Tag: Development Policy
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Reassessing the Philippines’ Dependence on Remittances for Long-Term Growth
Introduction: A long-standing pillar under scrutiny The Philippines has long stood out for its robust remittance inflows. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have sent home billions of dollars every year, helping millions of households cover basic needs, fund education, and sustain consumption during slow domestic growth. Yet as economic realities shift — from slower global demand…
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Diving into WB’s Report: Analyzing the World Bank’s View on the Poorest Nations
Introduction: What the World Bank’s report seeks to reveal The World Bank’s recent analysis, part of the broader Our World in Data project, highlights the persistent gap between wealthier and poorer nations, with sub-Saharan Africa featuring prominently among the most vulnerable regions. The report’s focus on daily income, household resilience, and long‑term development trajectories offers…
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Eliminating Extreme Poverty: Kerala’s Lessons for Developing ASEAN Countries
Kerala’s bold claim and its debate When Kerala’s Chief Minister announced on 1 November 2025 that the state had ostensibly eliminated extreme poverty, it sparked a lively debate among economists, policymakers, and development practitioners. Critics pressed for rigorous definitions and transparent measurement, while supporters argued that the state had moved decisively toward a living standard…
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Raising the Bar: Why Policy Institutions Must Meet Efficiency Standards While Pursuing Development
Introduction: Balancing Mandate with Accountability Policy institutions are created to steer nations toward growth, stability, and inclusive development. Yet the very logic of governance demands something more than good intentions: demonstrable results. Bright Simons, Honorary Vice President of IMANI-Africa, recently argued for stronger scrutiny of the cost and efficiency of government institutions. His message is…
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What Happened to U.S. Foreign Aid This Year: A Closer Look at Policy Shifts and Their Effects
Overview: A Year of Changes in U.S. Foreign Aid This year, U.S. foreign aid policy underwent significant shifts that drew attention from policymakers, international partners, and aid organizations. While “foreign aid” covers a broad spectrum—from humanitarian relief to long-term development projects—the year’s headlines focused on funding decisions, program reorganizations, and changing priorities. The central question…
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Uganda Economic Update 26th Edition: Agro-Industrialization for Prosperity
Overview: Uganda’s Growth Path and the Agro-Industrial Vision Uganda’s economy continues to chart a robust growth path, with real GDP expanding by 6.3% in FY2024/2025, up from 6.1% the year before. This acceleration aligns with the World Bank’s latest Uganda Economic Update, which frames agro-industrialization as a central engine of durable prosperity. The report highlights…
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Mountain Older Than Memory: How a New Definition of Aravalli Could Undermine Viksit Bharat
Introduction: The Aravalli’s enduring role Few landscapes in India withstand the test of time the way the Aravalli Range does. Bristling with ancient ecologies and shaped by eons of geological forces, the Aravalli not only anchors local climates but also informs water security, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. In policy circles, the mountain is often treated…
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Mountain Older Than Memory: How a New Definition of the Aravalli Could Undercut a ‘Viksit Bharat’
Rethinking the Aravalli: More Than a Scroll of Time The Aravalli Range is often described as the oldest mountain system in the Indian subcontinent, a geologic landmark that has weathered millennia while quietly guiding water, climate, and ecology in northwestern India. But when policy conversations pivot to a so‑called modern definition or re‑characterization of this…
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Stop Building the 17th Floor First: Youthful Leadership for Africa’s Next Era
Introduction: Reframing Ambition for Africa’s Future The phrase Stop Building the 17th Floor First captures a stubborn impulse: we often chase monumental prestige projects while the basics—jobs, health, education, reliable governance—remain underfunded. Recently, Namibia has been linked to bold plans for a film city aimed at rivaling Hollywood. While such visions can spark pride and…
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Trade Policy Review: Nepal — Insights from the WTO Process
Overview of Nepal’s Trade Policy Review The World Trade Organization’s Trade Policy Review of Nepal provides a comprehensive look at how Nepal’s trade regime functions in a rapidly changing global economy. The review examines tariff structures, non-tariff measures, trade facilitation, services, and government policies that shape Nepal’s trade performance. It also assesses how Nepal’s policies…