IFC Audio Stories

In this episode of My First Job on IFC Audio Stories, Zanele Hlatshwayo, Deputy Program Manager for the Global Agricultural and Food Security Program (GAFSP), shares how she transitioned from law to corporate finance, a shift that sparked her passion for development and agriculture. A farmer herself, Zanele discusses how GAFSP has supported over 90 agribusiness projects in 27 countries, reaching more than a million smallholder farmers, and why private sector investment is vital for resilient food systems and global food security.

As the World Bank Group launches AgriConnect, a bold effort to transform smallholder farming, we explore what it means for the future of food and jobs. From the Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. to farms in Tanzania, this episode follows how global partnerships and private sector innovation are helping farmers grow stronger businesses, create jobs, and build a more food-secure world.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore why just a small share of firms, typically young, fast-growing businesses, are responsible for most job creation in emerging markets. IFC Principal Economist Arti Grover unpacks new research showing that age, networks, and capabilities - not size - are the best predictors of a firm's job creation potential. Then, Alex Busse, Managing Director at NXTP Ventures, offers the venture capital perspective, sharing how early-stage investors identify and support the startups with the capacity to scale and hire. Click here to read IFC's insights on the firms that create more and better jobs.

In this episode of My First Job, host Camryn Billett speaks with Nigerian tech and finance YouTuber Fisayo Fosudo about how his first job launched his career as a content creator. Starting as a social media manager and designer, Fisayo has built a reputation as one of West Africa's most influential voices in technology and finance, with over 700,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of monthly views. In 2024, Pulse, a leading media group in Nigeria named Fisayo Tech Influencer of the Year. Tune in as Fisayo shares insights on the responsibility of influence in Africa's digital economy, and how reimagining education and opportunity can shape the future for young people

In this episode of My First Job on IFC Audio Stories, Dagmawit Bekele—Director of the AU Peace Fund Secretariat and former Cabinet Minister in the Ethiopian government—shares her remarkable journey from working as a student communications officer at a local NGO to becoming Ethiopia's first female Minister of Transport and Logistics. Now at the helm of the African Union's Peace Fund Secretariat, she leads strategic funding efforts to support peacebuilding across the continent. Dagmawit reflects on leadership, public service, and the evolving role of the private sector in promoting peace, offering practical insights and inspiration for Africa's next generation of changemakers.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore the dynamic collaboration between IFC, private sector players and the Rwandan government to establish the country as a biotechnology hub. Featuring the voices of Rwanda's State Minister of Health and other key stakeholders this podcast explores the ambitious effort thats paving the way towards a future where African nations lead in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare solutions.

Cities house over half the world's population and drive more than 80% of global GDP—but many struggle to finance the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we explore how IFC helps cities unlock capital through subnational financing. From identifying bankable projects to deploying loans, IFC experts share insights into how municipalities can build inclusive and resilient futures.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we're in Nairobi, Kenya, where a bold private sector partnership is driving inclusive growth. Royal Apparel EPZ Ltd., backed by IFC, is expanding to create thousands of jobs while promoting sustainable manufacturing. We explore how private sector investment is transforming lives and strengthening Kenya's garment industry.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Loubna Ghaleb, Board Member for Strategy and Development at Tanger Med Group and the 2025 winner of the MIGA Gender Leadership Award, shares her journey in the infrastructure and logistics sector. She discusses breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated industry, key moments in her leadership path, and her commitment to mentoring future female leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, growth, and driving change through infrastructure development.

In honor of Women's Month, IFC Audio Stories presents "My First Job" - conversations with senior women leaders about how their careers got started and the lessons they learned along the way. We kick off the series with Mary Porter Peschka, IFC's Regional Director for Eastern Africa.

Approximately 685 million people worldwide still lack access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy, highlighting the critical urgency of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030 in alignment with the broader Sustainable Development Goals. In conjunction with insights from the Power Markets Report, this audio story features World Bank Group research and economic experts Elcin Akcura and Ayo Adewole. They delve into the report's findings and explore actionable ways the private sector can drive progress toward a future where universal energy access becomes a reality. Join us to learn how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can make these goals the global standard.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we explore Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to connect 300 million people in Africa to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity by 2030. Led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group, this effort highlights the critical role of private sector innovation and investment in expand access to energy. Listen as Valérie Levkov, IFC Global Industry Director for Energy, Metals & Mining, and Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory, and Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure & Natural Resources in Africa, share insights into the challenges and opportunities in delivering innovative solutions to connect millions of people across the continent.

Listen to the powerful story of resilience and transformation in Vatani village, Fiji, where access to clean water, made possible by an innovative sovereign green bond, has redefined daily life. Join us as we delve into the journey of some of Fiji's citizens who have benefited from this groundbreaking initiative. Discover how the first sovereign green bond issued by an emerging market, backed by the IFC and World Bank, is creating hope, improving public health, and showcasing Fiji's pioneering role in addressing climate change.

