Finance & Economics

World Bank Launches Human Capital Plan to Propel Investment in Africa’s People

The World Bank unveiled a new plan to help African countries strengthen their human capital on April 11. The objective of the plan is to enable Africa’s young people to grow up with optimal health and equipped with the right skills to compete in the digitizing global economy.

Country Diagnostics from Development Finance Institutions Now on Joint Website

Country-focused analysis from international financial and development institutions will be brought together and accessible to decision-makers, researchers and the civil society.

Leading development finance institutions launched a new joint website on Apr. 10 that provides in-depth economic analysis of the countries they support and helps them address key challenges.

Public Procurement Experts Share Insights in Public Investment Management at Forum in Uzbekistan

April 10, 2019 – The 15th Procurement, Integrity, Management and Openness (PRIMO) Forum began in Tashkent with more than 100 participants from 25 countries. Since 2005, the PRIMO Forum has served as a global platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in public procurement reform.

Over 18,500 Youth in PNG see Increasing Opportunities through Urban Youth Employment Project

New report shows increase in employment and perceived reductions in crime in project areas

A new report into the Urban Youth Employment Project (UYEP) has found that participation in the program significantly increases the employment rates for both young men and women in Port Moresby and is benefiting the welfare and prospects of participants and the communities where they live.

Governments must act to help struggling middle class

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Harmonised Unemployment Rates (HURs), OECD - Updated: April 2019

OECD unemployment rate down to 5.2% in February 2019

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Source: Labour Force Statistics‌‌

Composite Leading Indicators (CLI), OECD, April 2019

CLIs continue to signal easing growth momentum in most major economies

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IMF Executive Board Completes Third Review Under Argentina's Stand-By Arrangement, Approves US$10.8 Billion Disbursement

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on April 5th, completed the third review of Argentina’s economic performance under the 36-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) that was approved on June 20, 2018. The completion of the review allows the authorities to draw the equivalent of SDR 7.8 billion (about US$10.8 billion), bringing total purchases since June 2018 to SDR 28.01371 billion (about US$38.9 billion).

As Growth Slows in Europe and Central Asia, Financial Inclusion Can Play Key Role Addressing Long-Term Challenges

Economic growth in the Europe and Central Asia region slowed to 3.1% in 2018, and is projected to decline to 2.1% in 2019, amid slowing global growth and uncertain prospects, according to the World Bank’s Economic Update for Europe and Central Asia, released on April 5th.

IMF Staff Concludes Program Negotiation Mission to São Tomé and Príncipe

A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Xiangming Li visited São Tomé and Príncipe during March 20-April 4, 2019 for discussions on a new program supported by the IMF’s three-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.