Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Jordan is enhancing its commitment to digital public infrastructure (DPI) to improve public service delivery, focusing on foundational platforms like digital ID and data sharing [15][18] - Despite efforts, the adoption of digital public services remains limited, with only about 1.4 million Jordanians registered on the Sanad e-services platform, which is approximately 19% of the eligible population [16][66] - The World Bank's diagnostic report aims to identify technical gaps and provide recommendations to establish a trusted, people-centric DPI ecosystem in Jordan [17][22] Summary by Sections About ID4D - The Identification for Development (ID4D) Initiative by the World Bank aims to help countries realize the potential of identification systems to improve access to services and economic opportunities [9][10] Foundations and Enablers - Jordan has made significant improvements in its legal and regulatory framework to support DPI, including laws on electronic transactions and data protection [30][32] - The national ID system has achieved a coverage of 97% of the eligible population, with the new smart ID card enhancing security and privacy [37][38] Digital ID & Trust Services - The Sanad application serves as a digital ID platform, facilitating online service access, but faces challenges in user activation and integration with service providers [58][66] - Approximately 3.25 million downloads of the Sanad application have occurred, but only 1.4 million accounts have been activated, indicating a gap in user engagement [66] Data Sharing - Recommendations include integrating additional service providers into the Government Service Bus (GSB) to enhance data sharing capabilities and improve transparency [25][27] Use Cases - The report emphasizes the need to prioritize the digitalization of high-usage services and improve user experience on the Sanad platform [27][66]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry [5]. Core Insights - The success of South Africa's green transition hinges on the availability of necessary skills for green jobs among the current and future workforce [5][20]. - The Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system needs to adapt to meet the emerging skill demands for the green economy, as many existing qualifications do not adequately cover 'green-specific' technical skills [5][20]. - Effective coordination among stakeholders, systematic data collection on skill needs, and targeted interventions are essential for aligning education and training with the demands of the green transition [6][20]. Summary by Sections 1. Introduction - South Africa's green transition aims to mitigate climate change while promoting a low-carbon economy and social equity [16]. - The share of green jobs is currently small but expected to rise significantly with the adoption of green technologies [16][18]. 2. Demand for Skills - The green transition will create new jobs and alter existing job requirements, necessitating a workforce skilled in both green-specific and generic technical skills [18][51]. - The report highlights the importance of aligning workforce skills with the changing demands of the green economy to ensure a just transition [18][51]. 3. Current Offer of PSET - The PSET system has strengths but also significant weaknesses in responding to the skill needs of the green economy, leading to skills gaps and mismatches [5][20]. - The report emphasizes the need for reforms in the PSET system to better cater to the skill demands of the green transition [6][20]. 4. Conclusions and Recommendations - Recommendations include establishing clear leadership for skill development, improving data collection on skill needs, and removing bureaucratic barriers to developing new qualifications [6][7][20]. - Targeted interventions should focus on industries and regions with clear evidence of greening momentum and skill constraints [6][20].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Ghana's economic growth has been significantly impacted by debt accumulation, making it vulnerable to global shocks [28] - The need for stronger domestic revenue mobilization is emphasized to create fiscal space [51] - Public expenditure has been growing rapidly, burdened by interest payments on debt, and lacks spending efficiency [64] - Ineffective public financial management has undermined the effectiveness of fiscal policy [77] - The public sector wage bill is large and unpredictable, failing to meet the civil service needs [19] - Human development spending must increase with a stronger pro-poor allocation across sectors [22] - Agriculture, vital for rural livelihoods and export earnings, requires more efficient government support [26] - Policy recommendations suggest a shift from short-term crisis responses to long-term structural reforms [30] Summary by Sections Overview - Ghana's GDP growth has been fueled by debt accumulation, leading to increased vulnerability to global economic shocks [28] - The country has faced setbacks in poverty reduction and inclusive growth due to recent global crises [28] Domestic Revenue Mobilization - Ghana's domestic revenue mobilization has declined, with revenues as a share of GDP falling from 15.7% in 2017 to 13% in 2021 [51] - The report highlights the need for reforms in personal income taxes and indirect taxes to enhance revenue [51][56] Public Expenditure - Public spending in Ghana nearly doubled from 2010 to 2022, with a significant portion allocated to public sector wages