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.

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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

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Affordable housing is a critical issue in emerging markets, where access to traditional financing can be limited. But what if blockchain technology could provide a solution? In Episode 4 of our Affordable Housing miniseries, we're exploring the potential of blockchain to revolutionise affordable housing finance. Join us as we discuss the benefits and challenges of this innovative approach, and how it could help millions of people around the world.

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 Glen Jordan (CEO - Empowa) for his valuable insights.

Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com

Socials: @flywheeleconomics

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Just like individuals save for the future, nations do too. Discover the world of Sovereign Wealth Funds – national 'nest eggs' designed to secure long-term prosperity. In this episode, we explore how these funds operate and draw fascinating parallels between their strategies and the best practices found in nature.

Special thanks to our guest Nicole Kearse (Head, Sovereign Finance Sector - African Legal Support Facility)

Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com

Socials: @flywheeleconomics

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What if travel could actually make the world a better place? From farms to far-off destinations, the principles of regeneration are transforming how we interact with the world. We've seen how regenerative agriculture can heal the land. Now, discover how regenerative tourism can heal the world. This episode builds on our previous discussion, exploring the promise of regenerative travel.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of regenerative tourism. Discover how this approach moves beyond simply minimising negative impacts to actively improving the places we explore. We also discuss how regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability to taking steps that actively heal and restore the destinations we visit, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.

Special thanks to our guest Dr. Tamara Mughogho (Economic Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat)

Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com

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As we kick off 2025, we are taking a look back at the important economic conversations we had in 2024. We revisit key discussions on affordable housing, examining innovative financing models and sustainable building practices. We also recap our exploration of Regenerative Agriculture as well as the role of the Animation and Freelance Art sector in driving innovation in emerging markets like Nigeria. Plus, we give you a sneak peek at what's coming in 2025, including deep dives into sustainability, economic growth, and the exciting developments happening in emerging markets around the world.

Website: flywheeleconomics.com

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What does Regenerative Agriculture have to do with economic policymaking? According to Flywheel Economics, a lot!

In this episode, we explore the parallels between regenerative agriculture and economic policy. We look at the case of SCL Agro Allied Farm in Nigeria to understand how these principles can be applied to broader economic systems. By adopting a regenerative approach, we argue that we can create economies that are not only prosperous but also sustainable and resilient.

Special thanks to our guests Abiola Ebohen (CEO/Project Manager SCL) and Blessing Stephen (Lead Delivery Manager, SCL Project Juriya)

Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com

Socials: @flywheeleconomics

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