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In this episode of My First Job on IFC Audio Stories, Zanele Hlatshwayo, Deputy Program Manager for the Global Agricultural and Food Security Program (GAFSP), shares how she transitioned from law to corporate finance, a shift that sparked her passion for development and agriculture. A farmer herself, Zanele discusses how GAFSP has supported over 90 agribusiness projects in 27 countries, reaching more than a million smallholder farmers, and why private sector investment is vital for resilient food systems and global food security.
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As the World Bank Group launches AgriConnect, a bold effort to transform smallholder farming, we explore what it means for the future of food and jobs. From the Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. to farms in Tanzania, this episode follows how global partnerships and private sector innovation are helping farmers grow stronger businesses, create jobs, and build a more food-secure world.
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In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore why just a small share of firms, typically young, fast-growing businesses, are responsible for most job creation in emerging markets. IFC Principal Economist Arti Grover unpacks new research showing that age, networks, and capabilities - not size - are the best predictors of a firm's job creation potential. Then, Alex Busse, Managing Director at NXTP Ventures, offers the venture capital perspective, sharing how early-stage investors identify and support the startups with the capacity to scale and hire.
Click here to read IFC's insights on the firms that create more and better jobs.
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In this episode of My First Job, host Camryn Billett speaks with Nigerian tech and finance YouTuber Fisayo Fosudo about how his first job launched his career as a content creator. Starting as a social media manager and designer, Fisayo has built a reputation as one of West Africa's most influential voices in technology and finance, with over 700,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of monthly views. In 2024, Pulse, a leading media group in Nigeria named Fisayo Tech Influencer of the Year. Tune in as Fisayo shares insights on the responsibility of influence in Africa's digital economy, and how reimagining education and opportunity can shape the future for young people
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In this episode of My First Job on IFC Audio Stories, Dagmawit Bekele—Director of the AU Peace Fund Secretariat and former Cabinet Minister in the Ethiopian government—shares her remarkable journey from working as a student communications officer at a local NGO to becoming Ethiopia's first female Minister of Transport and Logistics. Now at the helm of the African Union's Peace Fund Secretariat, she leads strategic funding efforts to support peacebuilding across the continent. Dagmawit reflects on leadership, public service, and the evolving role of the private sector in promoting peace, offering practical insights and inspiration for Africa's next generation of changemakers.
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In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore the dynamic collaboration between IFC, private sector players and the Rwandan government to establish the country as a biotechnology hub. Featuring the voices of Rwanda's State Minister of Health and other key stakeholders this podcast explores the ambitious effort thats paving the way towards a future where African nations lead in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare solutions.
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Cities house over half the world's population and drive more than 80% of global GDP—but many struggle to finance the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we explore how IFC helps cities unlock capital through subnational financing. From identifying bankable projects to deploying loans, IFC experts share insights into how municipalities can build inclusive and resilient futures.
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In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we're in Nairobi, Kenya, where a bold private sector partnership is driving inclusive growth. Royal Apparel EPZ Ltd., backed by IFC, is expanding to create thousands of jobs while promoting sustainable manufacturing. We explore how private sector investment is transforming lives and strengthening Kenya's garment industry.
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In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Loubna Ghaleb, Board Member for Strategy and Development at Tanger Med Group and the 2025 winner of the MIGA Gender Leadership Award, shares her journey in the infrastructure and logistics sector. She discusses breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated industry, key moments in her leadership path, and her commitment to mentoring future female leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, growth, and driving change through infrastructure development.
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In honor of Women's Month, IFC Audio Stories presents "My First Job" - conversations with senior women leaders about how their careers got started and the lessons they learned along the way. We kick off the series with Mary Porter Peschka, IFC's Regional Director for Eastern Africa.
