The digital world is developing at a phenomenal pace. From AI tools at our fingertips, to advancements in energy, consumer technology, and connectivity: change is here. Harnessing these changes can unlock prosperity, create jobs, allow access to public services, and accelerate development. But with the digital divide still creating a chasm of connectivity, bridging the gap is an urgent challenge. In this episode of The Development Podcast, we explore how we can ensure that nobody is left behind, and how digital advancements create real-world impact.

• Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, Global Director in the Digital Vice Presidency, covering digital use, and the Director of Strategy and Operations.
• Américo Muchanga, Mozambique’s Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation
• Anthony Tan, Grab group CEO and co-founder
• Youmina Machele, student who is using digital tools to accelerate her leaning in Mozambique

[00:00] Welcome: the benefits of closing the digital divide

[01:39] Grab and the power of the digital economy

[06:57] Digital tools in education

[09:33] Digital transformation and public service delivery in Mozambique

[15:42] How the World Bank Group is supporting digital transformation

This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. And rate our show! ;)

Tell us what you think of our podcast here >>>. We would love to hear from you!

The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

With 1.2 billion young people in emerging economies reaching working age over the next decade—and only about 420 million jobs expected to be generated—the urgency of finding scalable and sustainable solutions has never been greater.

In this episode of The Development Podcast, we hear from one young person about their journey into the world of work and what the World Bank Group is doing to address one of the most urgent issues facing development: how to meet the stable employment aspirations of the developing world's fast-growing youth population.

• Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group
• Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, International Finance Corporation
• Christina Williams, Lawyer and activist
• Omprakash Shukla, Chairman and founder, Royal Group of Companies
• Sharon Maithia, Logistics Manager, Royal Group

[00:00] Welcome: Jobs, young people and prosperity

[03:31] Young voices from Jamaica: Christina Williams, lawyer and activist

[12:49] Job creation: Five promising sectors

[15:09] Voices from Kenya: Inclusive growth and supply chains

[19:48] The role of the private sector in job creation

This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. And rate our show! ;)

Tell us what you think of our podcast here >>>. We would love to hear from you!

The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

To mark Women’s Month we’re digging into an often overlooked, but critical sector for the global economy, and for many millions of women: Artisanal and Smallscale Mining (ASM).

From gold, cobalt, copper and gemstones to salt, gravel and quarry rock: artisanal and small-scale mining) has played an active role in national development and international trade over the decades. But as the demand for clean energy and for consumer technology grows worldwide, the need for the metals and minerals which are used in everything from smartphones to solar panels to electric vehicle batteries - is skyrocketing.

In this episode of The Development Podcast we get an insight into the lives of women who work in Artisanal and Smallscale Mining. We hear about the dangers they face, efforts to reform conditions and the wider opportunities to build an inclusive future.

• Dr Rachel Perks, Senior Mining Specialist, World Bank
• Blessing Hungwe-Nharara, Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations
• Susan Wheeler, Founder of Virtu Gems

[00:00] Introducing the topic: Mining and women workforce

[03:25] Artisanal and small-scale mining: workforce, challenges, energy transition, digital trends

[11:13] Trailblazing stories: The case of Blessing Hungwe-Nharara in Zimbabwe

[18:33] Gemstones, supply chains, and good practices in the public and private sectors

[21:23] The case of Virtu Gem in the jewelry industry

[26:37] Creating a sustainable value chain for all: What the World Bank is doing

This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. And rate our show! ;)

Tell us what you think of our podcast here >>>. We would love to hear from you!

The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.