Investment Rating - The GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) categorizes economies into four groups based on their GovTech maturity: Group A (Extensive), Group B (Significant), Group C (Medium), and Group D (Low) [15][27]. Core Insights - Global GovTech progress since 2022 has been positive but uneven, with a widening digital divide between higher-income and lower-income economies. Europe and Central Asia, along with North America, lead in GovTech maturity, while Africa lags behind [17][39]. - The GTMI 2025 results indicate that 41% of economies are in Group A, an increase from 35% in 2022, while Groups B, C, and D have seen declines [27][30]. - Significant advancements have been made in adopting core government systems, digital public service delivery, and GovTech enablers, although challenges remain in citizen engagement and the implementation of certain systems [20][65]. Summary by Sections GovTech Maturity Index Overview - The GTMI provides a snapshot of digital transformation across 197 economies, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement through 48 key indicators [10][12]. Core Government Systems Index (CGSI) - Notable progress in adopting Government Cloud, Enterprise Architecture, and Interoperability Frameworks has been reported, with 16% to 20% of economies establishing these systems since 2022 [20][51]. - However, setbacks occurred in the implementation of payroll systems and Human Resource Management Information Systems (HRMIS) in fragile and conflict-affected countries [20][52]. Public Service Delivery Index (PSDI) - Over 75% of economies have adopted online tax service portals and e-payment services, with significant improvements in online public service portals and pension online services [20][54]. - Approximately 39% of economies do not have a fully operational online public service portal, indicating room for growth [54]. Digital Citizen Engagement Index (DCEI) - CivicTech approaches lag behind other GovTech areas, with only 31% of economies publishing citizen engagement statistics, highlighting a need for improved transparency [59][60]. GovTech Enablers Index (GTEI) - Progress in developing digital skills strategies and public sector innovation strategies has been observed, with 25% to 26% of countries showing improvement since 2022 [65][66]. - The establishment of dedicated data governance entities and policies for GovTech startups has increased, indicating a growing focus on innovation and governance [66][67].

EDUCATION WORKING PAPER No. 25 | November 2025 "MEWAKA, kwanza, kwanza, MEWAKA!": Rollout of the Teachers' Continuous Professional Development System in Tanzania Gemma Joan Nifasha Todd, Eilleen Xu, Xiaoyan Liang, Richard Shukia, Blackson Kanukisya, Gaudensia Emanuel, Daniel Marandu, and Stansilaus Marobo Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2025 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Stre ...

Economic Performance - In Q3 2025, China's GDP grew by 1.1% quarter-on-quarter, up from 1.0% in Q2, resulting in a year-to-date growth rate of 5.2%[19] - Final consumption contributed 2.7 percentage points to GDP growth in Q3, accounting for 56.7% of the overall growth[29] - Retail sales growth averaged only 0.06% month-on-month from July to October, down from 0.2% in Q2[19] Investment and Consumption - Investment contribution to GDP growth fell from 1.3 percentage points (24.7% of growth) in Q2 to 0.9 percentage points (18.9% of growth) in Q3[29] - Real estate investment continued to decline, with manufacturing and infrastructure investments also slowing due to profit pressures and fiscal constraints[31] Labor Market and Consumer Behavior - The urban unemployment rate remained stable around 5%, but youth unemployment reached 17.7% in September, influenced by a surge in university graduates[30] - Structural factors, including social security gaps and income inequality, have led to high precautionary savings among residents, with savings at 31% of disposable income in 2023[24] Fiscal and Monetary Policy - Broad fiscal deficit increased from 5.3% of GDP in the previous year to 6.1% in 2025, driven by weak land sales revenue and rising debt[60] - Despite a loose monetary policy, private sector credit demand remains weak, with non-financial sector credit growing by only 8.7% year-on-year[62] Trade and External Factors - China's current account surplus rose to 3.5% of GDP in the first three quarters of 2025, up from 2.2% in 2024, despite capital outflows[44] - Exports to developing countries increased, with a 4.7% year-on-year growth in goods exports from July to October, offsetting a 27% decline in exports to the US[41]

Group 1: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Overview - NCDs, including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, are the leading causes of death globally, resulting in approximately 4.3 million deaths in 2021[6] - 73% of NCD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with 1.97 million deaths in low-income countries and 1.22 million in lower-middle-income countries[6] - The Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third through prevention and treatment by 2030[6] Group 2: Integration of NCDs into Primary Health Care (PHC) - Integrating NCD and mental health services into PHC can enhance awareness and improve the continuity and quality of care[7] - The goal is to provide quality and affordable health services to 1.5 billion people by 2030[7] - Many LMICs face barriers such as workforce shortages, lack of access to essential medicines, and fragmented intersectoral collaboration, hindering integrated patient-centered care[7] Group 3: Digital Health Solutions - Digital technologies can address systemic challenges by improving care coordination, facilitating efficient referrals, and empowering patients in self-management[8] - Digital tools can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of health systems, embedding NCD management into basic public health services[11] - The Diabetes Compass program exemplifies a digital solution that improves diabetes and hypertension management through coordinated care[13] Group 4: Implementation Strategies - The implementation of digital health solutions must be tailored to each country's specific context, reflecting existing infrastructure and digital maturity[23] - Collaborative creation with end-users ensures that digital solutions are responsive to local needs and operational realities[20] - Open-source technologies and interoperability standards like HL7 FHIR are crucial for scalability and sustainability of digital health initiatives[22]

