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 Sellar (Founder, Mbay Mobility) for his valuable insights.

Our website: @flywheeleconomics.com

Socials: @flywheeleconomics

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.