and job creation. NA c5f5fbff8ba643cf0fbc47951b9d0bd0c7c06f02 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/25/world-bank-scales-up-support-to-boost-jobs-and-resilience-in-northern-gulf-of-guinea English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/06/25/world-bank-scales-up-support-to-boost-jobs-and-resilience-in-northern-gulf-of-guinea cq5 Press Release Press Release c5f5fbff8ba643cf0fbc47951b9d0bd0c7c06f02 World Bank Scales Up Support to Boost Jobs and Resilience in Northern Gulf of Guinea 2026-06-25T17:28:00Z The World Bank Group today approved a $163 million in additional financing to expand the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (COSO) Project in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, strengthening resilience and boosting job creation for vulnerable communities affected by conflict, climate change, and displacement. The new financing will help scale up community-driven investments in some of the region’s most fragile border areas, where limited economic opportunities, high poverty, climate shocks, and spillovers from Sahel insecurity are putting livelihoods and social cohesion under increasing strain. 80e37fbb9ea3082c6b1c3c0c090061d3ca1222ad cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/06/25/connected-farmers-better-harvests-how-cameroon-agritech-innovators-are-transforming-agriculture English /content/wb-home/en/news/feature/2026/06/25/connected-farmers-better-harvests-how-cameroon-agritech-innovators-are-transforming-agriculture cq5 Feature Story Feature Story 80e37fbb9ea3082c6b1c3c0c090061d3ca1222ad Connected Farmers, Better Harvests: How Cameroon’s Agritech Innovators Are Transforming Agriculture In Cameroon, where agriculture employs nearly 60% of the population, farmers have long faced limited access to markets, information, and modern tools. Today, a digital revolution is reshaping the sector — driven by a new generation of innovators and a World Bank-supported initiative accelerating change across the agricultural landscape. The Acceleration of the Digital Transformation of Cameroon Project (PATNUC) aims to expand digital inclusion while increasing the use of digital agricultural solutions. By investing in connectivity, digital literacy, and data systems, the project is helping farmers overcome structural barriers that have long constrained productivity and market access. Beyond infrastructure, PATNUC delivers tangible support to farmers. Through an e-voucher system, 35,000 smallholders access improved inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, while digital tools provide real-time insights into soil health and farming conditions. The result is stronger productivity and resilience, with projected yield increases of up to 100% for key crops. Central to this transformation is a flagship initiative: the Agritech Innovation Challenge. 2026-06-25T10:35:00Z Cameroon is using digital innovation to transform agriculture, helping farmers gain better access to markets, information, inputs, and modern tools through the World Bank-supported PATNUC project. In Cameroon, where agriculture employs nearly 60% of the population, farmers have long faced limited access to markets, information, and modern tools. Today, a digital revolution is reshaping the sector — driven by a new generation of innovators and a World Bank-supported initiative accelerating change across the agricultural landscape. The Acceleration of the Digital Transformation of Cameroon Project (PATNUC) aims to expand digital inclusion while increasing the use of digital agricultural solutions. By investing in connectivity, digital literacy, and data systems, the project is helping farmers overcome structural barriers that have long constrained productivity and market access. Beyond infrastructure, PATNUC delivers tangible support to farmers. Through an e-voucher system, 35,000 smallholders access improved inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, while digital tools provide real-time insights into soil health and farming conditions. The result is stronger productivity and resilience, with projected yield increases of up to 100% for key crops. Central to this transformation is a flagship initiative: the Agritech Innovation Challenge. 4a5b2226910d98417a1d2cd2cf9bd7168fd1377a cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/24/sira-new-regional-drive-to-equip-youth-with-skills-and-jobs-in-cabo-verde-cote-d-ivoire-and-guinea English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/06/24/sira-new-regional-drive-to-equip-youth-with-skills-and-jobs-in-cabo-verde-cote-d-ivoire-and-guinea cq5 Press Release Press Release 4a5b2226910d98417a1d2cd2cf9bd7168fd1377a SIRA: New Regional Drive to Equip Youth with Skills and Jobs in Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea 2026-06-24T16:02:34Z The World Bank Group Board of Executive Directors today approved the Skills for Innovation, Resilience, and Aspirations (SIRA) Program, a flagship regional initiative designed to strengthen education-to-employment pathways for youth across Western and Central Africa. SIRA supports the World Bank Group's Jobs Agenda, which places more and better jobs at the center of poverty reduction. The initiative strengthens skills systems while supporting foundational infrastructure, improved governance, and private investment in high-growth sectors such as energy, healthcare, agribusiness, manufacturing, and tourism. 