The rapid digital transformation underway in many emerging markets has the potential to have an equally transformative impact for entrepreneurs. However, critical gaps in access to the internet and mobile phones can limit the ability to work in tech-enabled jobs or to compete as entrepreneurs. This event draws on recent IFC research on the rise of e-commerce in Africa and Southeast Asia and opportunities for further growth by exploring more inclusive practices. It will cover two key topics: E-commerce for development, highlighting how this rapidly growing sector opens a pathway for digital entrepreneurs in Africa and South East Asia; E-commerce and gender equality, highlighting new research from IFC that leverages company data to show for the first time how women are participating on e-commerce platforms - and how companies can add billions of dollars to regional market value by investing in women entrepreneurs. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from IFC’s Managing Director, Makhtar Diop, Lazada’s Group ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital technologies in African countries, and the latest Africa’s Pulse provides new evidence on how digital is enhancing the productivity of existing jobs and creating new jobs, for people of all skill levels and backgrounds. This is particularly important as the region looks toward economic recovery post-pandemic, and many Sub-Saharan African countries are making tremendous investments to advance digital adoption and build skills. Against the backdrop of a COVID-19 induced recession, African countries are weathering the economic storm better than expected and are poised for recovery, but the strength of this recovery depends on the reforms, policies, and investments that countries make now.   Hosted by Georja Calvin-Smith of France 24, join a panel of Africa’s distinguished ministers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital space to discuss the future of work in Africa. They will touch on how governments can support digital transformation, discuss the macroeconomic outlook for the region and how ...

The first Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) West Africa Regional Summit will bring together heads of state, leaders of multilateral development banks, key We-Fi government representatives, private sector executives, and women entrepreneurs to discuss ways to expand opportunities for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises in West Africa. With a focus on the role of technology in supporting agribusiness and other high-growth industries, the Summit aims to galvanize high-level support for public policy reforms and private sector actions to promote women’s entrepreneurship in the region. The Summit is hosted by His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and organized by We-Fi in collaboration with the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank. The recording above shows the Fireside Chat with Kristalina Georgieva and Ivanka Trump, followed by a Women Entrepreneurs Panel. For the full replay of the event, please see below.

Digital innovation is creating unprecedented opportunities for Africa to grow its economy, create jobs, and transform people’s lives. With the aim to digitally connect every individual, business and government in Africa by 2030, the African Union, with the support of the World Bank Group, has embarked on an ambitious journey—a “moonshot” that will help countries accelerate progress, bring high-speed connectivity to all, and lay the foundations for a vibrant digital economy. This April, African leaders and influencers will come together to discuss practical ways of bringing the moonshot vision to life and building an inclusive digital future all across the continent. Watch live, share your ideas, and be part of the conversation!

This is a Facebook Live interview. Watch the replay! As part of our Spring Meetings 2018 Interview Series, we will be talking with Oyindamola Honey Ogundeyi, Founder, Fashpa.com, Nigeria, about how online platforms are empowering women in Africa. 

This is a Facebook Live interview. Watch the replay! As part of our Spring Meetings 2018 Interview Series, we will be talking with Tony Elumelu, /*-->*/ Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, to discuss the digital economy in Africa. 

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim led a fire-side conversation with LinkedIn Chief Executive Officer Jeff Weiner and investor and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation, as part of the Digital Economy for Africa event, during the Spring Meetings.    During the discussion, Weiner stressed the role of technology in developing countries, and shared how LinkedIn’s emphasis on data is getting influencers ahead of the trends in the 3 billion people global work force. He also added how the platform seeks to have a digital representation of every job, with over 20 million jobs already covered. Sharing his perspective on barriers for African entrepreneurs in digital technology, Elumelu revealed that Africa’s young population, 60% of which are under the age of 30, have to be the key resource for entrepreneurship. Elumelu highlighted infrastructure, government policies and regulation, intellectual property and the need for incentives for investors as the key areas to address. Weiner noted the World Bank Group’s partnership ...

Co-sponsored by the Constituency for Africa, this Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Series event is an opportunity to discuss the state of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) research in Africa and the challenges governments face in providing young people with a STEM education. Participants, including government ministers and business and think tank representatives, will outline the gaps in STEM research, the need for increased action and investment and will discuss ideas for building STEM capacity in Africa. During the event, the World Bank will launch a new report A Decade of Development: STEM Research in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report analyzes Africa’s current performance in STEM research as well as future trends.