Development Research Group

The World Bank and George Washington University are pleased to announce the inaugural AI & The Future of Human Capital in the Global South Symposium scheduled for Monday September 29th, 2025, in Washington, DC. 

Organizers invite submissions for cutting-edge research on AI solutions in low-resource settings and the impact of AI on human development. 

📅 Submission deadline: July 18, 2025

To foster academic dialogue relevant on industrial policy for Africa, the World Bank Institute for Economic Development, the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) Program, and the International Growth Center (IGC) are convening a research conference in Nairobi, Kenya on February 16-18, 2026. 

The organizers invite abstract submissions for research paper presentations on any issue pertaining to industrial policy. 

📅 Submission deadline: July 30, 2025

📊 How are people around the world managing their money—and what’s driving progress in financial inclusion?

The Global Findex 2025, the world’s most comprehensive database on how adults save, borrow, make payments, and manage risk, is now available. This fifth edition introduces the Global Findex Digital Connectivity Tracker, a new component that measures access to and use of mobile technology.

Replay the launch to hear Leora Klapper, Founder of the Global Findex, shares 5 key insights from the latest data. Meet John Ngeche, a poll worker who helped collect voices from nearly 150,000 adults, and hear from Findex champions using digital tools to expand financial access and resilience.

Urbanization is central to Africa’s development. As cities grow rapidly, the ability of people to access jobs, services, and markets will determine whether urbanization becomes a driver of inclusive growth or a source of deepening inequality.

This edition of Research Insights explores how spatial dynamics shape economic opportunity in cities, and how new tools and evidence can help policymakers respond.

The content featured in this edition was presented at the 9^th Urbanization and Development conference. Many more studies, tools, and policy insights can be found on the conference website.