664e591767123ac27d530d63092ca0312020097e cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/06/24/guinea-bissau-2026-economic-update-pathways-for-unlocking-productivity-led-private-sector-growth English /content/wb-home/en/news/feature/2026/06/24/guinea-bissau-2026-economic-update-pathways-for-unlocking-productivity-led-private-sector-growth cq5 Feature Story Feature Story 664e591767123ac27d530d63092ca0312020097e Guinea-Bissau 2026 Economic Update: Pathways for Unlocking Productivity-Led Private Sector Growth 2026-06-24T13:12:00Z Economic activity strengthened in 2025, but recent gains remain fragile and insufficient to secure sustained, inclusive growth amid heightened political uncertainty. Fiscal consolidation progressed, but vulnerabilities persist. The external position improved modestly in 2025, as stronger export volumes and favorable terms of trade developments narrowed the current account deficit. 53e5e9007f502258dedca3eeaefb54b4eb659e31 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/24/expanding-electricity-access-and-job-creation-in-togo-and-the-gambia English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/06/24/expanding-electricity-access-and-job-creation-in-togo-and-the-gambia cq5 Press Release Press Release 53e5e9007f502258dedca3eeaefb54b4eb659e31 Expanding Electricity Access and Job Creation in Togo and The Gambia 2026-06-24T12:04:00Z The World Bank Group today approved a $160 million financing to help expand access to reliable, affordable, and clean electricity in Togo and The Gambia, while strengthening regional energy integration across West Africa. The Regional Access Increase and Sustainable Energy Project (RAISE), implemented with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is part of the broader West Africa Regional Electricity Market Program (REMP). 1f19a46fab67044244da61d33f2c92331cadab45 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/24/world-bank-group-report-pathways-for-unlocking-productivity-led-private-sector-growth-in-guinea-bissau English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/06/24/world-bank-group-report-pathways-for-unlocking-productivity-led-private-sector-growth-in-guinea-bissau cq5 Press Release Press Release 1f19a46fab67044244da61d33f2c92331cadab45 World Bank Group Report: Pathways for Unlocking Productivity-Led Private Sector Growth in Guinea-Bissau 2026-06-24T11:13:31Z Guinea-Bissau’s economy demonstrated notable resilience in 2025, according to the World Bank Group's Guinea-Bissau Economic Update (Spring 2026), released today. d39babf50f1ba0d86054a5712fc2b8191a1ee369 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/23/world-bank-group-endorses-new-country-partnership-framework-for-guinea-and-investments-to-boost-jobs-and-growth English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/06/23/world-bank-group-endorses-new-country-partnership-framework-for-guinea-and-investments-to-boost-jobs-and-growth cq5 Press Release Press Release d39babf50f1ba0d86054a5712fc2b8191a1ee369 World Bank Group Endorses New Country Partnership Framework for Guinea and Investments to boost Jobs and Growth 2026-06-23T13:53:00Z The World Bank Group today endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Guinea, and approved three financing operations: $116 million for the second phase of the Commercial Agriculture Development Project, $102 million for the Skills for Innovation, Resilience and Aspirations (SIRA) Program, and $75 million for the Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Public Expenditure Management Project. 0d413021608775d77337d3fc474c11873ef98416 cq5indextype http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/06/22/world-bank-supports-regional-program-to-expand-renewable-energy-access-and-create-jobs-in-west-and-central-africa English /content/wb-home/en/news/press-release/2026/06/22/world-bank-supports-regional-program-to-expand-renewable-energy-access-and-create-jobs-in-west-and-central-africa cq5 Press Release Press Release 0d413021608775d77337d3fc474c11873ef98416 World Bank Supports Regional Program to Expand Renewable Energy Access and Create Jobs in West and Central Africa 2026-06-22T19:13:00Z The World Bank Group today approved a $200 million financing package to help expand access to reliable, affordable, and clean electricity across Benin, the Central African Republic, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, as part of the first phase of the broader $853 million Regional Program for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES). The operation will accelerate electrification through distributed renewable energy solutions —such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and other off-grid technologies— targeting underserved rural and remote communities across the four countries. 1093 729 698 416 330 288 155 138 108 84 76 67 59 50 43 38 33 32 30 29 26 24 23 22 21 19 19 17 16 15 14 12 12 11 10 10 9 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1422 709 648 280 224 104 98 41 33 32 24 22 20 6 8797 27