Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the judiciary sector in Nepal, but it emphasizes the importance of sustained financial investment for the digital transformation process. Core Insights - The judiciary of Nepal, led by the Supreme Court, is prioritizing digital transformation to enhance service delivery and address constraints in justice services, as outlined in its five-year strategic plans and ICT Masterplan [16][20][37]. - The readiness assessment identifies three strategic pillars for digital transformation: organizations and processes, people and skills, and applications, technology, and infrastructure, which are essential for a successful transformation [18][41]. - The report highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that includes technological advancements, organizational changes, capacity building, and effective communication strategies to achieve a more efficient and transparent justice system [34]. Summary by Sections Chapter 1: Introduction - The judiciary has been integrating digital technologies since 2004, with digital transformation being a key agenda in the 5th Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024–2029) [37][38]. - The assessment aims to identify policy issues and operational options for effective digital transformation, providing input to the Supreme Court's strategic plan [38]. Chapter 2: Pillar 1 – Organization and Processes - This pillar outlines the context for ICT integration in the judiciary, emphasizing access, transparency, accountability, and the legal framework necessary for digital transformation [51][52]. - The Supreme Court's ICT Masterplan aims to unify disparate case management systems and replace paper-based processes with a centralized digital system [59][60]. Chapter 3: Pillar 2 – People and Skills - The assessment analyzes staffing conditions and training needs for judicial staff to support ICT reforms, highlighting the importance of human resources in effective institutional performance [43]. Chapter 4: Pillar 3 – Applications, Technology, and Infrastructure - This pillar reviews the technological status of the judiciary, focusing on case processing, automation, and cybersecurity, and emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and interoperability [44][60]. Chapter 5: Recommendations for Accelerating Digital Transformation - The report provides eight key recommendations, including advancing business process re-engineering, developing an enterprise architecture, strengthening information management, modernizing IT resources, digitalizing judicial services, enhancing cybersecurity, implementing a capacity-building program, and formulating a change management strategy [24][25][26][27][28][30][31][33].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The Rapid Social Response (RSR) program has evolved over 15 years to build social protection systems that address pressing development challenges, initially launched in response to the global financial crisis of 2008 [19][20] - The program has supported nearly 100 countries, mobilizing over $17 billion in operational financing and reaching 176.1 million people [24][29] - RSR has transitioned from crisis response to a focus on long-term resilience and economic inclusion, with a goal to reach 500 million people with social protection and employment support by 2030 [14][25] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - RSR has helped countries build social protection systems to confront development challenges, catalyzing over $17 billion in financing through 420 grants [19][24] - The program has adapted to new challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and has focused on building resilient systems that can absorb shocks [21][25] RSR Phase One: Crisis Response Through Catalytic Action - RSR provided support to 42 low-income countries, protecting 1.58 billion vulnerable people from crises [56] - The program focused on establishing safety nets, maintaining access to essential services, and generating knowledge for policy [58][60] RSR Phase Two: Expand Social Protection and Advance Labor Market Inclusion - RSR evolved to strengthen national social protection systems and improve labor opportunities for marginalized groups [77][82] - The program introduced digital tools and behavioral insights to enhance service delivery and program outcomes [78][82] Strong Foundations for Effective Social Protection Systems - RSR catalyzed innovation in social protection systems, expanded coverage, and ensured inclusivity [85] - Targeted investments in delivery systems and economic inclusion can transform long-term development outcomes [85] Boost Women's Access to Jobs - RSR initiatives have reduced gender gaps in economic opportunity and increased women's participation in the labor force [96] - Programs have addressed structural barriers limiting women's access to jobs and financial systems [96][98] Comprehensive Solutions to Gender-Based Violence - RSR has supported integrated approaches to combat gender-based violence, promoting gender equality through social protection [111][114] - The program has developed tools to leverage safety nets for GBV prevention, emphasizing community engagement [117][118] Deliver Food and Nutrition Security through Stronger Social Protection Systems - RSR has promoted integrated, nutrition-sensitive social protection to improve food and nutrition outcomes [123] - The program has shifted towards data-driven approaches to enhance service delivery and accountability in food security initiatives [124]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the Palestinian health system, but it highlights significant challenges and inefficiencies that could impact investment decisions. Core Insights - The Palestinian health system faces structural barriers to equitable service provision due to political fragmentation and movement restrictions, particularly affecting access to health services in Gaza and the West Bank [24][30]. - Health outcomes in the region are mixed, with a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and rising maternal and infant mortality rates, indicating a need for improved health policies and interventions [28][40]. - The health financing system is characterized by high out-of-pocket expenditures, significant arrears, and a reliance on external financing, which complicates sustainability and efficiency [31][32]. Summary by Sections Health Outcomes - The Palestinian population is predominantly young, with a high total fertility rate and a declining dependency ratio, indicating potential for a demographic dividend [38]. - Life expectancy has declined from 74 in 2022 to 65 in 2024 due to the ongoing conflict, with maternal and infant mortality rates showing an upward trend [28][40]. - NCDs account for 72% of the disease burden, with high rates of risk factors such as smoking and obesity contributing to this trend [29][44]. Physical and Human Resources, Health System Capacity and Quality - The health service delivery system is fragmented, with a reliance on public facilities and significant shortages of medical equipment and essential medicines, particularly in Gaza [30][52]. - There is a need for improved management of chronic diseases and a more comprehensive approach to service provision, including better training for healthcare providers [52][53]. Overview of Health Financing Flows - In 2022, health spending in West Bank and Gaza was US$1.9 billion, representing 10.5% of GDP, significantly higher than regional averages [31]. - Out-of-pocket spending has increased, highlighting gaps in financial risk protection, with 14% of general government expenditures allocated to health [31][34]. Revenue Raising and Health Expenditures - The government health budget is heavily weighted towards wages and outside medical referrals, limiting resources for investments in primary health care [31][32]. - Health sector arrears exceeded US$900 million in 2024, with financing constraints leading to high unit costs and medicine stockouts [32]. Pooling Arrangements - The Government Health Insurance (GHI) scheme covers approximately 64% of the population, but low contribution rates limit its effectiveness as a risk-pooling mechanism [33]. - Out-of-pocket expenditures have risen significantly, with catastrophic health expenditures affecting 10% of households in 2023 [34]. Purchasing Arrangements - The PMOH is the sole purchaser of health services, relying on passive purchasing modalities, which constrains the ability to improve service quality and efficiency [35][36]. - Outside medical referrals (OMR) are a significant fiscal burden, with high costs and inefficiencies in purchasing arrangements [35][36]. Policy Recommendations - The report suggests a four-step plan to address the challenges in the Palestinian health financing system, focusing on improving purchasing arrangements, expanding coverage, and enhancing governance [37].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The efficiency and quality of the business regulatory environment vary significantly across different locations within EU member states, impacting regional economic convergence [1][2] - Local regulations and their enforcement play a crucial role in shaping the investment climate, affecting firm entry, job creation, and economic growth [2] - Subnational variations in business environments can exceed differences observed between countries, highlighting the need for localized reforms [3][34] Summary by Sections Subnational Variation - Data from the World Bank's assessments between 2017 and 2022 reveal substantial differences in business environments not only among EU member states but also within them, with notable disparities in larger countries like Italy and smaller ones like Croatia [2][3] - In Greece, for instance, the time to register property varies dramatically between cities, with Patra taking 24 days and Heraklion taking 134 days, illustrating the extent of local inefficiencies [3] Centralization and Digital Infrastructure - Countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden exhibit high levels of centralization and robust digital infrastructure, leading to more uniform procedures for entrepreneurs across different regions [4] - Denmark offers over 1,500 e-government services through a single portal, streamlining business processes [4] Regulatory Gaps - The widest regulatory gaps are observed in construction permitting, where local authorities significantly influence the process [5] - Other areas with substantial variation include electricity connection and contract enforcement, driven by local court efficiencies and administrative practices [14] Learning from Local Practices - Cities can learn from each other to improve their regulatory environments, as seen in Romania where different