At a workshop in Marimauta Village, Zimbabwe, business is booming. Local entrepreneurs drop by to commission bespoke machinery. A solar-powered maize processing machine serves farmers across the region. Young apprentices learn new technical and digital skills. The scene contrasts sharply with 2019 when Cyclone Idai ripped through the area, tearing down power lines and shuttering […]
Picture two houses—one with old windows, no insulation, and older appliances, and the other featuring simple energy-efficient upgrades and equipment. The difference between these neighboring houses is more than just aesthetics. Those living in the first house could ending up paying up to five times more for heating in winter than the better-off family just […]
In a region where millions still face hunger and malnutrition, it is concerning that South Asia also loses a significant share of its food before it ever reaches the plate. Over 30% of all food in the region is lost or wasted each year, which is enough to feed nearly 300 million people. From farm to […]
Creative industries, such as film, music, fashion design and advertising are a growing important source of economic activity globally, generating around $2 trillion of revenues and supporting over 50 million jobs, especially for young people. Yet they struggle to get the financing they need to reach their full business potential. The Power of Creative Industries […]
“Have you had your rice today?” In Viet Nam, this everyday greeting reflects just how central rice is to life—so essential that the day doesn’t truly begin until people have eaten a few mouthfuls. Half of humanity eats rice. But behind the ubiquitous staple lies a mounting crisis. The global rice industry is experiencing real […]
Thailand’s coastal and marine resources are vital engines of growth. From pristine beaches that attract millions of tourists each year to the Eastern Economic Corridor that supports production and trade, the country’s “blue economy” involving 23 coastal provinces is estimated to contribute around 30 percent of Thailand’s GDP and one-fourth of the nation’s employment. As Thailand […]
The block trades were well bought by overseas investors, according to bankers. They marked the highest monthly total in almost a year and a huge jump from only $220mln in April Foreign investors are starting to head back into Indian stocks after a major exodus, attracted by $5.5 billion worth of big ticket block trades […]
Coffee prices remain high despite April dip. Coffee softened slightly in April after hitting record nominal highs. Arabica reached $9/kg in February-March, while Robusta approached $6/kg. In 2025Q1 (q/q), Arabica surged 26 percent (q/q)—almost doubling year-on-year—while Robusta rose 12 percent, marking a two-thirds increase over 2024 levels. Global production rose to 170 million bags in 2023-24 […]
The policies of the Trump administration have put the research environment in the United States under pressure. Public research funding cuts, hostility towards academic freedom, climate science denial and the detaining or exclusion of foreign researchers have unsettled the scientific community in the US. Researchers question the US’s traditional role as a safe haven for […]
Goldman Sachs on Friday said it expects OPEC+ to announce a second consecutive increase in supply for June on Saturday, due to modest compliance from Kazakhstan, lower-than-expected OECD inventories, and Saudi Arabia’s ability to handle lower oil prices. The Wall Street bank expects the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) to announce a […]
