Economic Development & Employment

EU Aid for Trade to Least Developed Countries: Critical Shortfalls, Missed Targets, and the Road to Reform

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(tl:dr) EU aid for trade to least developed countries (LDCs) remains a critical aspect of the bloc’s development cooperation, aiming to address barriers to trade, foster economic growth, and contribute to poverty reduction. However, European Court of Auditors Special Report 17/2025 delivers a sobering assessment: needs are recognized and support is being delivered, but EU … Read more

Evaluation Insights: Private Sector Development in North Macedonia

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Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Evaluation Report: IPA II 2017 and IPA II 2019 Annual Action Programmes Policy-Oriented Synthesis for Decision-Makers, Practitioners, and Stakeholders Context The Republic of North Macedonia is a candidate country for European Union membership, and private sector competitiveness is a cornerstone of its accession agenda. The country’s economy is … Read more

Unlocking Investment through the WTO’s Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement

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The recent “Time for Take-Off: The WTO and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement” interactive workshop, held at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on June 2, 2025, convened decision-makers and thought leaders to explore how the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA) can significantly benefit developing countries. Moderated by Axel Berger, Deputy Director of the German … Read more

Catalyzing Capital: Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs for a Resilient Future

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A recent discussion, “Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs: Catalyzing Private Investment for Growth,” convened at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, tackled the critical challenge of unlocking private capital for Africa’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Moderated by Mr. Lucy Dempy, the session brought together key stakeholders, including Anna Sophie Herken (Managing Director, GIZ), Obiageli Ezekwesili (Founder and President, Human Capital … Read more

Empowering Global Partnerships: The Role of Consultants in Team Europe Initiatives and the Global Gateway Strategy

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EU Global Gateway

The European Union’s vision for sustainable global partnerships is embodied in two key frameworks: Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) and the Global Gateway (GG) strategy. These frameworks aim to foster coordinated efforts among EU Member States, mobilize investments, and drive transformative impacts in partner countries. However, bringing this vision to life requires the expertise and innovation … Read more

Responsible AI in African Economic Policymaking

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for economic development and policymaking across Africa. As African nations explore ways to leverage AI, there is a growing focus on ensuring its responsible and ethical implementation. This approach aims to harness AI’s potential while addressing unique challenges and opportunities in the African context. The Promise … Read more

Evaluation Insights: West African Competitiveness Programme in Sierra Leone

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Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Increasing Sierra Leone’s Competitiveness through Enhanced Productivity and Trade Compliance in Selected Value Chains Context Sierra Leone’s economy is heavily dependent on mining, making it structurally vulnerable to external shocks. Agriculture accounts for nearly half of GDP and employs more than three-quarters of the population, yet micro, small, … Read more

Evaluation Insights: Green Markets and Sustainable Consumption in Brazil

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Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Context The Amazon rainforest faces accelerating deforestation driven by conventional agriculture, illegal land use change, and the absence of economically viable alternatives for local communities. As Brazil committed under the Paris Agreement to halt illegal deforestation by 2030, promoting sustainable production systems in Amazonia became both a national … Read more

An inclusive digital economy for people with disabilities?

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The digital revolution in the world of work impacts all. How does it impact people with disabilities? Which chances and potential barriers does digitalised work bring for disability inclusion? What are the actions to ensure nobody is left behind and the digital divide is closed? The report “An inclusive digital economy for people with disabilities”, … Read more

Unlocking entrepreneurship opportunities for youth could lower unemployment and bring social benefits

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UN report finds youth social entrepreneurship can create jobs and help the most underserved communities The World Youth Report: Youth Social Entrepreneurship and the 2030 Agenda seeks to contribute to the understanding of how youth social entrepreneurship can both support youth development and help accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. To do so, the Report first synthesizes … Read more

Evaluation Insights: ISO Capacity-Building Activities

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Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Context The report “External Evaluation of Sida‑Funded ISO Capacity‑Building Activities” reviews two closely linked interventions implemented by the International Organization for Standardization’s Capacity Building Unit and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida. The first is the ISO Action Plan for Developing Countries 2016–2020, which provides … Read more

The European External Investment Plan to boost jobs and growth in developing countries

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The European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) is the heart piece of the EU’s new External Investment Plan (EIP). Its role is to help boosting private and public investment in our partner countries to address some of the obstacles to growth and some root reasons for irregular migration. The EFSD Strategic Board includes the EU … Read more