The landscape of international development is currently navigating a period of significant challenge and uncertainty. Recent data from the OECD indicates a notable fall in Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2024, the first decrease in several years. These recent cuts stem from a confluence of factors, including economic pressures in donor countries, shifts in geopolitical priorities, and increasing domestic fiscal demands. The uncertainty surrounding the consistency and level of future aid flows necessitates a greater focus on the effective and efficient use of every development dollar, emphasising value for money.

How do we ensure international development programmes truly deliver impact? It's a question that goes beyond just cutting costs. Achieving genuine Value for Money (VfM) isn't just about minimising expenses; it's about maximising effectiveness. In this episode, we explore practical tools and strategies to measure and improve VfM, ensuring every development dollar delivers its fullest potential for real-world impact.

Special thanks to our guest, Deep Biswas (Economist and VfM Consultant) for his valuable insights.

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In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Manzoor Ahmad—former Ambassador to the WTO and one of Pakistan’s leading trade policy thinkers—to explore how trade can be used as a powerful lever for economic transformation.

Building on our earlier episode on Sialkot’s export flywheel, we ask: what’s stopping Pakistan from scaling that kind of dynamism across its economy? We unpack the enduring anti-export bias in policymaking, and how protectionist policies—particularly in sectors like automobiles—have shielded inefficiency and stifled innovation.

Dr. Ahmad lays out what a modern, export-led strategy could look like for Pakistan, from moving beyond textiles into high-value sectors, to linking trade with deeper reforms in R&D, skills, and infrastructure. We also explore the global picture—what Trump’s recent tariff hikes mean for Pakistan, and whether the world is drifting into a new age of protectionism.

We close with a look to the future and analyse what countries like Nigeria and Pakistan must do now to catch the next wave.

Special thanks to our guest Dr. Manzoor Ahmad, for his valuable insights.

Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com

Socials: @flywheeleconomics

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Understanding the affordable housing puzzle requires examining the intricate interplay between government leadership, the effectiveness of its institutions, and the direction of its policies. Join us in this fifth episode of the Affordable Housing miniseries as we dissect these critical elements and their impact on creating affordable homes.

Affordable housing is a global concern. The World Bank estimates that lack of safe and affordable housing is a concern for over 330 million people around the world. From the world’s richest population dissatisfied by housing costs to emerging markets facing lower purchasing power, where we get to live is everyone’s business.

Join Flywheel Economics for our Affordable Housing miniseries as we attempt to make sense of this fascinating and critical puzzle. From AI to financing, we’ll explore solutions that bridge affordability with sustainability, ensuring everyone has access to a safe and secure home.

Special thanks to our guest Olu Olanrewaju (Director, Altair) for his valuable insights.

Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com

Socials: @flywheeleconomics

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.