Browsing: @world bank

A new World Bank analysis warns that without urgent intervention, 20 of the world’s 26 poorest nations may remain trapped in poverty by 2050. The report highlights key obstacles such as conflict, climate vulnerability, and debt distress but also identifies unique opportunities, including rich mineral reserves and growing working-age populations. Success stories like Rwanda and Nepal show how effective policies and global support can lead to sustained economic growth.

A new report, Pathways to Prosperity for Adolescent Girls in Africa, highlights the immense potential of investing in adolescent girls, particularly in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa. With over half of African girls aged 15 to 19 out of school, married, or raising children, targeted interventions in education, health, and economic opportunities could generate over $2.4 trillion in economic gains by 2040. By addressing gender-based violence, reducing education costs, and equipping girls with market-aligned skills, policymakers have the chance to transform lives, communities, and economies. Investing in girls is not just a moral imperative but a key to Africa’s growth.

The World Bank has announced a groundbreaking $128 billion investment strategy aimed at addressing the global malnutrition crisis. This initiative, part of the Investment Framework for Nutrition 2024, offers scalable, cost-effective solutions to save millions of lives, reduce economic losses, and foster growth in the most affected regions like South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. With every dollar spent on nutrition yielding $23 in economic returns, the framework emphasizes that immediate action is essential to break cycles of poverty, malnutrition, and preventable deaths.

In a year of currency volatility across sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda’s shilling has shown relative resilience, buoyed by cautious central bank policies and stable inflation. However, foreign exchange constraints and limited reserves present ongoing challenges, highlighting Uganda’s need to adapt amid regional economic pressures.

Uganda emerges as a growth leader in East Africa, with a robust economic performance in 2024 that supports the region’s recovery despite slower rebounds across Sub-Saharan Africa. Key sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and digital investments have boosted Uganda’s growth, reflecting broader economic resilience amidst regional challenges. Structural reforms, stable inflation, and targeted investments are driving investor interest, positioning Uganda as a pivotal player in the East African Community’s recovery path.

The World Bank’s new Business Ready (B-READY) framework offers a fresh approach for nations like Uganda to strengthen their private sectors and drive sustainable growth. Replacing the former Doing Business model, B-READY emphasises streamlined regulations, robust public services, and operational transparency. While Uganda has not yet adopted the framework, aligning with B-READY’s pillars could support its middle-income aspirations, creating an equitable business environment that supports growth in both urban and rural regions. However, realizing this potential will require addressing deep-seated regulatory and infrastructural challenges.

Global commodity prices are projected to hit their lowest levels since 2020 by 2026, driven primarily by falling oil prices and tempered by price stability in other sectors like metals and agricultural products. With oil demand slowing in key economies and non-OPEC producers ramping up supply, the market faces a new equilibrium that may ease inflation but also pose risks for commodity-exporting nations. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and the uncertain path of global industrial activity add complexity to the forecast, highlighting the volatility that still underpins commodity markets.

The World Bank’s 3i strategy presents a structured path for Uganda to transition from a low-income economy to high-income status. By focusing on investment, adopting global technologies, and fostering home-grown innovation, Uganda can overcome the challenges of the “middle-income trap.” Drawing lessons from countries like South Korea and Chile, this approach emphasizes building infrastructure, modernizing industries, and ultimately creating a culture of innovation to ensure long-term prosperity.

A new report highlights key shifts in Africa’s debt landscape, with Egypt and South Africa leading in external debt stock. Rising borrowing costs, a shift from traditional lenders to private debt, and increasing loan defaults paint a complex picture for the continent’s economic future. As Africa faces these challenges, calls for debt transparency and sustainable restructuring are growing.

Uganda’s Cabinet has approved the National Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Policy, which aims to position the country as a leading outsourcing destination in Africa. This groundbreaking policy is expected to generate 100,000 new jobs, offering a significant boost to youth employment and driving economic growth.