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This Week in Global Development

This Week in Global Development

Written by: Devex | Global Development
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 Dive into the week's most critical global development news with the This Week in Global Development podcast.

In each episode, hosts Adva Saldinger, David Ainsworth, and Rumbi Chakamba break down major headlines and invite leading experts for insightful analysis.

Get up-to-date on news regarding foreign aid, humanitarian crises, the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, finance, philanthropy, climate, food systems, global health, and stay informed on the latest trends and policy changes shaping global development.

Episodes are published every Friday and can also be watched on YouTube.

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Episodes
  • What did we learn at the African Union Summit and the Munich Security Conference

    What did we learn at the African Union Summit and the Munich Security Conference
    Feb 19 2026
    We examine the latest developments surrounding the African Continental Free Trade Area, or AfCFTA, which served as a focal point of the recent African Union Summit. The initiative continues its phased reduction of continental tariffs to bolster intra-African trade and industrialization.

    The development of strategic resource corridors to anchor critical mineral supply chains was also a cornerstone of the discussions. The U.S. officials sought to reassure participants that corridor investments would not be exploitative and would deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

    We also reflect on the Munich Security Conference, where we found that the global south was underrepresented. While traditional foreign aid was largely sidelined in favor of immediate security priorities, development finance emerged as a prominent topic of conversation. Throughout the summit, participants frequently championed the argument that strategic investment in development is a prerequisite for global security, rather than a byproduct of it.

    To discuss these stories, and others, Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with reporters Ayenat Mersie and Jesse Chase-Lubitz for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series.

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    27 mins
  • What is the impact of aid cuts in Africa?

    What is the impact of aid cuts in Africa?
    Feb 12 2026
    This week we take a look at a new report from the Center for Global Development, which found that aid cuts have largely failed to spark reform in sub-Saharan Africa. The caveat, though, is that the authors analyzed national budget data from June 2025 — shortly after the U.S. announced its drastic cuts, meaning the analysis doesn’t reflect efforts that have been taken since then.

    But still, it challenges the viability of current financing models and highlights growing risks to essential social spending in recipient countries.

    On the topic of sub-Saharan Africa, we examine the situation in Malawi, which is struggling to sustain critical health, education, and development programs after abrupt cuts to U.S. foreign aid exposed the country’s heavy reliance on donor funding.

    Foreign aid cuts by the United States and the United Kingdom have also impacted the fight against female genital mutilation, hindering progress toward its elimination.

    To dig into these stories, and others, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with reporters Sara Jerving and Ayenat Mersie to discuss the top global development stories of the week.

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    27 mins
  • The new power players

    The new power players
    Feb 5 2026
    In this episode of the This Week in Global Development podcast, Business Editor David Ainsworth is joined by Managing Editor Anna Gowel and Deputy Managing Editor Fiona Zublin to discuss the launch of Devex’s Power 50 list. The conversation highlights how the development landscape is shifting away from traditional power structures toward influential "movers and shakers" behind the scenes, including tech entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and leaders from the global south. Key figures mentioned include Anna Makanju of OpenAI, representing the impact of artificial intelligence on development, and Benjamin Black of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, illustrating the growing importance of private sector investment in global aid. Our discussion then moves to resource sovereignty, particularly concerning critical minerals on the African continent. The editors explore how countries such as Botswana, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are implementing export bans and seeking more control over their natural resources to ensure local processing and economic benefits. To hear more, listen to this conversation on This Week in Global Development.
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    31 mins
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