Join us for IFC Audio Stories as we explore the World Bank Group's new Gender Strategy and its role in accelerating equality. In this episode, industry leaders Matthias Berninger from Bayer and Asahi Pompey from the Goldman Sachs Foundation discuss innovative solutions for enhancing gender equality in entrepreneurship and employment. Discover how investing in women not only transforms lives but also drives sustainable growth for communities worldwide.

Green finance is helping Mongolian cashmere companies become energy-efficient while preserving traditions among the nomadic herders who supply cashmere. In this audio story, Khan Bank CEO Munkhtuya Rentsenbat, cashmere manufacturer Tumen Suljee CEO Namkhaijamts Erdenebat, and a cashmere goat herder explain how green bonds and green loans are shaping Mongolia's sustainable future.

On July 25th, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres released a call to action on extreme heat. With soaring temperatures killing half a million people each year, there is an increasing need to finance sustainable investment in cooling. Today, we sit down with Camillo Mondragon-Velez, lead author of IFC and UNEP's collaborative report,: "Cooler Finance: Mobilizing Investment for the Developing World's Sustainable Cooling Needs", to talk about the challenge and some solutions to cool our people and our planet.

IFC chats with Chanda Kapande Nxumalo, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Harmattan Renewables, a South African renewable energy company that is a leading provider of technical, commercial and environmental advisory services. The Renewable Energy sector in Africa is poised for rapid growth in the next 10 to 15 years. Chanda encourages women to raise their hands for opportunities, do hard things, and gain visibility.

IFC chats with Olasimbo ("Simbo") Sojinrin, Chief Operating Officer of Solar Sister, a leading provider of portable solar home systems in Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania that is working at the intersection of gender equality, climate justice, and energy access. Working with over 10,000 women entrepreneurs in Africa, Solar Sister has distributed clean energy products to nearly 5 million people, many living in last mile communities. Simbo shares why she is passionate about her career in renewable energy, the importance of leadership, training, and mentoring, and making women's voices heard.

On this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore the 11th edition of the World Bank Group Youth Summit, where thousands of young innovators converged to address global development challenges. This year's theme, "Powering Progress: Youth Leading the Digital Transformation," spotlighted digital access and inclusion, AI, and sustainable tech. Hear from pitch competition finalists Selma Ekfvei Ndi and Frida Eposi Ndi of Data Girl Technologies and discover how they're empowering women in Cameroon through tech education. Visit the World Bank Group Youth Summit website for more information.

In the latest episode of IFC Audio Stories, we delve into the research behind the International Finance Corporation's book, "Digital Opportunities in African Businesses." The episode features insights from IFC principal economist Marcio Cruz on the underutilization of digital tools by African firms and economist Mark Dutz on digital tech usage among micro enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa. Discover the keys to unlocking Africa's digital potential and the critical role of the private sector in this transformation.

At the 2024 Spring Meetings, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga announced an ambitious commitment to bring energy access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030, in partnership with the African Development Bank. But what will it take to achieve this, and how will the International Finance Corporation and the private sector contribute to this goal? In this episode of IFC Audio Stories Sarvesh Suri, IFC's Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa, shares some of the financial tools and innovative solutions that could help transform the continent's energy landscape.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we discuss women's economic empowerment with Jessica Schnabel, the Global Head of Banking on Women at IFC. Designing for women is a game-changing approach, says Jessica, as she shares insights on gender-focused financial instruments, services and initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of women's economic inclusion.

This World Water Day, IFC Audio Stories dives into the crucial topic of water. Host Lindy Mtongana is joined by IFC's Lalrin Sailo and George Butler to explore IFC's work in supporting emerging markets in meeting their sustainable development goals for water and sanitation. Learn about the role of the private sector in water management and the importance of valuing water properly in light of evolving climate change impacts.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, host Lindy Mtongana is in conversation with the leads of a new report launched by IFC: Her Fintech Edge - Market Insights for Inclusive Growth. Anushe Khan and Jorge Godoy discuss the role of digital financial services in advancing women's financial inclusion and highlight the opportunities for fintech firms to strategically target and serve women.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, host Lindy Mtongana explores the growing global displacement crisis with Michel Botzung, Head of the IFC-UNHCR Joint Initiative. With over 114 million forcibly displaced people globally, Michel discusses the upcoming 2023 Global Refugee Forum and the pivotal role of the private sector in addressing this crisis.

In the concluding episode of the Road to Cop28 Series on IFC Audio Stories, Jamie Fergusson IFC's Global Director for Climate Business, provides an insightful preview of the upcoming summit. He outlines IFC's agenda and commitment to achieving low-carbon resilient growth in emerging markets.

