Latest content: Economic development

Main page for this area of work
Trade and economy

Growth opportunity for climate-positive businesses or projects in the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN)

The Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) fosters collaboration across a diverse ecosystem of local, regional, and international partners to identify, develop, and support investment opportunities in Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS). By engaging international financiers, facilitating knowledge exchange, strengthening local capacity, and delivering tailored technical assistance, the CIN works to enhance project bankability and unlock viable, climate-positive growth opportunities. The Network’s overarching objective is to mobilise private finance and technical expertise to help build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable island economies.

The Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) is piloting a three-month accelerator programme for Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 2)

In the second of a two-part assessment of the global economic outlooks ahead of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington on 13 October 2025, Dr Thomas Munthali, Head of Economic Policy and Small States at the Commonwealth Secretariat, outlines how member countries can best respond.
Read news - Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 2)

Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 1)

In the first in a two-part assessment of the global economic outlooks ahead of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington on 13 October 2025, Dr Thomas Munthali, Head of Economic Policy and Small States at the Commonwealth Secretariat, sets out the challenge facing member countries.
Read news - Blog: Turning economic headwinds into opportunities - A resilient future for the Commonwealth (Part 1)

National Agricultural Data Infrastructure: A Policy Guide

This resource provides policy guidance for all countries on investing in national agricultural data infrastructure.

Collaboratively produced with the support of Commonwealth member countries and experts, and validated in 2025 through a webinar with over 60 experts globally, it provides a comprehensive overview of a sectoral approach to digital public infrastructure (DPI) aimed at establishing a co-ordinated and collaborative framework for agricultural data management across Commonwealth countries and beyond.
Read publication - National Agricultural Data Infrastructure: A Policy Guide

From Brain Drain to Brain Gain

With the recent wave of socio-economic shocks that have impacted the economies of small states, scaling up access to finance remains crucial. Exploring untapped sources of financing is therefore imperative to help member states achieve their development targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals, and build resilient economies.
Read publication - From Brain Drain to Brain Gain