World Bank Group Launches the Network for Impact in Africa (NIA)
Photo credit- World Bank Group
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2025—The World Bank Group (WBG) and four leading African think tanks today jointly launched the Network for Impact in Africa (NIA), a new initiative designed to deepen operational collaboration and accelerate development outcomes across the continent. Its core purpose is twofold: to join forces in sharing practical global and local knowledge when engaging policymakers and to identify actionable, country-specific solutions that can accelerate impact.
“The Network for Impact in Africa is part of our broader transformation to build a more connected, inclusive, and impactful World Bank Group Knowledge Bank. We are rethinking how knowledge is created and used — embedding local expertise from the start and amplifying African voices in shaping solutions that drive real results,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director, World Bank.
NIA brings together African think tanks and the World Bank Group as partners, fostering mutual learning and co-creation of solutions that are grounded in local African realities and informed by applied global knowledge. The initiative aims to amplify regional voices, embed African expertise in policy advice, and strengthen relationships between WBG country teams and local institutions.
“NIA strengthens our ability to innovate and learn from each other. With this partnership, we can build lasting capacity and develop approaches that reflect Africa’s diversity and ambition,” said Victor Murinde, Executive Director, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and Co-chair of NIA.
NIA’s founding members include the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and the World Bank Group.
The network is designed to be lean, adaptive, and scalable, with a governance structure that promotes equal partnership and co-management. It will continue to evolve and expand to include new members, ensuring broader representation and deeper impact across Africa.
Read Also
U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced the FIFA PASS, a new expedited visa system for international fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Announced at the White House alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the program will streamline visa scheduling for ticket-holding visitors ahead of next summer’s global tournament.
The World Bank Group and top African think tanks launch the Network for Impact in Africa (NIA) to deepen local expertise, co-create policy solutions, and accelerate development outcomes across the continent.
FAA to reduce thousands of flights from Friday amid the U.S. government shutdown, affecting 40 major airports as political gridlock persists in Congress.
Security expert Dr. Kabir Adamu says Nigeria’s counterterrorism agenda is undermined by poor coordination despite strong diplomatic ties with the U.S.
IMF commends Senegal’s fiscal discipline and hidden debt reforms as growth hits 7.9% in 2025, but warns of debt risks and ambitious tax targets.
RSF agrees to a humanitarian truce as Sudan’s war enters its third year. Analysts urge caution amid ongoing atrocities and fragile peace efforts.
President Donald Trump designates Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing severe violations of religious freedom against Christians.
Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaica devastated with at least three dead and thousands displaced. The powerful storm is now moving toward Cuba and the Bahamas, threatening further flooding and destruction across the northern Caribbean.
Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has declared President Paul Biya the winner of the October 12, 2025 election, securing a controversial eighth term with 53.66% of votes. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has rejected the results, sparking nationwide protests and clashes that left several dead. Analysts warn Biya’s 43-year rule faces growing legitimacy and youth discontent challenges.
Ivory Coast votes in a high-stakes election as President Alassane Ouattara aims for a fourth term. With key opponents excluded and over eight million voters enrolled, the outcome could reshape regional politics and investor confidence.
Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to rapidly intensify into a Category 4 or 5 hurricane this weekend, bringing devastating winds, flooding, and storm surge to Jamaica, Haiti, and the northern Caribbean.
Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother of Thailand has died at age 93 after years of ill health. The revered royal figure was widely known for her rural development work, cultural patronage and global elegance. Thailand has entered a year-long period of mourning.
The Polisario Front says Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara must be validated through a UN-supervised referendum offering independence, integration, or free association as options.
German police accidentally shot a soldier during a joint training exercise near Bremerhaven. The soldier is in stable condition as investigators probe live-fire procedures and coordination failures.
Tropical Storm Melissa is set to intensify into a hurricane while hovering over the western Caribbean, presenting severe flood and landslide risks for Jamaica and neighbouring islands.
At least 31 people have died after a fuel tanker exploded in Niger State, Nigeria, when residents tried to scoop fuel from a crashed truck. Police and officials blame poor road safety and dangerous scavenging practices for the tragedy.
A Badr Airlines flight from Port Sudan has become the first civilian plane to land in Khartoum since war erupted in April 2023. The airport’s reopening marks a symbolic but fragile step toward Sudan’s recovery amid renewed fighting.