In this episode, Lindy Mtongana sits down with Rogerio Pilotto, a Senior Investment Officer in IFC's Global Water team to discuss the crucial role of water in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Rogerio emphasizes how private sector investment in commercially viable water projects can help secure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

With COP28 just weeks away, Lindy Mtongana sits down with IFC's Global Head of Climate Finance, William Beloe to discuss the intersection between climate and finance, and how IFC's partnerships with financial institutions are crucial to climate action.

IFC is embarking on the Road to COP28 with a mission to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, resilient markets. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Lindy Mtongana is joined by IFC's Chief Investment Officer for Global Energy, Ignacio De Calonje to discuss the importance of green hydrogen and how IFC is de-risking the sector and attracting investors.

As the world increasingly embraces e-commerce, IFC is partnering with an African startup to ensure the continent's creative artisans don't get left behind. In its first foray into Africa's creative sector IFC has invested $3.4 million in ANKA - an all-in-one e-commerce solution for African businesses aiming to export globally. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Lindy Mtongana meets the company's visionary founder, Moulaye Tabouré.

This episode of IFC Audio Stories delves into the importance of private sector solutions to the refugee crisis. IFC Senior Operations Officer Ricardo Tafur discusses a new partnership with UNHCR that aims to empower refugees and host communities through access to finance and entrepreneurship. Peter Lolem, an IFC Liaison Officer, shares the success of private sector interventions at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

This year's Africa CEO Forum saw 2,200 participants gathering in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire for the largest private sector assembly in Africa. Co-hosted by IFC and Jeune Afrique, the event placed a strong emphasis on scaling up African businesses and fostering the growth of the next generation of African champions. This episode of IFC Audio Stories delves into the significance of the theme for IFC and sheds light on its implications for women entrepreneurs.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we take a look back at the Spring Meetings, with highlights from an IFC-led event on women's leadership and economic empowerment. Listen as industry leaders, including Melinda French Gates and IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, share their insights on the urgent need to prioritize gender in this new era of development. As countries around the world face crises that disproportionately affect women and threaten decades of progress towards gender equity, discover how IFC's innovative responses are reaping tangible results.

In the third episode of She Powers Africa, IFC chats with Carol Koech, the Country President for Schneider East Africa. Koech shares her career journey and why she's a champion for African girls to explore STEM careers.

In the second episode of She Powers Africa, IFC chats with Olaedo Osoka, CEO of Daystar Power in West Africa. Osoka shares her experience as one of the youngest female CEOs in Africa's renewable energy space and the importance of building a pipeline of future women leaders.

In She Powers Africa, IFC chats with Jennifer Boca, Head of ESG at Lekela Power, on stepping forward into Africa's renewable energy sector.

For the final episode of this Pacific mini-series, IFC talks to Hatanga Managing Director Jay Bartlett about why it's important to demonstrate high standards of governance, and, as the boss, keep an open door. For more information about IFC's work, please see: IFC's work on Gender in East Asia and the Pacific

In the second episode of this Pacific mini-series, IFC talks to Dame Meg Taylor, former Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum about what it means for women to be in leadership positions.

For the first part of this Pacific mini-series, IFC talks to Vinod Patel & Company Chief Financial Officer Nikita Patel to discuss what organizational resilience looks like now. For more information about IFC's work, please see: IFC's work on Gender in East Asia and the Pacific Tell us what you think! How has your organization been resilient during the last year? We would love to hear from you via social media: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

Bad news is the only news that Manuela de Souza, an IFC communications officer in Goa, India, hears these days. Since a highly transmissible second wave of COVID-19 infections began coursing through India, causing a record number of deaths, de Souza has watched the virus wreak havoc across the country—including her home state of Goa. In an audio story from IFC, de Souza describes how real-time messaging has changed the nature of the national response to the crisis. Technology also makes it possible for de Souza to keep in touch with friends and former colleagues in Delhi and Mumbai, cities where she used to live and work. She checked in with them recently to find out how their businesses and industries have responded to the stresses of the past year. In a conversation with IFC's John Donnelly, De Souza dives into what it's like on the ground in India today and how businesses are trying to stay and become resilient. Find more stories like this one in our IFC Insights newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

Two long-time friends, one African-American and the other a U.S.-based Ugandan national, share their experiences of institutional racism on two continents and exchange ideas about how to handle racial bias in international development. In a conversation recorded earlier this month, Jude Kearney, managing director and co-founder of Kearney Africa Legal Advisors LLC, and Emmanuel Nyirinkindi, IFC's Director of Transaction Advisory Services, spoke about their personal experiences with racism at home and abroad. Both Kearney and Nyirinkindi have worked in several African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. During this wide-ranging discussion, they explore how the protests in the U.S. are playing out in African nations and what the international development sector can do about its own racial bias.