As the United States and much of Europe surpass their COVID-19 vaccination targets and governments lift their mask policies, the contrast between developed and developing countries seems sharper than ever. Once again, inequalities—particularly in vaccine availability—are leaving emerging economies behind.

The urgent demand for solutions to pandemic-related health needs led IFC Insights to explore how local pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa can strengthen regional health systems for generations to come. Also, in our first in a series of features on partnerships, Raj Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, shares his thoughts on vaccine equity and how strong partnerships can speed results. We speak as well to Andrew Alli, Group CEO of SouthBridge, who is already looking beyond the pandemic to investment opportunities in Africa and how remote working can keep talent on the continent. And in Nepal, where COVID-19 cases are surging, an IFC colleague in Kathmandu explores the impact of the pandemic on the banking sector.

All that, plus we have other exciting news to pass on—IFC Insights is now fully available en français.

– Daisy Serem