and interest payments [64] - High interest payments have crowded out capital expenditures, limiting infrastructure investment [68] Public Financial Management - Major challenges in public financial management include delays in budget preparation and ineffective expenditure controls [77] - The lack of integration among various IT systems hampers efficient budget management and data accuracy [88] Human Development and Agriculture - Increased human development spending is necessary, with a focus on pro-poor allocations [22] - The agriculture sector requires better-targeted government support to enhance productivity and livelihoods [26] Policy Recommendations - The report advocates for a transition from short-term crisis management to long-term structural reforms to ensure fiscal sustainability [30]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The green transition in South Africa is expected to create new jobs while also leading to job losses, particularly in carbon-intensive sectors like coal [8][19] - The report outlines five strategies to prepare the workforce for the green transition, emphasizing the need for skills development to support employability and competitiveness [9][52] Summary by Sections A. Introduction - South Africa's green transition will significantly impact its workforce, with new job creation and changing skill requirements [8] - The report proposes strategies to enhance the skills development system to support the green transition [9] B. Global Context - A global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions is driving the need for substantial changes in various sectors, including energy and manufacturing [13] - Decarbonization is essential for maintaining competitiveness in international markets, particularly for countries reliant on exports [14] C. The Green Transition in South Africa - South Africa has ambitious goals for a Just Energy Transition, but progress has been modest due to various challenges [19] - Examples of promising investments include Toyota's R2.6 billion investment in hybrid vehicle production and renewable energy projects in the COEGA Development Cooperation [19] D. Impact on Labor and Skills Demand - The World Bank forecasts a net creation of approximately 1 million jobs in key industries affected by the green transition from 2022 to 2050, despite expected job losses in high-emission sectors [26] - The report highlights the importance of transversal skills, generic technical skills, and green-specific skills for the workforce [23] E. PSET System's Ability to Prepare Workforce - The PSET system faces structural weaknesses that hinder its performance in equipping workers with necessary skills for the green transition [39] - There is a need for better coordination among stakeholders to align education and training with labor market demands [46] F. Strategies for Workforce Preparation - The report emphasizes the importance of systematically collecting and disseminating information on skill needs for the green transition [53] - Establishing clear leadership and effective coordination mechanisms among stakeholders is crucial for preparing the workforce [57]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Vietnam has experienced impressive economic growth and poverty reduction over the last few decades, but recent evidence indicates that economic growth has not been uniform, with rising within-province inequality and increasing segregation of the poor, particularly among ethnic minority populations [3][8][52] - Economic growth has a beneficial impact on poverty reduction, but this relationship can be influenced by levels of inequality, which can negatively affect economic growth and various poverty indicators [3][13][52] - Policymakers in Vietnam should focus on reducing spatial disparities and income inequality to achieve sustainable economic development [3][52] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report highlights the intertwined relationship between poverty, inequality, and economic growth, emphasizing the need to address both poverty and inequality as part of the Sustainable Development Goals [7][8] Trends in Economic Growth, Inequality, and Poverty - Between 2002 and 2020, per capita income in Vietnam increased from 4,565 thousand dong to 15,156 thousand dong, and real per capita expenditure more than tripled from 3,476 thousand dong to 14,251 thousand dong [19][20] - The Gini index for per capita expenditure averaged 0.37, indicating steady levels of inequality, with within-province inequality increasing significantly over time [21][23] - The headcount poverty rate decreased from 29% in 2002 to less than 10% in 2016 and around 5% in 2020, demonstrating significant poverty reduction [24][25] Regional Distribution of Poverty - Poverty rates vary significantly across provinces, with the lowest rates in Ho Chi Minh City (1.8%) and the highest in northwest provinces like Dien Bien (62%) [26][28] - The report indicates a rise in the segregation of the poor, with certain provinces experiencing disproportionate increases in their share of the poor population [29][31] Relationship Between Economic Growth, Inequality, and Poverty - The analysis shows that a 1% increase in per capita expenditure reduces the poverty rate by 0.26 percentage points, while a similar increase in the Gini index has a negative impact on poverty severity [35][36] - Provinces with higher shares of urban population and non-farm income tend to have lower poverty rates, while those with greater population density experience