This report examines the role of infrastructure in explaining why the region lags so far behind the rest of the country. More importantly, it looks at how improved infrastructure may help the region catch up. Infrastructure is examined here through its impact on social as well as economic...

Since 1995, 17 African countries have defied expectations and have launched a remarkable, if little-noticed, turnaround, Emerging Africa describes this revitalization and why it is likely to continue. --

Physical cash and commercial bank money are dominant vehicles for retail payments around the world, including in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs). Yet payments in EMDEs are marked by several key deficiencies, such as lack of universal access to transaction accounts, widespread...

Outdoor air pollution accounts for an estimated 4.2 million deaths worldwide, the majority of which are caused by exposure to fine particulate matter (or PM2.5) air pollution. Most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Reducing PM2.5 air pollution is thus crucial for...

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face significant financing gaps that stifle innovation and economic growth. The credit gap alone is estimated at dollar 4.5 trillion as of 2017 for emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) only. Bank financing has been the traditional source of...

The paper will focus on the resolution frameworks of a sample of 12 countries taken from 6 regions. The review of the sample countries is used to analyze issues that may be relevant for other countries and to discuss potential challenges faced in implementing effective safeguards. The remainder...

Foreign direct investment in low-wage, low-skill activities -- Improving the treatment of workers at the bottom by providing a path up from below -- Core standards for the treatment of workers around the world -- WTO-based enforcement of core labor standards -- Voluntary mechanisms for improving...

Due to its recognized benefits, most countries today regardless of their level of development compete for and dedicate significant resources to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Capturing the full positive spillovers of FDI is a long-term process and requires regulatory certainty and...