Dutch households spend less of their income on fixed and necessary expenditures
Households with high fixed and necessary expenditures relative to income are more vulnerable to income shocks. This column examines fixed and necessary expenditures for middle-income
How IFC is mobilizing capital for sustainable urban growth
Urbanization offers tremendous opportunities for job creation and economic growth, which can only be realized if cities invest in the infrastructure needed to support their
Tariffs to raise costs, delay oil and gas projects in 2026, report says
The energy industry relies heavily on global supply chains and internationally sourced materials such as drilling rigs, valves, compressors and specialized steel are central to
Cities that work: How urban tourism drives jobs
When cities invest in tourism, they invest in jobs, entrepreneurship, and growth. Marrakech is a compelling example. In 2024, the city welcomed nearly 4 million tourists, each
The new curse of critical minerals
A race is raging among global powers to secure access to critical minerals to power the simultaneous energy and digital transitions the world is experiencing.
Addressing food insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa: innovations in data monitoring
Food insecurity remains a critical issue affecting millions of people across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP). The region faces a wide
Data in action: a decade of remote, rapid damage assessments
As disasters grow more frequent and severe, the need for fast, reliable information in the immediate aftermath has never been greater. Governments, development partners and
Gulf central banks cut key interest rates following Fed move
The Fed cut its rate by a quarter of a percentage point, in a move that won support from most of President Donald Trump’s central
$488.6mln battery project to help Oman achieve green energy goals
The investment will be implemented in phases over four to six years. The first phase alone is valued over OMR73 million. With a project investment
Europe’s old power plants to get digital makeover driven by AI boom
Some of Europe’s ageing coal and gas fired power plants can look forward to a more high-tech future as big tech players, such as Microsoft
