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As the year comes to a close, we take a step back to make sense of a rapidly shifting global economy. In this episode, the Flywheel Economics team unpacks the key forces reshaping growth across the world, from escalating tariffs and tightening immigration policies to the rise of new technologies transforming how economies function.
We ask:
• What really happens when major economies impose tariffs and who ends up paying the price?
• How can countries close widening labour gaps as populations age and migration slows?
• Can AI-driven innovation fuel productivity fast enough to counter slowing global growth?
Drawing on insights from the latest IMF analysis (the World Economic Outlook (WEO) Report October 2025) and real-world examples, we explore how these policy choices ripple through global supply chains, labour markets, and fiscal systems, and what they mean for emerging economies navigating uncertainty.
If you’re curious about how trade, migration, and innovation intersect to shape economic ecosystems, or if you simply enjoy a good IMF breakdown, this episode is for you.
Tune in for a clear, grounded, Flywheel-style conversation on the global trends that defined 2025 and beyond.
Subscribe to our podcast and leave your comments on social media @flywheeleconomics and go deeper with us on our website @flywheeleconomics.com.
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Why does monitoring in development often feel like an administrative chore instead of a powerful learning tool? The truth is, many aid organisations are stuck in a "compliance culture," treating monitoring and evaluation (M&E) as a bureaucratic exercise that fails to provide the real-time learning and adapting managers need.
In this deep-dive episode of our Value for Money and Aid Effectiveness miniseries, we challenge the status quo with thought leader Daniel Ticehurst. We explore the essential new framework that merges Value for Investment (VfI) with Thoughtful Monitoring (TM) and discuss how this integrated approach could potentially transform M&E systems for real impact.
Special thanks to our guest, Daniel Ticehurst (Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist), for his invaluable insights.
Subscribe to the Flywheel Economics Podcast and share your thoughts with us on social media @flywheeleconomics.
Go deeper with the topics we cover by visiting our website @flywheeleconomics.com.
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What if the pursuit of "good governance" actually increases the risk of civil conflict?
On this provocative episode of the Flywheel Economics Podcast, we challenge the entire development playbook. We sit down with an economist, whose career has taken him into many fragile states, to explore the profound tension between global economic ideals and the desperate need for stability in the world's most fragile countries. We dive deep into why reforms designed to eliminate corruption, like strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM), often fail, or worse, backfire.
This is a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in development, policy, and the ethical trade-offs required to build a lasting peace.
Special thanks to our guest, Tobias Haque (Lead Country Economist, The World Bank Group, Pakistan) for his thought-provoking insights.
Subscribe to the Flywheel Economics Podcast and share your thoughts with us on social media @flywheeleconomics. Visit our website for more information: flywheeleconomics.com.
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Why bet on a startup when you can get a sure thing from a government bond?
On this episode of the Flywheel Economics Podcast, we're diving into the excitement of venture capital and its powerful potential to drive economic growth.
We sit down with Nneka Eze from VestedWorld, a firm at the forefront of this space, to explore the real-world challenges and untapped opportunities. We ask why VCs are taking the leap, what it takes to build a thriving ecosystem, and what the future holds for African entrepreneurship.
Is this a reckless gamble or the smartest move an investor can make? Find out in today's episode.
Special thanks to our guest, Nneka Eze (Managing Partner, Vested World).
Follow us on social media: @flywheeleconomics
And check out our website @flywheeleconomics.com.
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Can a nation's economic power be a powerful tool for international development? Or is it primarily a strategy for advancing a country's own interests?
On this episode of the Flywheel Economics Podcast, we’re navigating this complex world with a former UK High Commissioner to Nigeria. He has seen firsthand how foreign policy and economic strategy intersect on the ground.
Join us as we explore the core of economic diplomacy: how it has evolved, the true purpose of foreign aid, and how a nation can balance its own agenda with the development needs of another. This is a conversation about the real-world impact of diplomatic dollars on the global stage.
Special thanks to our guest, Paul Arkwright, former British High Commissioner to Nigeria.
Sign this petition to reverse the aid cuts in the UK: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/719301
Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com
Social media: @flywheeleconomics
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Flywheel Economics is proud to present this episode on Mafita, a programme that transformed lives by equipping some of Northern Nigeria’s most vulnerable groups with skills, dignity, and opportunity.
At its heart, Mafita was about practical empowerment rooted in context. We heard stories like the young woman with a disability who could finally pursue catering once small adjustments were made to her training space. A boy once scavenging through dustbins who now has access to meaningful opportunities. A child bride who became a skilled seamstress and opened doors for her sisters.
These are not just anecdotes, they’re ripple effects, the flywheel in action. By providing tailored training and respecting cultural realities, Mafita showed how inclusion creates momentum that lifts families and entire communities.
In this episode, Umar Nuhu and Hauwa Umar, reflect on what it takes to design programmes that listen, adapt, and spark positive change without erasing people’s identities.
This isn’t only a story about skills training. It’s about resilience, dignity, and the power of opportunity to set lasting change in motion.
Special thanks to our guests.
Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com
Socials: @flywheeleconomics
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After a deep dive into one of the most critical challenges of our time, Flywheel Economics proudly presents the final episode of our Affordable Housing Miniseries. This series has been a journey into the heart of building truly resilient and sustainable communities, moving beyond just bricks and mortar to address the very foundations of economic well-being.
In this concluding episode, we bring together the powerful insights from our discussions, from the transformative potential of secure land titling in unlocking capital and stability, to the innovative solutions powering the sector. We’ve explored the complex ecosystem of housing finance, policy, and community empowerment.
Join us as we synthesise these threads, offering a comprehensive look at what it truly takes to create affordable housing solutions that foster equitable access and long-term prosperity. This isn't just about shelter; it's about the blueprint for a more inclusive and robust global economy.
Special thanks to our guest host, Daniel Simpkins.
Our website @flywheeleconomics.com
Socials @flywheeleconomics
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Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment, ready to redefine its economic future. In this episode, we dive into the heart of the nation's non-oil export sector, a vibrant space brimming with untapped potential.
Join us as we uncover the importance of shaping export policy, ensuring it champions growth that reaches every corner of the economy. We also shine a light on the incredible impact of empowering women in the export space, recognising their pivotal role in unlocking new markets and diversifying Nigeria's global presence. This isn't just about trade; it's about building a more resilient and sustainable economy from the ground up.
This isn't your typical economic analysis. We go beyond the numbers to explore the real-world innovation driving Nigeria's next big leap.
Special thanks to our guest, Titi Ojo (Management Consultant and Trainer).
Listen to Flywheel Economics wherever you get your podcasts. Find more insights at flywheeleconomics.com and connect with us social media @flywheeleconomics.
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As we hit the midpoint of 2025, it’s time for a "Momentum Check" here at Flywheel Economics! In this special episode, we look back at the groundbreaking conversations from the first half of the year and unpack the crucial lessons for the future of economic development, especially in emerging markets.
We revisit all our episodes; from the power of land titling for affordable housing to the art of maximising aid effectiveness beyond simple cuts, and the bold entrepreneurship building an EV ecosystem from scratch in Senegal.
This mid-year reflection underscores how these efforts collectively build momentum, creating the very "flywheels" of sustainable growth we champion.
Join us as we synthesise these powerful insights and set the stage for what's next in driving real change.
Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com
Socials: @flywheeleconomics
To sign the petition reversing the proposed UK aid cuts, please click here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/719301
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What happens when the money shrinks, but the challenges don’t? In this podcast episode, we take a deep dive into the messy, political, and deeply human world of international development, with someone who’s spent years inside it.
Our guest, Peter J. Evans, (probably not the one you’re thinking), is a seasoned adviser on governance, inclusion, and aid strategy. He joins us for a reflective and nuanced conversation about the future of aid in an era of constraint. Drawing on his work with major donors like FCDO and his deep experience in political economy, Peter unpacks the realities behind the rhetoric and asks how we can still make aid matter.
Together, we explore the tensions between foreign policy and development goals, the risks of radical simplification, and why we need to treat context as more than just a slogan. From the legacy of “fat aid” to the fragility of anti-corruption efforts, this episode invites listeners to reconsider how effectiveness is defined and what a more grounded, politically aware model could look like going forward.
If you're a policymaker, donor, practitioner, or simply tired of one-dimensional aid debates, this conversation is for you. Lend your voice by signing a petition to reverse these cuts and push for a smarter, more responsible aid strategy. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/719301
Special thanks to Peter J. Evans for sharing his insight and candour.
Website: @flywheeleconomics.com
Socials: @flywheeleconomics
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Imagine launching a modern business where the entire ecosystem needs to be built from scratch – from charging stations to obtaining custom license plates. This is the incredible, real-life story at the heart of our latest episode.
Join us as we dive into the journey of an economist (who remarkably doesn't even drive!) who became the visionary founder of an electric vehicle (EV) taxi company in Senegal. This isn't just a tale of entrepreneurship; it's a powerful case study in the importance of innovation in driving change, especially within the unique realities of emerging markets.
This real-life example perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Flywheel Economics: demonstrating how the flywheel effect can create new industries and economic momentum from the ground up.
Special thanks to our guest Matthew Seller (Founder, Mbay Mobility) for his valuable insights.
Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com
Socials: @flywheeleconomics
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Ever wondered why securing affordable housing remains such a complex puzzle in some parts of the world? One key aspect lies beneath our feet – in land titling. In this crucial episode of the Flywheel Economics Affordable Housing miniseries, we dive deep into one of the thorniest, yet most fundamental, issues preventing widespread access to safe and affordable homes.
Join us as we explore why secure land rights are absolutely foundational to unlocking affordable housing development, especially in emerging markets.
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 Andrew Smith (Development Consultant and Land Governance Reform Expert) for his valuable insights.
Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com
Socials: @flywheeleconomics
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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.
Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com
Socials: @flywheeleconomics
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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
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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
Socials: @flywheeleconomics
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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
Socials: flywheeleconomics
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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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