cities excel in various indicators [16] - The report suggests that successful local practices in construction permitting from Austria and court reforms in Italy could serve as models for broader national standards [17] Automation and Efficiency Improvements - Innovative practices in Italian courts, such as case management and strategic planning, have led to significant reductions in trial durations and backlogs [26][32] - Automation in case assignment and alternative dispute resolution initiatives in cities like Bologna and Florence are examples of efforts to enhance judicial efficiency [35] Future Assessments - The World Bank will continue to assess the business and investment climate in the EU at the subnational level through the new Business Ready (B-READY) methodology, which aims to address regional disparities in business regulation [42]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Uganda's economic growth remained robust in FY25, with real GDP growth accelerating to 6.3 percent, driven by strong domestic demand and a recovery in household consumption [29][30] - The external position improved, with a narrowing current account deficit from 7.9 percent of GDP in FY24 to 6.4 percent in FY25, supported by rising export receipts, particularly from coffee and gold [30][31] - Fiscal pressures increased, with the overall fiscal deficit widening to 6.1 percent of GDP in FY25, primarily due to a 23 percent rise in government spending [31][34] - The medium-term outlook is positive, with growth expected to remain broad-based and accelerate as oil production commences, projected to start in FY27 [33][34] - Agro-industrialization is central to Uganda's development strategy, offering significant potential for job creation and economic transformation [36][37] Summary by Sections Part 1: State of the Ugandan Economy - Recent Economic Developments - Uganda's economy experienced broad-based growth in FY25, with total consumption rising by 10.3 percent and a significant increase in government consumption [29][53] - Agricultural value-added grew by 6.6 percent, contributing 24 percent to the GDP increase, supported by favorable rainfall conditions [55] - The external position strengthened, with export receipts surging and foreign exchange reserves rising to cover three months of imports [30][31] - Economic Outlook, Risks and Development Priorities - Growth is expected to remain robust in FY26 and FY27, with fiscal and external deficits projected to improve gradually as oil revenues begin to accrue [33][34] - Risks to the outlook include potential fiscal slippages, delays in oil sector development, and climate shocks affecting agricultural productivity [34] Part 2: Cultivating Prosperity Through Agro-Industrialization - Current Context for Cultivating Future Prosperity - Uganda has significant untapped agro-industrialization potential due to its abundant natural resources and favorable climate [37] - However, agricultural productivity remains low, with challenges such as weak foundations in primary production and limited access to finance and infrastructure [38] - Recommendations for Agro-Industrial Transformation - Addressing challenges requires coordinated investments and reforms to strengthen agricultural foundations, improve infrastructure, and mobilize private sector investments [39][41] - The report emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships and sustained political commitment to achieve agro-industrialization goals [41]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The exponential growth of platform work in developing countries presents opportunities for job creation and productivity enhancement, connecting workers with consumers through digital platforms [6][18]. - Regulatory frameworks are essential to address risks associated with platform work, such as algorithmic management and market power imbalances, which can lead to unfair treatment of workers [7][8]. - A gradual, evidence-informed approach to regulation is recommended, focusing on introducing minimum labor standards and protections for platform workers while considering local economic contexts [12][13]. Summary by Sections 1. Introduction: Platform Work as an Opportunity - Platform work can generate productive employment and improve local economies by matching labor supply with demand [18]. - The diversity of platform work includes both location-based and web-based jobs, each with unique characteristics and challenges [19][21]. 2. Labor Regulations and Conceptual Framework - Appropriate labor regulations can enhance job quality and worker protections, balancing the need for job creation with regulatory measures [34][35]. - The introduction of labor protections must align with the economic realities of the local market to avoid discouraging job creation [35][40]. 3. Characteristics and Preferences of Platform Workers - Web-based platform workers are generally younger, more educated, and predominantly male, while location-based workers show significant regional variation in demographics [56][57]. - Many platform workers engage in gig work as a secondary occupation, often facing financial insecurity and lacking social protection [59][64]. - Workers express diverse preferences regarding their employment classification, valuing flexibility and supplementary income from platform work [65][66].

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]