The world's population growth tells two stories: in many countries populations are aging, while in others, populations are getting younger. Projections show most countries will likely see shrinking populations within the next 25 years due to historically low fertility rates.

But the African continent is bucking this trend. It has the potential to benefit from a demographic dividend: an opportunity for rapid economic growth driven by a large, youthful population. But that is with the right combination of policies and technical support).

In this episode of The Development Podcast, we get to grips with what the data tell us, and what this means for development.

Join us as we hear from: Craig Hammer, Manager, Office of the Chief Statistician & Development Data Group, World Bank Group, Sarah Hague, Regional Advisor Social Policy, East and Southern Africa, UNICEF, Juyoung Yang, Economist, Department of Macroeconomic and Financial Policies, Korea Development Institute, Katia Osei, Head of Environmental Justice, The Or Foundation, Ghana.

[00:00] Welcome: From demographic dividends to sliver tsunamis

[02:28] Two stories of demographic changes in Ghana and Korea

[08:08] Why do we need data for development?

[09:53] The demographic dividend unpacked

[14:36] Missing data in development

[16:27] How the World Bank Group and UNICEF are working together on data collection

[17:36] What new research on childhood poverty reveals

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.

How can energy-efficient light bulbs, bricks, and buildings cut costs and improve energy security?

In this episode of The Development Podcast, , we discover that energy efficiency doesn’t just save money—it also drives growth and creates jobs. In 2022 alone, energy efficiency became the largest employer in the energy sector—supporting nearly 11 million jobs—from manufacturing and construction to installation and training.

So, what needs to happen for the world to reap the rewards of becoming more energy efficient? Join us as we hear from: Jas Singh, Lead Energy Specialist, World Bank Group, Melanie Slade, Senior Programme Manager, Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies at the International Energy Agency (IEA), and Nitik Arya, Sauga Bricks Pvt Ltd, India.

[00:00] Welcome: Wasted energy and why we should become more energy efficient

[02:27] Cooler air: The story of a brick manufacturer in India

[07:23] How much progress has the world made on energy efficiency

[10:48] Air cooling systems

[13:32] The invisible powerhouse of economic growth

[19:40] Technological developments and the future of energy efficiency

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.

Risk is all around us, an inherent part of life. And in the world of development, there are also risks, including war, civil disturbance and expropriation.

In this episode of The Development Podcast, we take a deep dive into the work of MIGA, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency – home of the new World Bank Group Guarantee Platform. Its work with the private sector gives investors the confidence to build power plants, water treatment plans, hospitals and more, unlocking much-needed capital for development. Join us as we hear from Junaid Kamal Ahmad, MIGA Vice President of Operations, and Maira Lelis, Farmer in Brazil.

[00:00] Welcome: Introducing World Bank Group's Guarantees

[03:46] Guarantees in practice: A project supporting agribusiness in Brazil

[07:01] Why guarantees matter in today's development financing landscape

[13:45] Reshaping how we approach financing for development

[18:26] The impact of development in one village

[20:56] How the Guarantee Platform leads to 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.