Over the past year—another year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic—IFC Insights reported on how the private sector responded to this crisis in developing nations. We published stories on global vaccine distribution, supply chains, health care, and economic growth prospects in emerging economies, along with personal essays from IFC staff around the world. We also closely covered the private sector’s growing role in addressing climate change issues, including an entire edition on COP26.

For our final issue of the year, we look at COVID-19’s impact on workers. We take you to a Turkish pharmaceutical company, where we speak to employees whose jobs have been reshaped by pandemic-era concerns, and to a remote village in Egypt where artisans are trying to keep traditions and businesses alive. We also take a close look at two areas of possible economic growth: Bangladesh’s promising agribusiness sector and the creative industries of developing nations.

We hope these stories give you new insights into the state of play with the private sector in the developing world, and we thank you for your continued support. Please stay safe during this ongoing pandemic, and we hope you enjoy the holidays with friends and family.

– Berrin Akyıldız