IFC Audio Stories

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we discuss women's economic empowerment with Jessica Schnabel, the Global Head of Banking on Women at IFC. Designing for women is a game-changing approach, says Jessica, as she shares insights on gender-focused financial instruments, services and initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of women's economic inclusion.

This World Water Day, IFC Audio Stories dives into the crucial topic of water. Host Lindy Mtongana is joined by IFC's Lalrin Sailo and George Butler to explore IFC's work in supporting emerging markets in meeting their sustainable development goals for water and sanitation. Learn about the role of the private sector in water management and the importance of valuing water properly in light of evolving climate change impacts.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, host Lindy Mtongana is in conversation with the leads of a new report launched by IFC: Her Fintech Edge - Market Insights for Inclusive Growth. Anushe Khan and Jorge Godoy discuss the role of digital financial services in advancing women's financial inclusion and highlight the opportunities for fintech firms to strategically target and serve women.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, host Lindy Mtongana explores the growing global displacement crisis with Michel Botzung, Head of the IFC-UNHCR Joint Initiative. With over 114 million forcibly displaced people globally, Michel discusses the upcoming 2023 Global Refugee Forum and the pivotal role of the private sector in addressing this crisis.

In the concluding episode of the Road to Cop28 Series on IFC Audio Stories, Jamie Fergusson IFC’s Global Director for Climate Business, provides an insightful preview of the upcoming summit. He outlines IFC’s agenda and commitment to achieving low-carbon resilient growth in emerging markets.

In this episode, Lindy Mtongana sits down with Rogerio Pilotto, a Senior Investment Officer in IFC’s Global Water team to discuss the crucial role of water in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Rogerio emphasizes how private sector investment in commercially viable water projects can help secure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

With COP28 just weeks away, Lindy Mtongana sits down with IFC’s Global Head of Climate Finance, William Beloe to discuss the intersection between climate and finance, and how IFC’s partnerships with financial institutions are crucial to climate action.

IFC is embarking on the Road to COP28 with a mission to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, resilient markets. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Lindy Mtongana is joined by IFC’s Chief Investment Officer for Global Energy, Ignacio De Calonje to discuss the importance of green hydrogen and how IFC is de-risking the sector and attracting investors.

As the world increasingly embraces e-commerce, IFC is partnering with an African startup to ensure the continent’s creative artisans don't get left behind. In its first foray into Africa’s creative sector IFC has invested $3.4 million in ANKA - an all-in-one e-commerce solution for African businesses aiming to export globally. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Lindy Mtongana meets the company’s visionary founder, Moulaye Tabouré.

This episode of IFC Audio Stories delves into the importance of private sector solutions to the refugee crisis. IFC Senior Operations Officer Ricardo Tafur discusses a new partnership with UNHCR that aims to empower refugees and host communities through access to finance and entrepreneurship. Peter Lolem, an IFC Liaison Officer, shares the success of private sector interventions at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.