There is increasing pressure on International Finance Institutions (IFI) and Development Finance Institutions (DFI) to drive market additionality and creation in lower-income countries and emerging market economies. These institutions regard market creation as key to closing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) financing gap. Market creation requires development finance actors to invest in small- and early-stage…
Every day, people from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras leave their homes to embark on a perilous journey through Mexico to the United States, driven by both a lack of employment opportunities and the impacts of climate change. To address the root causes of irregular migration stemming from the region, the United States and Mexican governments…
Conflict narratives in fragile states are often framed by identity groups or other non-state actors along ideological or ethno-sectarian lines to achieve political ends. But in many instances, the main grievances of populations in affected communities are centered around basic dignity and livelihoods. Non-state actors, including violent extremists, often try to capitalize on these grievances…
Indigenous Peoples and communities are critical to sustainable development outcomes across many sectors, including environmental conservation, economic growth, and social justice. Yet historical and structural barriers have posed a challenge for meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples, that leverages their knowledge, expertise, and solutions. In part due to a misalignment of priorities, Indigenous Peoples’ representation has…
Economic development does not happen in a vacuum. Each country has unique attributes and challenges that can affect program outcomes – from local identity politics to tensions over resources – and attitudes towards minorities. Promoting economic growth in fragile and conflict-affected areas adds an additional layer of complexity as programs run the risk of exacerbating…
Over more than the past decade, Jordan has faced several external shocks that affected its economic growth. The global financial crisis in 2009 slowed economic activity, and regional conflicts disrupted trade routes with key partners, including Turkey and the European Union. Additionally, in 2011, Egypt’s natural gas supplies were interrupted and, most recently, the COVID-19…
Technology and innovation are crucial tools to achieve meaningful development. Whether it’s using drones to deliver supplies to remote areas of the world or implementing new finance systems in each of our offices, technology is far-reaching and increasingly impacts all of our lives. Anne Kottmeier, Chemonics’ new CIO, explains what development professionals can learn from…
Governments around the world, from the national to the village level, have been devising, implementing, and regulating innovative tools, like payment for ecosystem services and sustainable production certifications, to combat and adapt to environmental problems like climate change and deforestation. However, despite these innovative tools, sub-national governments face a daunting challenge: They are often responsible…