higher poverty levels [37][49] Discussion and Conclusion - The report concludes that while Vietnam has made substantial progress in reducing overall poverty, targeted policies are necessary to address the increasing segregation of the poor and rising inequality within provinces [52][54] - The findings suggest that economic transitions towards wage and service economies could benefit growth and poverty reduction but may also exacerbate poverty segregation [52][49]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The study indicates that technology and digitalization positively influence the adoption of environmental and social standards among digital-oriented firms, while governance standards are found to be lower [5][14][20] - The findings emphasize the role of country culture, regulatory burdens, and perceptions of the judicial system in shaping the ethical standards adopted by digital-oriented firms [5][16][17] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report highlights the growing global interest in ethics and sustainability in firm management, linking these concepts to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [9] - It discusses the dual nature of technology's impact on sustainability, presenting both opportunities and risks [10] Methodology - The analysis utilizes data from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys, covering 192,132 observations across 158 countries from 2006 to 2023, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards [12][25] - The study defines digital-tech-oriented firms based on their technological and digital presence [30] Findings - Digital-tech-oriented firms are more likely to monitor CO2 emissions and provide employee training, indicating a positive relationship with environmental and social standards [14][58] - However, these firms show a negative correlation with the employment of female top managers, suggesting a widening gender gap in leadership roles [59][74] - Cultural factors significantly influence the hiring of female top managers, particularly in countries with strong masculine preferences [16][63] Regulatory Environment - The report finds that a lower regulatory burden positively impacts the monitoring of CO2 emissions and the provision of training programs, but it also widens the gender gap in management positions [66][67] - Perceptions of courts as obstacles to business affect the hiring of female top managers, with fewer constraints leading to a lower representation of women in leadership [70][78] Conclusion - The relationship between technology and ethical practices is complex, with technology enabling better monitoring and training but also contributing to gender disparities in management [74][81] - The study underscores the importance of considering firm- and country-specific factors in promoting ethical business practices and addressing gender inequality [81]

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The concept of agency is central to empowerment, defined as the ability to define one's goals and make choices to achieve them [9] - Traditional measures of agency often underestimate the influence of individuals who do not directly participate in decision-making, particularly in rural households [5][11] - The study identifies two forms of effective power: effective power by proxy and effective power by influence or persuasion, highlighting the complexity of decision-making dynamics within households [5][27] Summary by Sections Introduction - Empowerment is linked to the ability to make strategic decisions and influence outcomes, with agency being a key component [9] - Agency is often measured through direct involvement in decision-making, but this may not accurately reflect an individual's power [10][11] Data and Methodology - The study utilized mixed methods data from rural households in Kilifi County, Kenya, collected between October 2022 and March 2023 [12][31] - The survey included both household and individual questionnaires, focusing on decision-making related to water collection and household expenditures [31][32] Decision-Making Dynamics - The report reveals that only 13% of men and 33% of women are directly involved in making decisions across various activities [41] - Women are less likely to participate in financial decisions, while men often do not engage in water-related decisions, which are typically seen as women's responsibilities [42][43] Effective Power - Effective power by proxy is more common among men, allowing them to have their preferences met without direct involvement in decision-making [55] - Women with effective power by proxy are less likely to achieve their desired outcomes compared to men, indicating a disparity in power dynamics [57] - Effective power through influence or persuasion allows individuals to shape decisions indirectly, often to avoid negative consequences [59][62] Conclusion - The findings suggest that measuring agency requires a nuanced understanding of decision-making processes and the various forms of power individuals may exert, even when not directly involved [18][26]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - Dynamic social registries (dSRs) are essential for adaptive social protection (ASP) in shock-prone contexts, enabling timely identification and support for vulnerable populations affected by climate-related shocks [2][10][11]. - The operationalization of dSRs involves direct and indirect data collection, various intake modalities, and modular questionnaires to ensure continuous updates and accurate assessments of household welfare [2][13][24]. - Key recommendations for implementing dSRs include establishing a permanent client interface for data collection, adopting a modular structure for socioeconomic questionnaires, ensuring interoperability with other data sources, and promoting peer-to-peer learning [2][13][24]. Summary by Sections 1. Introduction - The increasing frequency of interconnected shocks, particularly climate-related, necessitates effective systems to assess the changing welfare of populations [9][10]. - Social registries serve as critical delivery systems for social protection, enabling the collection and processing of demographic and socioeconomic data [9][10]. 