The private sector is essential for creating jobs and prosperity in poor countries, but developing it is challenging, especially in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS). The IDA Private Sector Window (PSW) is a blended finance facility that enables the International Finance Corporation...

The Handbook for practitioners and decision makers seeks to raise awareness among utility managers, decision makers, and other stakeholders of the importance and benefits of developing robust operation and maintenance (OandM) strategies for existing and greenfield hydropower plants. This...

Gender equality is important for development-it matters not only for women and girls, and boys and men but also for communities and societies-for poverty reduction and economic growth. This assessment report provides an in-depth description of the gaps between women and men in Benin regarding...

The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine has immense local impact and global consequences. Ukraine is experiencing huge human and economic suffering, which will have long-lasting effects. This war has been particularly devastating for the Ukrainian health sector, tremendously...

Myanmar's macroeconomic environment remains stable, though economic growth is estimated to have slowed to 5.9 percent in 2016-17 compared to 7 percent in 2015-16, weighed down by slower investment demand. Growth is projected to recover to 6.4 percent in 2017-18, though risks are tilted to the...

Despite advances in agricultural production, TFP, and trade balances, Russia continues to lag behind many comparator countries in measures of crop and livestock productivity. This report has aimed to provide a vehicle for dialogue with government on agri-food sector collaboration to address this...

The conflict inflicted by ISIS has forced over 5 million ordinary Iraqis to flee their homes, left schools destroyed and hospitals dysfunctional. Seven governorates have been fiercely affected while the entire country felt the shockwaves. During these times of despair, our neighbors and the...

In 2016 the Government of Egypt (GoE) has embarked on an ambitious and much needed transition towards a better economic policy. While the macroeconomic stability and market confidence have been largely restored, the overall fiscal situation remains challenging. With limited fiscal space, solely...