Dirk Willem te Velde

Researcher on international economic development at a Think Tank; Professor of Practice @SOAS

[Dirk Willem te Velde @DWteVelde]

Really pleased to envisage & encourage a step change in AfCFTA implementation through this joint @AfCFTA & @ODI_Global think piece piece focused on the importance of AfCFTA national implementation committees

Briefing https://t.co/PiUuDtQYtv

Paper: https://t.co/387Itrn9ST

[Gateway House @GatewayHouseIND]

In April 2022, #SriLanka faced its worst economic crisis, triggering a vicious cycle of #inflation and #poverty. By the first half of Nov 2025, the economy had grown 4.8%. Our article analyses the 2026 budget, which aims to consolidate this stabilisation.
https://t.co/8t1bYM1k3u

[DailyFT @FT_SriLanka]

ODI and CEPA-led study urges bold reforms for inclusive development
https://t.co/iJfTImlySz

Read The DailyFT for more: https://t.co/NCloi16Pun

#dailyft #ftews #srilanka #businessdaily #business #finance #LK

[Barry Andrews MEP @BarryAndrewsMEP]

There is zero political cost to cutting development aid, just look at the US and several EU Member States.

Robust evidence proving the positive impact of development assistance was presented this morning by @PandemicAction and @ODI_Europe. We need concrete evidence like this to take the argument in favour of ODA to the decision makers.

[Azusa Kubota Tachiiri @AzusaKubota]

Based on the recent published book, insights on reform recommendations towards inclusive and sustainable economic recovery were shared by the co-editors: Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja – Visiting Senior Fellow, @ODI_Global and Dr. Dirk Willem te Velde @DWteVelde – Director, @ODI_Global International Economic Development Group. Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy – Former Governor @CBSL- who co-authored a chapter also contributed to the panel discussion.

A long term growth strategy that is founded upon political consensus is critical for #SriLanka to ensure a recovery path that works for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

An insightful learning event organised by @UNDP #lka was held for @UNSriLanka staff on the recently launched '📖 Sri Lanka – From Debt Default to Economic Transformation' by Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja – Visiting Senior Fellow, @ODI_Global, Prof. Dirk Willem te Velde @DWteVelde – Director, @ODI_Global & Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy – Former Governor, @CBSL.

This event fostered meaningful dialogue on #economic reforms in Sri Lanka, offering valuable #insights for shaping future programming.

[kunal sen @kunalsen5]

How can Sri Lanka emerge from debt distress to inclusive economic growth? A fascinating panel discussion moderated by @DWteVelde @ODI_Global

[Wamkele Mene @MeneWamkele]

Today at the ODI High-level event on sustainable net zero transition in climate-vulnerable countries at #COP29 I had the pleasure to contribute to the conversation around the theme: The Role of Private Sector in Diving Green Jobs and Shared Prosperity.

I highlighted that we as the #AfCFTA, play a catalyst role in encouraging the private sector and developing finance institutions to do more to train young Africans for the preparedness for net zero production on the continent.

We have overcome the binary debate of industrial development vis à vis climate change. Now what is required is financing and that is where I believe more work needs to be done, not only by us Africans, but also by the international community and international private sector as a whole.

#COP29 #COP29Azerbaijan #Youth #GreenEnergy #ClimateChange #Trade #PrivateSector

[Dirk Willem te Velde @DWteVelde]

Very sad to learn of the passing of Lawrence Mafuru. We worked closely together over the past year during our work with the Planning Commission on economic transformation, prioritisation and TDV2050. He was an inspiration to all around him. May he Rest in Peace.

[The Citizen Tanzania @TheCitizenTz]

The former Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, Lawrence Mafuru, has passed away today, Saturday, 9 November 2024, at Apollo Hospital in India.

The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has mourned Mafuru's death, extending her condolences to his family and the Minister of State in the President's Office (Planning and Investment).

"I received with sadness the news of the passing of Lawrence Nyasebwa Mafuru, Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, which occurred today, 9 November 2024, at Apollo Hospital in India.

"I extend my condolences to his family, the Minister of State in the President's Office (Planning and Investment), Professor Kitila Alexander Mkumbo, the staff of the Planning Commission, relatives, friends, and colleagues during this time of bereavement."