Group 1: Impact of Generative AI on Labor Demand - Generative AI has led to a 12% average decrease in job postings for occupations with above-median AI replacement scores, while those with below-median scores saw an increase[4] - The negative impact on job postings escalated from 6% in the first year post-ChatGPT launch to 18% by the third year[4] - Entry-level positions, particularly those not requiring higher education or extensive experience, experienced significant losses of 18% to 20%, with administrative support roles seeing a 40% decline[4] Group 2: Methodology and Data Analysis - The analysis utilized 285 million job postings from Lightcast, covering the period from Q1 2018 to Q2 2025, to assess the causal impact of generative AI on labor demand[4] - A difference-in-differences (DiD) approach was employed, comparing labor demand changes in high-risk versus low-risk occupations following the November 2022 release of ChatGPT[4] - The study's framework included a dual dimension of AI exposure and replacement vulnerability to isolate the displacement effects of generative AI[18] Group 3: Industry Insights and Future Implications - The findings suggest that while generative AI may create new jobs and enhance productivity, certain occupations are less likely to be complemented by AI, indicating a need for targeted support for vulnerable workers[4] - The research highlights the necessity for policy discussions on mitigating the potential impacts of AI on low-skill and entry-level jobs, which are disproportionately affected[24]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Bulgaria's education sector, particularly in primary and secondary education, and outlines a strategic roadmap for its adoption [13] - It identifies a dynamic and evolving EdTech ecosystem in Bulgaria, characterized by widespread adoption of established platforms and local innovations, supported by government investments in infrastructure and digital identity for students [14] - The report highlights systemic gaps that hinder equitable AI adoption, emphasizing the urgent need for professional training in AI and digital skills for teachers [15] - There is a disconnect between ambitious national AI policies and actual readiness, with a lack of institutional coordination and long-term funding for AI and educational ICT [16] - The report emphasizes the transformative potential of AI to enhance teacher effectiveness and improve student learning outcomes [17] Summary by Sections Section 1: Mapping AI Applications in Bulgaria's Education System - The section provides an overview of the current state of AI applications in Bulgaria's education, detailing national policy initiatives and guidelines for responsible AI use in schools [22] - It categorizes AI tools used for students, teachers, and school administrators, showcasing widely adopted platforms and local innovations [22][28] - The section concludes with case studies of existing projects and the need for systemic integration of AI tools into the curriculum [22][24] Section 2: Understanding Needs and Challenges - This section identifies specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for integrating AI in education, focusing on infrastructure requirements and digital literacy levels [19] - It outlines necessary actions to promote AI readiness in the education sector, including regulatory frameworks and sustainable financing mechanisms [19] Section 3: Assessing Bulgaria's AI Integration Readiness - The report assesses Bulgaria's current readiness to expand AI solutions in education, highlighting strategic frameworks and recent infrastructure investments [24] - It emphasizes the importance of teacher engagement and interest in AI tools, while also addressing systemic gaps in funding and equity [24] Section 4: AI Applications in Student Learning - This section discusses how students in Bulgaria are utilizing AI tools for personalized support in their learning, including homework assistance and language practice [51] - It highlights the role of AI as a supportive tutor rather than a replacement for traditional learning methods [51][55] Section 5: AI Applications in Teacher Practices - The report details how teachers are increasingly incorporating AI into their teaching practices to save time and enhance content delivery [72] - It emphasizes the importance of AI as a tool to support, rather than replace, the human element in teaching [72][78]

