In this episode of My First Job on IFC Audio Stories, Zanele Hlatshwayo, Deputy Program Manager for the Global Agricultural and Food Security Program (GAFSP), shares how she transitioned from law to corporate finance, a shift that sparked her passion for development and agriculture. A farmer herself, Zanele discusses how GAFSP has supported over 90 agribusiness projects in 27 countries, reaching more than a million smallholder farmers, and why private sector investment is vital for resilient food systems and global food security.

As the World Bank Group launches AgriConnect, a bold effort to transform smallholder farming, we explore what it means for the future of food and jobs. From the Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. to farms in Tanzania, this episode follows how global partnerships and private sector innovation are helping farmers grow stronger businesses, create jobs, and build a more food-secure world.

In this episode of IFC Audio Stories we explore why just a small share of firms, typically young, fast-growing businesses, are responsible for most job creation in emerging markets. IFC Principal Economist Arti Grover unpacks new research showing that age, networks, and capabilities - not size - are the best predictors of a firm's job creation potential. Then, Alex Busse, Managing Director at NXTP Ventures, offers the venture capital perspective, sharing how early-stage investors identify and support the startups with the capacity to scale and hire.

Click here to read IFC's insights on the firms that create more and better jobs.