To mark Women’s Month we’re digging into an often overlooked, but critical sector for the global economy, and for many millions of women: Artisanal and Smallscale Mining (ASM).

From gold, cobalt, copper and gemstones to salt, gravel and quarry rock: artisanal and small-scale mining) has played an active role in national development and international trade over the decades. But as the demand for clean energy and for consumer technology grows worldwide, the need for the metals and minerals which are used in everything from smartphones to solar panels to electric vehicle batteries - is skyrocketing.

In this episode of The Development Podcast we get an insight into the lives of women who work in Artisanal and Smallscale Mining. We hear about the dangers they face, efforts to reform conditions and the wider opportunities to build an inclusive future.

• Dr Rachel Perks, Senior Mining Specialist, World Bank
• Blessing Hungwe-Nharara, Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations
• Susan Wheeler, Founder of Virtu Gems

[00:00] Introducing the topic: Mining and women workforce

[03:25] Artisanal and small-scale mining: workforce, challenges, energy transition, digital trends

[11:13] Trailblazing stories: The case of Blessing Hungwe-Nharara in Zimbabwe

[18:33] Gemstones, supply chains, and good practices in the public and private sectors

[21:23] The case of Virtu Gem in the jewelry industry

[26:37] Creating a sustainable value chain for all: What the World Bank is doing

This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. And rate our show! ;)

Tell us what you think of our podcast here >>>. We would love to hear from you!

The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Many of us take turning on a light switch or connecting our devices to a home Wi-Fi network for granted. If our phones need charging, we plug them in, if we want hot water we boil a kettle. These are things we don’t think about, because we don’t have to. But around 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still live without access to electricity.

In this episode of The Development Podcast, we look at Mission 300, an ambitious plan from the World Bank Group and partners, which will link 300 million people to electricity by 2030.

• Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group
• Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania
• Victoria Kwakwa, Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, World Bank Group
• Andrew Herscowitz, the CEO of Mission 300 Accelerator, established by Rockefeller Catalytic Capital
• Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO, Axian Group
• Klaartje Schnade, Co-founder, Mwani Zanzibar
• Nora Anyidoho, Ghanian Poet

[00:00] Introducing the topic: Powering Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

[03:33] Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit

[06:28] The link between electrification and jobs: Visions of an entrepreneur in Zanzibar

[10:50] Achieving the Mission 300 target

[14:21] Partnerships are key to achieving the targets set by the Mission 300 plan

[20:13] The private sector is a crucial part of the energy puzzle

[28:12] Poem from Ghanaian poet, Nora Anyidoho

This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. And rate our show! ;)

Tell us what you think of our podcast here >>>. We would love to hear from you!

The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

As the world approaches the quarter way point of the 21st century, we take stock of the last year in development and the challenges ahead. And we return to the work of the International Development Association (IDA), in verse. Join us as we hear from Ayhan Kose, Deputy Chief Economist of the World Bank Group and Director of the Prospects Group, and Emi Mahmoud, Poet, activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

[00:00] Welcome and introduction to the topic

[03:45] Global economy and growth despite intertwined challenges

[06:47] Eradicating poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet

[11:43] Biggest challenges facing low-income countries

[15:32] 2025: Hopes for the next year

[21:22] Emi Mahmoud, Sudanese activist spoken word poet and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. And rate our show! ;)

Tell us what you think of our podcast here >>>. We would love to hear from you!

The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.