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Approximately 685 million people worldwide still lack access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy, highlighting the critical urgency of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030 in alignment with the broader Sustainable Development Goals. In conjunction with insights from the Power Markets Report, this audio story features World Bank Group research and economic experts Elcin Akcura and Ayo Adewole. They delve into the report's findings and explore actionable ways the private sector can drive progress toward a future where universal energy access becomes a reality. Join us to learn how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can make these goals the global standard.
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In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we explore Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to connect 300 million people in Africa to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity by 2030. Led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group, this effort highlights the critical role of private sector innovation and investment in expand access to energy.
Listen as Valérie Levkov, IFC Global Industry Director for Energy, Metals & Mining, and Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory, and Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure & Natural Resources in Africa, share insights into the challenges and opportunities in delivering innovative solutions to connect millions of people across the continent.
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Listen to the powerful story of resilience and transformation in Vatani village, Fiji, where access to clean water, made possible by an innovative sovereign green bond, has redefined daily life. Join us as we delve into the journey of some of Fiji's citizens who have benefited from this groundbreaking initiative. Discover how the first sovereign green bond issued by an emerging market, backed by the IFC and World Bank, is creating hope, improving public health, and showcasing Fiji's pioneering role in addressing climate change.
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Join us for IFC Audio Stories as we explore the World Bank Group's new Gender Strategy and its role in accelerating equality. In this episode, industry leaders Matthias Berninger from Bayer and Asahi Pompey from the Goldman Sachs Foundation discuss innovative solutions for enhancing gender equality in entrepreneurship and employment. Discover how investing in women not only transforms lives but also drives sustainable growth for communities worldwide.
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Green finance is helping Mongolian cashmere companies become energy-efficient while preserving traditions among the nomadic herders who supply cashmere. In this audio story, Khan Bank CEO Munkhtuya Rentsenbat, cashmere manufacturer Tumen Suljee CEO Namkhaijamts Erdenebat, and a cashmere goat herder explain how green bonds and green loans are shaping Mongolia's sustainable future.
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On July 25th, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres released a call to action on extreme heat. With soaring temperatures killing half a million people each year, there is an increasing need to finance sustainable investment in cooling. Today, we sit down with Camillo Mondragon-Velez, lead author of IFC and UNEP's collaborative report,: "Cooler Finance: Mobilizing Investment for the Developing World's Sustainable Cooling Needs", to talk about the challenge and some solutions to cool our people and our planet.
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IFC chats with Chanda Kapande Nxumalo, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Harmattan Renewables, a South African renewable energy company that is a leading provider of technical, commercial and environmental advisory services. The Renewable Energy sector in Africa is poised for rapid growth in the next 10 to 15 years. Chanda encourages women to raise their hands for opportunities, do hard things, and gain visibility.
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IFC chats with Olasimbo ("Simbo") Sojinrin, Chief Operating Officer of Solar Sister, a leading provider of portable solar home systems in Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania that is working at the intersection of gender equality, climate justice, and energy access. Working with over 10,000 women entrepreneurs in Africa, Solar Sister has distributed clean energy products to nearly 5 million people, many living in last mile communities. Simbo shares why she is passionate about her career in renewable energy, the importance of leadership, training, and mentoring, and making women's voices heard.
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On this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore the 11th edition of the World Bank Group Youth Summit, where thousands of young innovators converged to address global development challenges. This year's theme, "Powering Progress: Youth Leading the Digital Transformation," spotlighted digital access and inclusion, AI, and sustainable tech. Hear from pitch competition finalists Selma Ekfvei Ndi and Frida Eposi Ndi of Data Girl Technologies and discover how they're empowering women in Cameroon through tech education. Visit the World Bank Group Youth Summit website for more information.
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In the latest episode of IFC Audio Stories, we delve into the research behind the International Finance Corporation's book, "Digital Opportunities in African Businesses." The episode features insights from IFC principal economist Marcio Cruz on the underutilization of digital tools by African firms and economist Mark Dutz on digital tech usage among micro enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa. Discover the keys to unlocking Africa's digital potential and the critical role of the private sector in this transformation.
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