Group 1: Export Ban Impact - Indonesia's nickel export ban, implemented in 2014, aimed to promote domestic industrialization and increase domestic value-added ratio (DVAR) in downstream industries[4] - The DVAR in the steel-using sector increased by 5.6% from 2011 to 2020, contrasting with an overall DVAR growth of only 1.1% in the economy[17] - The ban led to a higher share of smaller, less efficient firms entering the market, resulting in an overall loss of efficiency in downstream industries[4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The export ban created a buyer's monopoly in the nickel market, leading to a decrease in domestic nickel prices, which in turn lowered steel prices[16] - Despite increased domestic steel usage, the reliance on imported steel remains significant, indicating limited capacity to produce high-quality steel domestically[19] - The average firm size in the steel-using sector decreased significantly post-ban, with a higher proportion of small new entrants, which contributed to lower overall productivity[17] Group 3: Policy Recommendations - To minimize unintended negative impacts and further advance industrialization, the government should implement complementary policies such as trade liberalization and foreign direct investment (FDI) facilitation[20] - The findings suggest that while the export ban has started to increase domestic value-added, it also incurs unexpected costs that could hinder long-term growth prospects[30] - The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive and effective policy coordination to enhance economic foundations rather than relying solely on export bans[30]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the banking sector in Albania, but it emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing climate-related financial risks as a foundation for future assessments [12][20]. Core Insights - The report represents the first climate transition risk stress test for the Albanian banking sector, aimed at assessing the impact of transitioning to a low-carbon economy under different climate policy scenarios [12][14]. - It identifies key climate-related risks and transmission mechanisms affecting financial institutions, focusing on how the banking sector can adapt to economic changes brought about by the introduction of carbon taxes [13][20]. - The analysis predicts a moderate negative impact on GDP by 2030 across three climate transition scenarios, with the orderly NDC scenario causing the least disruption [14][16]. Summary by Sections 1. Introduction - Climate financial risks pose significant challenges to the financial sector, including both physical risks from climate-related disasters and transition risks from moving to a low-carbon economy [22]. 2. Methodology - The report employs a four-step framework for climate transition risk stress testing, including scenario development, macroeconomic modeling, credit risk assessment, and a stress testing model [39][70]. 3. Low-Carbon Transition Scenarios - Three low-carbon transition scenarios are evaluated, with the orderly NDC scenario projected to achieve a 21% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario [75][80]. 4. Macroeconomic and Sectoral Impacts - The orderly NDC scenario is expected to lead to gradual adoption of carbon taxes, incentivizing low-carbon technologies while causing moderate inflation and slight declines in domestic consumption and exports [14][16]. 5. Impact on the Financial Sector - The banking sector's performance remains robust, with limited increases in non-performing loan (NPL) ratios during orderly transitions, but higher credit risks in sectors like industry and construction during disorderly transitions [16][20]. 6. Conclusions and Policy Implications - The findings highlight the need for enhanced regulatory guidance and alignment with international disclosure standards to effectively manage climate-related risks in the Albanian banking sector [20][36].

Group 1: Resilience Initiatives - Tanzania has integrated resilience as a core pillar of its growth strategy over the past decade, supported by the government, local communities, and international partners like the World Bank and GFDRR[4] - GFDRR has facilitated a shift from fragmented interventions to a coherent resilience agenda, focusing on ecosystem restoration, risk reduction, and urban livability[5] - The resilience investments mobilized by GFDRR include $1.7 billion, with $27 million in grants playing a crucial role in this mobilization[16] Group 2: Urban Development and Risk Management - Flooding has increased tenfold since the 1970s, with seasonal floods affecting approximately 70,000 people annually in Dar es Salaam, resulting in average losses of $80 million[15] - The Msimbazi Basin Development Project, a $260 million initiative, aims to enhance flood risk management while restoring biodiversity and creating public green spaces[40] - The Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport Project (DIST), funded by a $200 million IDA credit, is expected to benefit over 430,000 people and create more than 10,000 jobs[59] Group 3: Capacity Building and Community Engagement - The Resilience Academy has trained 1,400 Tanzanian youth in risk data collection and analysis, enhancing local capacity for disaster risk management[23] - Community engagement has been central to project design, with over 150 representatives from various institutions participating in flood risk mapping and prioritization workshops[41] - The establishment of the Emergency Operations and Communication Center (EOCC) in Dodoma marks a significant step in enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities[69]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the electrical and electronic (E&E) industry regarding plastic recycling opportunities. Core Insights - The report focuses on the recycling value chain of durable plastics in the E&E sector in Malaysia, particularly from household appliances, highlighting the potential for market creation and attracting private sector investment [13][14]. - Approximately 70,000 tons of plastic waste are generated annually from discarded household appliances in Malaysia, with only about 20% of this waste being collected for recycling [14][36]. - The report emphasizes the need for nationwide collaboration to improve plastic recycling rates in the E&E sector [14]. Summary by Sections 1. Introduction - This report is part of the Malaysia Plastic Circularity Series, aimed at providing comprehensive insights into the plastic recycling economy in Malaysia, covering various sectors including E&E [12]. 2. Overview of Plastic Use and Waste in the E&E Industry - The E&E industry is the largest non-packaging user of durable plastics in Malaysia, accounting for 28% of plastic consumption in 2023 [16]. - Malaysia ranks among the top 10 countries for durable plastic recycling market potential, according to the IFC's scoring system [16][23]. 3. Challenges in Recycling Durable Plastics in Household Appliances - The household appliance sector generates significant plastic waste, primarily from polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), but faces challenges in collection and recycling [52]. - The lack of a formal collection system leads to an estimated 80% loss of plastic waste, which often ends up in landfills or is illegally burned [57]. 4. Global Initiatives to Enhance E&E Plastic Recycling - Some countries have established central entities to monitor and promote recycling activities, which could serve as a model for Malaysia [64]. - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems have been implemented in various countries, holding producers accountable for the recycling of their products [65]. 5. Unlocking Recycling Value Opportunities - The report identifies several opportunities within the Malaysian household appliance sector to enhance the circularity of durable plastics [82].