Global Data Facility

Financing Data-Powered Development

From survey information to satellite pixels, data can power development, spur economic growth, and fuel our progress towards a more sustainable future. That is the vision at the heart of the Global Data Facility, an innovative funding instrument that is revolutionizing the way we finance data.

See how the GDF maximize the impact of data investments to improve people’s lives and safeguard our planet:

Learn more about the Global Data Facility >

Featured

Publication and Blog

JUST IN: The 2025 edition of the International Debt Report

Dive into the International Debt Report (IDR), the World Bank’s flagship annual publication on debt and read the blog: When relief isn’t enough — LMICs face their largest external debt outflows in 50 years here.

Learn more

Blog

Conservation in the path of development: new data to guide road corridor investments

This Blog explores how biodiversity loss poses a direct threat to human well-being, economic development, and planetary health. Read more and download the full research paper here.

Learn more

Blog

Mapping progress: How the World Bank is improving access to global administrative boundaries

Read about how the GDF's project Space2Stats is helping produce accurate, up-to-date maps that are essential for understanding the world around us—and for driving smarter, more inclusive development.

Learn more

Blog

Dialing up the use of mobile phone data for statistics in the South African Development Community

Imagine repurposing anonymized network data from everyday mobile phones into better statistics that could improve policy. Learn more about how this GDF financed workshop helped South African Development Community do this and more.

JUST RELEASED: The Global Data Facility 2024 Annual Report

We are excited to share the Global Data Facility 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of impact, innovation, and collaboration in advancing open and inclusive data for sustainable development.

Read the full report here

Course

Geographic Considerations in Evaluating Women’s Employment Opportunities

The GDF supports the application of the novel innovative Geospatial Women's Employment Analytical Framework (GeoWEAF) as a tool that provides comprehensive understanding of how geographic factors influence women's access to employment and business opportunities.

Learn more about the GeoWEAF on this course

Blog

Botswana confronts challenges head-on in transition to digital data collection and management

Botswana is making notable strides to modernize its data collection and management processes, and to strengthen data exchange across its National Statistical System (NSS).

Learn more

Blog

New poverty estimates: A crucial tool to shape Guatemala’s national development

After a nine-year hiatus, the publication of official poverty estimates for Guatemala is a reality. The World Bank played a key role with the NSO in conducting the 2023 National Life Standards Survey with the support of the GDF.

Learn more

Global Data Facility Mobile Phone Data For Policy Event Flyer

Blog

The Mobile Phone Data for Policy Program Launches first Cohort Workshop

After a competitive application process, task teams from 18 countries were selected to join the first Cohort of the MPD-GDF Program. During the launch workshop, teams will develop their strategic implementation plans to put Mobile Phone Data to work for Policy.

Event Page

Blog

JUST RELEASED: New global purchasing power parities (PPPs)

The GDF is proud to announce the release of the International Comparison Program's 2021 cycle results which shed light on global economy and living standards.

Learn more