My First Job: Dagmawit Moges Bekele
IFC Audio Stories
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...
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How IFC is Powering Rwanda’s Biotech Growth
IFC Audio Stories
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.
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Financing Cities: How IFC Unlocks Capital for Growth
IFC Audio Stories
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.
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Sewing Success: Investing in Women for a Stronger Economy
IFC Audio Stories
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.
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My First Job: Loubna Ghaleb
IFC Audio Stories
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.
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My First Job: Mary Porter Peschka
IFC Audio Stories
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.
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Investing in Power Markets: A Roadmap to Universal Energy Access
IFC Audio Stories
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...
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Mission 300: Powering Progress in Africa
IFC Audio Stories
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...
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Turning on the Tap in Fiji, Thanks to a Sovereign Green Bond
IFC Audio Stories
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.
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Empowering Change: Bridging Gender Equality and Economic Growth
IFC Audio Stories
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.
info_outlineThis 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.