IFC Audio Stories

In this episode of My First Job on IFC Audio Stories, Zanele Hlatshwayo, Deputy Program Manager for the Global Agricultural and Food Security Program (GAFSP), shares how she transitioned from law to corporate finance, a shift that sparked her passion for development and agriculture. A farmer herself, Zanele discusses how GAFSP has supported over 90 agribusiness projects in 27 countries, reaching more than a million smallholder farmers, and why private sector investment is vital for resilient food systems and global food security. 

As the World Bank Group launches AgriConnect, a bold effort to transform smallholder farming, we explore what it means for the future of food and jobs. From the Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. to farms in Tanzania, this episode follows how global partnerships and private sector innovation are helping farmers grow stronger businesses, create jobs, and build a more food-secure world. 

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore why just a small share of firms, typically young, fast-growing businesses, are responsible for most job creation in emerging markets. IFC Principal Economist Arti Grover unpacks new research showing that age, networks, and capabilities - not size - are the best predictors of a firm's job creation potential. Then, Alex Busse, Managing Director at NXTP Ventures, offers the venture capital perspective, sharing how early-stage investors identify and support the startups with the capacity to scale and hire. Click here to read IFC's insights on the firms that create more and better jobs. 

In this episode of My First Job, host Camryn Billett speaks with Nigerian tech and finance YouTuber Fisayo Fosudo about how his first job launched his career as a content creator. Starting as a social media manager and designer, Fisayo has built a reputation as one of West Africa's most influential voices in technology and finance, with over 700,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of monthly views. In 2024, Pulse, a leading media group in Nigeria named Fisayo Tech Influencer of the Year. Tune in as Fisayo shares insights on the responsibility of influence in Africa's digital economy, and how reimagining education and opportunity can shape the future for young people

In this episode of My First Job on IFC Audio Stories, Dagmawit Bekele—Director of the AU Peace Fund Secretariat and former Cabinet Minister in the Ethiopian government—shares her remarkable journey from working as a student communications officer at a local NGO to becoming Ethiopia's first female Minister of Transport and Logistics. Now at the helm of the African Union's Peace Fund Secretariat, she leads strategic funding efforts to support peacebuilding across the continent. Dagmawit reflects on leadership, public service, and the evolving role of the private sector in promoting peace, offering practical insights and inspiration for Africa's next generation of changemakers.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore the dynamic collaboration between IFC, private sector players and the Rwandan government to establish the country as a biotechnology hub. Featuring the voices of Rwanda's State Minister of Health and other key stakeholders this podcast explores the ambitious effort thats paving the way towards a future where African nations lead in pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare solutions.

Cities house over half the world's population and drive more than 80% of global GDP—but many struggle to finance the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we explore how IFC helps cities unlock capital through subnational financing. From identifying bankable projects to deploying loans, IFC experts share insights into how municipalities can build inclusive and resilient futures. 

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, we're in Nairobi, Kenya, where a bold private sector partnership is driving inclusive growth. Royal Apparel EPZ Ltd., backed by IFC, is expanding to create thousands of jobs while promoting sustainable manufacturing. We explore how private sector investment is transforming lives and strengthening Kenya's garment industry. 

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories, Loubna Ghaleb, Board Member for Strategy and Development at Tanger Med Group and the 2025 winner of the MIGA Gender Leadership Award, shares her journey in the infrastructure and logistics sector. She discusses breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated industry, key moments in her leadership path, and her commitment to mentoring future female leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, growth, and driving change through infrastructure development.

In honor of Women's Month, IFC Audio Stories presents "My First Job" - conversations with senior women leaders about how their careers got started and the lessons they learned along the way. We kick off the series with Mary Porter Peschka, IFC's Regional Director for Eastern Africa.