2. Social Registries: Roles and Challenges - Social registries facilitate the intake, registration, and assessment of needs for social protection programs, addressing inclusion and coordination challenges [15][18]. - The concept of data half-life highlights the rapid obsolescence of data in static registries, emphasizing the need for dynamic systems to maintain accuracy [19][20][21]. 3. Dynamic Intake and Registration - dSRs are designed to continuously intake and update data, allowing for timely assistance during shocks and improving the effectiveness of ASP programs [24][25]. - The suitability of dSRs for shock-prone contexts is enhanced by their ability to combine direct and indirect data sources [24][31]. 4. Data Collection Trade-offs - Policymakers must balance data quality, coverage, timeliness, and privacy risks when designing social registries [65]. - The accuracy of needs assessments is contingent on the quality of underlying data, which can be influenced by various factors including the method of data collection [66]. 5. Case Study: Pakistan's Transition - The report includes a case study illustrating Pakistan's transition from a static to a dynamic social registry, showcasing the benefits of adopting dSRs [2][5]. 6. Recommendations and Conclusions - The report concludes with actionable recommendations for the operationalization of dSRs, emphasizing the importance of continuous data updates and integration with existing systems [2][13][24].

Economic Context - 80% of the world's extreme poor and 75% of the moderately poor live in rural areas, with spatial isolation being a major cause of poverty[2] - In sub-Saharan Africa, only 34% of the rural population lives within 2 kilometers of all-season roads, severely limiting access to agricultural production, healthcare, education, and job opportunities[2] Road Rehabilitation Program - The program aimed to upgrade 2,500 kilometers of major roads in Tanzania, addressing the poor infrastructure that ranked 118th out of 134 economies in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index[21] - By the end of 2013, 2,564 kilometers of roads were paved, increasing the proportion of well-maintained roads from 11% to 29.4%[22] Impact on Rural Livelihoods - The program led to a decrease in rice prices, negatively impacting rural households' agricultural income, which was not compensated by increased wage employment[1] - Households reallocated labor away from agriculture, but the increase in wage income did not offset the losses from agricultural income[1] Market Dynamics - The reduction in transportation costs intensified competition, leading to greater market pressures on rural families[1] - The findings suggest that improved access to quality roads may not yield the expected benefits for rural households, as they face increased competition from external producers[7] Methodology and Analysis - The study utilized household fixed effects and propensity score matching to assess the program's impact, focusing on various household behavior variables[1] - The analysis revealed that while the program aimed to enhance market access, it resulted in reduced market entry for rural households rather than improved access to new markets[10]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - South Africa is facing a severe learning crisis in its education system, which is critical for developing the next generation's skills and driving inclusive growth [21][33] - The report emphasizes the need for urgent reforms in the basic education sector to address the learning crisis, financing constraints, and inefficiencies in public spending [35][40] Summary by Sections Part 1: The State of the Economy - South Africa's GDP growth was estimated at 0.8% in 2024, which is below the average growth rate of 4.1% for middle-income countries [24][45] - The fiscal deficit reached 6% of GDP in 2024, the highest level since 2009, leading to an increase in public debt to 74.9% of GDP [26][28] - Economic growth is projected to gradually improve towards 2% over the next three to five years, driven by infrastructure improvements and a favorable external environment [27][44] Part 2: The Overdue Reform and Emerging Priorities in the Basic Education Sector - The learning crisis has worsened, with the percentage of Grade 4 learners unable to understand reading material increasing from 78% to 81% between 2016 and 2021 [35][38] - The government traditionally spends about 4.3% of GDP on basic education, which is higher than most upper-middle-income countries, but real spending has declined from R338 billion to R323 billion over the last five years [40][41] - Three key actions are proposed for better learning outcomes: focusing on foundational learning, leveraging the private sector for education delivery, and improving efficiency in public spending [36][39][41]