IFC's Latest Podcast Highlights Power of Creative Industries to Solve Development Challenges

The International Finance Corporation launched a new podcast focused on the creative industries, their impact on emerging market economies, and contribution to solving pressing development challenges. The new podcast, Creative Development with IFC, is hosted by IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop and will feature the most prominent voices from the creative industries worldwide.

"Artists are powerful advocates when it comes to addressing development issues. From climate change to gender inequality and poverty, they are using their work and influence to make a difference. With this podcast, we want to highlight the economic and transformational power of the creative industries, through the stories and work of its leading voices," said Diop.

The creative economy accounts for 3 percent of global GDP and is growing at 9 percent annually. In developing countries, the growth rate is even higher at 12 percent per year.

In the first episode, Diop and actor Don Cheadle dive into the topic of climate justice and what must be done to protect the most vulnerable communities from the impact of climate change.

Other guests on the first season of the podcast include world-renowned Senegalese musician Baaba Maal discussing his work to fight desertification in the Sahel, designer and filmmaker Selly Raby Kane on sustainability in fashion and creative storytelling, and Kenyan pop band Sauti Sol on the importance and impact of investing in the creative industry.