Cities house over half the world’s population and drive more than 80% of global GDP—but many struggle to finance the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we explore how IFC helps cities unlock capital through subnational financing. From identifying bankable projects to deploying loans, IFC experts share insights into how municipalities can build inclusive and resilient futures. 

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we’re in Nairobi, Kenya, where a bold private sector partnership is driving inclusive growth. Royal Apparel EPZ Ltd., backed by IFC, is expanding to create thousands of jobs while promoting sustainable manufacturing. We explore how private sector investment is transforming lives and strengthening Kenya’s garment industry. 

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Loubna Ghaleb, Board Member for Strategy and Development at Tanger Med Group and the 2025 winner of the MIGA Gender Leadership Award, shares her journey in the infrastructure and logistics sector. She discusses breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated industry, key moments in her leadership path, and her commitment to mentoring future female leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, growth, and driving change through infrastructure development.

In honor of Women’s Month, IFC Audio Stories presents “My First Job” - conversations with senior women leaders about how their careers got started and the lessons they learned along the way. We kick off the series with Mary Porter Peschka, IFC’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa. 

Approximately 685 million people worldwide still lack access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy, highlighting the critical urgency of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030 in alignment with the broader Sustainable Development Goals. In conjunction with insights from the Power Markets Report, this audio story features World Bank Group research and economic experts Elcin Akcura and Ayo Adewole. They delve into the report's findings and explore actionable ways the private sector can drive progress toward a future where universal energy access becomes a reality. Join us to learn how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can make these goals the global standard.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we explore Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to connect 300 million people in Africa to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity by 2030. Led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group, this effort highlights the critical role of private sector innovation and investment in expand access to energy.  

Listen as Valérie Levkov, IFC Global Industry Director for Energy, Metals & Mining, and Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory, and Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure & Natural Resources in Africa, share insights into the challenges and opportunities in delivering innovative solutions to connect millions of people across the continent. 

Listen to the powerful story of resilience and transformation in Vatani village, Fiji, where access to clean water, made possible by an innovative sovereign green bond, has redefined daily life. Join us as we delve into the journey of some of Fiji’s citizens who have benefited from this groundbreaking initiative. Discover how the first sovereign green bond issued by an emerging market, backed by the IFC and World Bank, is creating hope, improving public health, and showcasing Fiji’s pioneering role in addressing climate change.

Join us for IFC Audio Stories as we explore the World Bank Group's new Gender Strategy and its role in accelerating equality. In this episode, industry leaders Matthias Berninger from Bayer and Asahi Pompey from the Goldman Sachs Foundation discuss innovative solutions for enhancing gender equality in entrepreneurship and employment. Discover how investing in women not only transforms lives but also drives sustainable growth for communities worldwide.

Green finance is helping Mongolian cashmere companies become energy-efficient while preserving traditions among the nomadic herders who supply cashmere. In this audio story, Khan Bank CEO Munkhtuya Rentsenbat, cashmere manufacturer Tumen Suljee CEO Namkhaijamts Erdenebat, and a cashmere goat herder explain how green bonds and green loans are shaping Mongolia’s sustainable future. 

On July 25th, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres released a call to action on extreme heat. With soaring temperatures killing half a million people each year, there is an increasing need to finance sustainable investment in cooling. Today, we sit down with Camillo Mondragon-Velez, lead author of IFC and UNEP's collaborative report,: “Cooler Finance: Mobilizing Investment for the Developing World’s Sustainable Cooling Needs", to talk about the challenge and some solutions to cool our people and our planet.