This blog post is part of a series for the 'Bureaucracy Lab', a World Bank initiative to better understand the world's public officials and explores a range of approaches to…

The experience of Bangladesh is a microcosm of the larger trend in global extreme poverty. Several countries at various levels of development have shown in the last few decades that it is possible…

Clearly, Africa’s strong reform drive is cause for celebration. The sober truth, however, is that the world’s most difficult places for businesses are still largely found in Africa

Informed decision making requires timely and relevant evidence. This holds for national decision makers as well as development practitioners. Here at the World Bank...

Thanks to the Niger Irrigation Program (NIP) farmers in Niger now have access to solar-powered drip irrigation technology, enabling them to produce more with less water and energy, improving their…

On February 20, 2015, World Bank missions to Yemen were suspended due to increased security concerns. One particularly eye-opening graphic gives a rough glance at what Yemen would look like if it…

Even in the most challenging places, investment and growth are possible. And of all the places most in need of development, the Sahel must sit near the top of the list.

In countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence, the private sector plays a critical role in providing jobs and income. Inclusive and sustainable economic growth can also help heal…

Moldova frequently experiences severe weather events such as storms, floods, extreme temperatures and droughts. And, due to climate change, it is projected that the country will face more extreme…