This Week in Global Development

Last week, we were at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to find out how this revolutionary technology can transform global development. From AI regulation to the push for democratized access, we’re breaking down our key takeaways from the summit and exploring how artificial intelligence can maximize impact in the sector.

On the topic of the AI Impact Summit, Bill Gates pulled out hours before delivering a keynote speech. As the ties between the billionaire philanthropist and Jeffrey Epstein continue to generate headlines, we discuss whether the scrutiny of their relationship will broaden into a larger conversation about the power structures underlying elite philanthropy.

To dig into these stories, and others, Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Managing Editor Anna Gawel and Senior Editor for Special Coverage Catherine Cheney to discuss the top global development stories of the week. 

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Artificial intelligence is moving at breakneck speed, but can global governance keep up?

In this episode of our new podcast series, Global progress in the AI era, Devex’s Catherine Cheney sits down with Amandeep Singh Gill, the U.N. secretary-general’s envoy on technology.

Together, they unpack the fast-evolving — and often fragmented — architecture of AI regulation.The core question: Can today’s patchwork of initiatives be connected quickly enough to ensure low- and middle-income countries help shape how AI is built and used — rather than being shut out of the benefits and left as testing grounds for systems making high-stakes decisions about their future?

We examine the latest developments surrounding the African Continental Free Trade Area, or AfCFTA, which served as a focal point of the recent African Union Summit. The initiative continues its phased reduction of continental tariffs to bolster intra-African trade and industrialization.

The development of strategic resource corridors to anchor critical mineral supply chains was also a cornerstone of the discussions. The U.S. officials sought to reassure participants that corridor investments would not be exploitative and would deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

We also reflect on the Munich Security Conference, where we found that the global south was underrepresented. While traditional foreign aid was largely sidelined in favor of immediate security priorities, development finance emerged as a prominent topic of conversation. Throughout the summit, participants frequently championed the argument that strategic investment in development is a prerequisite for global security, rather than a byproduct of it.

To discuss these stories, and others, Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with reporters Ayenat Mersie and Jesse Chase-Lubitz for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. 

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This week we take a look at a new report from the Center for Global Development, which found that aid cuts have largely failed to spark reform in sub-Saharan Africa. The caveat, though, is that the authors analyzed national budget data from June 2025 — shortly after the U.S. announced its drastic cuts, meaning the analysis doesn’t reflect efforts that have been taken since then. 

But still, it challenges the viability of current financing models and highlights growing risks to essential social spending in recipient countries.

On the topic of sub-Saharan Africa, we examine the situation in Malawi, which is struggling to sustain critical health, education, and development programs after abrupt cuts to U.S. foreign aid exposed the country’s heavy reliance on donor funding.

Foreign aid cuts by the United States and the United Kingdom have also impacted the fight against female genital mutilation, hindering progress toward its elimination.

To dig into these stories, and others, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with reporters Sara Jerving and Ayenat Mersie to discuss the top global development stories of the week. 

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In this episode of the This Week in Global Development podcast, Business Editor David Ainsworth is joined by Managing Editor Anna Gowel and Deputy Managing Editor Fiona Zublin to discuss the launch of Devex’s Power 50 list. The conversation highlights how the development landscape is shifting away from traditional power structures toward influential "movers and shakers" behind the scenes, including tech entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and leaders from the global south. Key figures mentioned include Anna Makanju of OpenAI, representing the impact of artificial intelligence on development, and Benjamin Black of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, illustrating the growing importance of private sector investment in global aid. Our discussion then moves to resource sovereignty, particularly concerning critical minerals on the African continent. The editors explore how countries such as Botswana, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are implementing export bans and seeking more control over their natural resources to ensure local processing and economic benefits. To hear more, listen to this conversation on This Week in Global Development.