VoxDev Blogs
Our blogs include the VoxDev newsletter, writing by the VoxDev team that summarises what we've learned from development economics, and a whole lot more.
Popular blog posts
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Ten key insights from development economics in 2025
Research on VoxDev in 2025 has shed light on getting stuff done, paying for it, the changing development landscape, and a whole lot more.
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AI and development economics: Early evidence and how to keep up
I have been (trying) to keep track of the latest AI-related thinking and research that is relevant to low- and middle-income countries. It is hard to know where to look and what to trust, here are the best resources and platforms I have come across.
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Where to find development economics resources: Newsletters, articles, podcasts & videos
Where can you find articles, podcasts, and videos about research and topics in development economics? This blog is your one-stop shop for accessible resources related to development economics.
VoxDev's weekly newsletter
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 19/06/2026
This week we featured research on pharmaceutical innovation, land formalisation and more!
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 12/06/2026
This week we featured research on satellite imagery, financial shocks, history and more!
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 05/06/2026
This week we featured research on IT booms, fertiliser, decentralisation, violence and more!
All VoxDev blogs
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 19/06/2026
This week we featured research on pharmaceutical innovation, land formalisation and more!
-
This week in development economics at VoxDev: 12/06/2026
This week we featured research on satellite imagery, financial shocks, history and more!
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 05/06/2026
This week we featured research on IT booms, fertiliser, decentralisation, violence and more!
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Why people matter in high-growth entrepreneurship in Africa
Firm growth in Africa depends not just on founder ideas but on building capable teams, developing local managerial talent, and equipping people with the skills needed to scale sustainably. Key gaps remain in identifying high-potential founders early, supporting team formation, retaining skilled local managers, and building the institutional capacity to harness AI in ways suited to African market realities.
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 29/05/2026
This week we featured research on supply chains, protest, job loss and more!
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 22/05/2026
This week we featured research on safety nets, growth, scaling programmes and more!
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Building venture markets where none exist: Coordination, capital, and evidence
African venture and private equity markets often fail to form not due to a simple lack of funding, but because of coordination failures where skilled managers, credible exits, and willing private investors are all missing simultaneously. Development finance institutions can play a catalytic role in resolving these failures, but must carefully time their interventions and design instruments that crowd in rather than displace private capital, supported by more rigorous evidence on what actually works.
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This week in development economics at VoxDev: 15/05/2026
This week we featured research on gender, perfect cities, community health, nowcasting and more!
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What works in global health? 25 lessons from VoxDev
How can cost-effective interventions help improve healthcare in developing countries? Evidence from 16 countries sheds light on recent innovations aimed at increasing access and quality.