Inclusive Growth

Inclusive Growth

The world is undergoing a series of profound economic shifts, with many individuals around the globe feeling divorced from the benefits of the globalized economy. Three key development areas—improving the financial inclusion of women and girls, harnessing migration, and shaping workforce transitions for the future economy—can help generate sustainable and equitable economic gains for both advanced and developing societies. The Atlantic Council’s Inclusive Growth Initiative aims to build a platform for sharing best practices in these policy spheres with communities around the world to exchange ideas and shine a light on successful real-world case studies.

Featured Analysis

Does liberal democracy drive inequalities?

New Atlanticist Mar 8, 2023

Inflation comes with a big gender gap. Here are five ways to narrow it.

By Nicole Goldin

This year’s International Women’s Day is taking place against a backdrop of an inflation surge that is disproportionately impacting women.
Economy & Business Inclusive Growth
Does liberal democracy drive inequalities?

Report Mar 3, 2023

Critical connectivity: Reducing the price of data in African markets

By Aubrey Hruby

This report analyzes the current state of the digital transformation in Africa and outlines how affordable and accessible data is imperative for further development.
Africa Digital Policy
Does liberal democracy drive inequalities?

New Atlanticist Jan 24, 2023

This is a make-or-break year for US-Caribbean relations

By Wazim Mowla

Last year, the United States was in listening mode; but this year, the United States must make it a priority to support the Caribbean—or someone else will.
Caribbean Geopolitics & Energy Security

Programs

At the intersection of economics, finance, and foreign policy, the GeoEconomics Center is a translation hub with the goal of helping shape a better global economic future.

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Content

Issue Brief

Apr 29, 2026

Does liberal democracy drive inequalities?

By Yi Zhou

There has been much debate about the relationship between liberal democracy and social and economic inequality, but data shows that free societies remain more equal than their less free counterparts.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

Issue Brief

Apr 29, 2026

The clarity of the law differential: Channels to prosperity across income groups

By Achilles Tsirgis

Legal clarity increases prosperity through different mechanisms depending on a country's income level— high-income nations gain primarily through productivity and innovation, while lower-middle-income countries benefit most through credibility and reduced borrowing costs.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Event Recap

Apr 8, 2026

Ajay Banga on responding to this economic crisis: ‘Focus on policies’ that ‘create jobs’

By Katherine Golden

At an AC Front Page event, Banga cautioned countries to "be careful" not to “put your country into an even bigger problem downstream" while responding to the Iran war.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Transcript

Apr 7, 2026

The World Bank Group’s Ajay Banga: Expect higher inflation, lower growth from this global crisis

By Atlantic Council

Banga dropped by Atlantic Council headquarters for his curtain-raiser speech before the 2026 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, where he talked about his jobs agenda and the fast-changing global economy.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Apr 6, 2026

Sri Lanka needs a development plan, not just a recovery narrative

By Nishan de Mel

Sri Lanka's trajectory is marked by volatility rather than steady progress. Gains in political rights, economic openness, and security proved episodic rather than transformative when not supported by a credible rule of law. Breaking from cycles of recovery and crisis requires institutional renewal, social reconciliation, and professional governance.

Fiscal and Structural Reform Inclusive Growth

Econographics

Mar 9, 2026

Middle powers are rewriting the playbook for gender‑equal growth

By Nicole Goldin

Middle powers are advancing gender-equal growth by pairing domestic economic reforms with coalition leadership in global institutions.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Feb 25, 2026

To harness Saudi Arabia’s demographic dividend, Riyadh must invest in human capital

By Khalid Azim

The success of Saudi Arabia’s economic development will be determined not be the volume of capital it mobilizes, but how effectively that capital is translated into human capability.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Report

Feb 4, 2026

Local and community-driven solutions for development in fragile states

By Elton Skendaj, Peter Mandaville, and Ibrahima Bokoum

This collaborative paper examines community-driven approaches to development from three unique perspectives and highlights the importance of putting local agency at the center of international development work.

Africa Caribbean

AfricaSource

Feb 3, 2026

Climate adaptation: The investment the Global South cannot afford to delay

By Sara Lemniei

Adaptation offers the fastest and most cost-effective way forward; it reduces physical climate risk before it becomes a fiscal, health, and security crisis.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

Report

Jan 14, 2026

A three-billion-person challenge: The rising global market for financial leaders

By Ruth Goodwin-Groen

Financial-sector policymakers and financial service providers are facing both a real challenge and unique opportunity to drive economic inclusion for about three billion people and spur growth toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Africa Digital Currencies
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Experts

Fellow

Didier Acouetey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Emilie Bel

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Abdoul Salam Bello

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Fellow

Jérémie Bertrand

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Economy & Business English

Fellow

Alvin Camba

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Chinese

Advisory Council member

Epsy Campbell Barr

Former Vice President, Costa Rica

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Inclusive Growth Women
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