Focus On: Business Transforming Development

This focus area covers the role and impact of the private sector in global development. From small social enterprises, to multinational corporations, the private sector is playing a role in development – through new business models, new ways of funding and innovation.

Focus on: Improving Nutrition

Opinion: Why reshaping trade policies is essential for sustainable food systems, healthy diets

By John Beddington, John Kufour
Devex
Funding Insights

Top US corporate foundations investing in development

By Manola De Vos
Devex
Australian aid

Exclusive: Under new management, DFAT dumps innovation role

By Lisa Cornish
Turning the Tide

What does the data tell us about climate funding in small island states?

Climate change-related funding has increased in recent years. But where is it going? As SIDS become increasingly reliant on timely action and available funds from neighbors, what does the current bilateral funding situation look like?

The future of US aid

W-GDP marks year 1 with efforts to set down roots

The White House makes a stream of announcements for the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative.

Urban development

New Global Resilient Cities Network will embrace strategic partnerships

The Global Resilient Cities Network, an evolution of the 100 Resilient Cities program, is launched at the 10th session of the World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi.

Sustainable development

These 4 trends will define the future of development, Achim Steiner says

UNDP chief Achim Steiner outlines how inequality, governance, climate, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution will define development going forward.

WASH

How small water enterprises are transforming women's work

Women-led small water enterprises are increasingly popping up in low-resource settings. But are they a solution to clean water access and women's economic empowerment?

Philanthropy

Inside Emerson Collective's vision of 'frictionless' support for grantees

Emerson Collective is one of a growing number of limited liability companies emerging in philanthropy. Anne Marie Burgoyne, managing director of social innovation, shares with Devex how this structure allows the collective to do more than write checks.

World Bank

Exclusive: With lending to Africa up, Malpass splits World Bank Africa department in two

World Bank President David Malpass tells Devex in an interview why the bank decided to divide up the Africa regional department.

Funding insights

Top US-based private foundations investing in development

We analyze the funding data to compile a list of the 10 leading US-based private foundations giving to international development.

Davos 2020

J.P. Morgan launches its own development finance institution

The multinational investment bank announced this week that it has created the J.P. Morgan Development Finance Institution, a business division that will use IFC standards to lend money in emerging markets.

Private sector engagement

The Fourth Sector Group wants to transform the future of business

The world needs more for-benefit enterprises — companies that balance social and environmental priorities with financial objectives, according to Heerad Sabeti, CEO at the Fourth Sector Group.

Labor and employment

German draft law on abuses in supply chains faces uncertain future

The German development ministry BMZ is fighting for legislation that would force companies to take responsibility for human rights abuses in their supply chains.

Davos 2019

Humanitarian investing gathers speed at Davos

Private investment for humanitarian issues was a hot topic at this year's World Economic Forum Annual Meeting — but some cautioned of its limits.

Private sector

Q&A: McKinsey Africa chairman on how to conduct business in Africa

Devex sits down with Acha Leke, McKinsey’s Africa chairman and co-author of "Africa’s Business Revolution: How to Succeed in the World’s Next Big Growth Market," to learn his top tips on how to conduct business in Africa.

Women in Leadership

Saving a seat for Africa's rising businesswomen

With the backing of the U.K.'s development finance institution, Marcia Ashong and Tamsin Jones began teaching women in Africa how to get "boardroom-ready." Now, other DFIs want to get in on the act.

Democracy and governance

Mary Robinson on 'worrying trends' in African governance

The former Irish president reflects on 10 years of the Mo Ibrahim index.

Corporate social responsibility

What can stock exchanges do for the SDGs?

The Sustainable Stock Exchanges' initiative is pushing listed companies to do more for the Sustainable Development Goals — but can it go far enough?

Financial inclusion

Microinsurance in Africa moves to 2.0

Having proven themselves on the market, the first generation of microinsurance products in sub-Saharan Africa is now being absorbed by private sector investors — allowing donors to focus their attention on a second wave of high-tech, data-driven products.

Trade and development

Opinion: Don't shut trade down, make it truly inclusive

For better or worse, 2018 could be a turning point for trade in the world's poorest nations. Yonov Frederick Agah, deputy director-general of WTO, and Aja Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, foreign minister of The Gambia, offer a call for action on inclusive trade for least developed countries.