#TheCitizenUpdates

[Pradeep S. Mehta @Psm_cuts]

My key takeaways:

1. The trade and environment debate should be looked at from the sustainable consumption and production angle also. This is covered under Goal 12 of the SDGs.

2. Trade cannot be a solution to the vexed dilemmas of marrying trade and environment when large parts of the world are struggling with poverty and inequality, while some parts (in both North and South) are engaging in unsustainable consumption.

3. The issue is no longer a North vs South issue but a Planet vs Catastrophe issue, as the international community does not want to deal with the ensuing disaster of climate change and biodiversity losses. Both the issues have their own pathways and instrumentalities, hence should be followed thus rather than conflating them with trade.

4. We need a 'whole of society' approach to tackle the challenges, which would involve governments, businesses and civil society plus intergovernmental organisations. This should be buttressed by policy coherence at the national and at the international levels.

More later.

@byadavbjp @PiyushGoyal @moefcc @CimGOI @commerce @CarolynDeere @DWteVelde @SimonEvenett @IISD_news @CUTS_Geneva @CUTSGlobal

[ODI Trade | @odi-trade.bsky.social @ODI_trade]

Could the @AfCFTA unlock access to affordable medicines in Africa?

A new report by @Derrick_S_Kamba and @yohannesecon explores how the #AfCFTA can transform pharmaceutical procurement and boost local production by cutting tariffs on critical inputs.

Read more via @ODI_Global⤵️

[CUTS Global Affairs @CUTSGlobal]

CUTS 40th Anniversary Lecture on "Green Trade and A Just Transition" in London, Thursday 31 October, 2024, 10:00 (BST)/15:30 (IST)

#CUTSInternational

@Psm_cuts @DWteVelde @mwgehring @mccordonier @brendan_vickers @commonwealthsec @CUTS_CCIER @CUTS_CITEE @CUTS_Geneva @cuts_africa

[Dirk Willem te Velde @DWteVelde]

@JonathanSaid1 @CGDev What was the initial investment? I did some CBRs for SEZs, eg Jurong, Shannon, and some can be really favourable depending on complementary factors and time framework considered. SEZs are included in table 3 of a long list of growth interventions. https://t.co/XwBNF1v3Bm

[Alexander Berger @albrgr]

@otis_reid But over the last couple of years we made a dedicated effort to make some exploratory grants like these ones and see how they go:
https://t.co/ChhjbmZY3u
https://t.co/eDs8Vb23zl

And we're seeing early signs of wins, and subsequent deal flow, that make us want to double down.

[Rossa O'Keeffe-O'Donovan @rossaokod]

Huge thanks to @externalidades, @oliverwkim, @otis_reid, @EmilyOehlsen for getting us to this point (and many others at OP too).

And also to @gamblingondev and @DWteVelde for their reports and recommendations. And many, many others along the way!

[Rossa O'Keeffe-O'Donovan @rossaokod]

OpenPhil is launching a new program on economic growth in LMICs.

We’re looking to hire someone experienced to lead that program - application deadline is 24 Nov (and we're very open to referrals/recs!)

Key info: https://t.co/uTiqH2UZVw

A 🧵about our journey to get here:

[ODI Trade | @odi-trade.bsky.social @ODI_trade]

🆕 | Research by @DWteVelde reveals practical, low-cost interventions that donors can implement to drive economic growth in developing nations.

Learn how strategic #Aid4Trade initiatives, development finance and smart policy can drive job creation & sustainable development ⤵️

[ODI Trade | @odi-trade.bsky.social @ODI_trade]

#BiasharaAfrika2024 | New report by @AfCFTA, @ODI_Global & @SOAS provides crucial insights on FDI trends:

📈FDI reached $79.6B in 2021
🤝Intra-African investment now 5-17% of total FDI
🌟Top recipients: 🇿🇦🇪🇬🇳🇬🇲🇦🇲🇿
💰 Top investors: 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇳🇪🇺🇸🇬🇮🇳
🏢Services lead intra-African FDI

[ODI Trade | @odi-trade.bsky.social @ODI_trade]

On Day 3 of #BiasharaAfrika2024, we're excited to launch a new policy brief w/ @AfCFTA on the transformative potential of the #AfCFTA Investment Protocol. This initiative aims to streamline investment processes, enhance transparency & promote sustainable growth across Africa.

👇🏾