Podcast Summary: Working Together: Partnerships for Impact
Podcast: World Bank | The Development Podcast
Host: Tony Carrasani
Date: February 6, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode explores the central role of partnerships in driving global development, drawing rich analogies from teamwork in sports to collaborative efforts in international development. The conversation spotlights how institutions—especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AAMU)—bring unique strengths to the World Bank Group’s war on poverty, climate change, and inequity. Distinguished guests include sportswriter S.L. Price, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Ambassador Roya Rahmani, and AAMU President Dr. Daniel K. Wims.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Teamwork in Sports as a Model for Partnerships
- S.L. Price reflects on Michael Jordan’s evolution from a solo star to a championship winner who relied on his teammates, emphasizing that "the secret of sports" is making others around you better.
- “He needed to trust, that he needed to listen to his teammates, cultivate them and bring them along with him.” — S.L. Price [03:25]
- The African proverb—“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”—holds true in life as in sports.
- “You cannot go it alone in this world. In sports, you cannot go it alone. You need family, you need friends, you need professionals... you need to listen to them.” — S.L. Price [04:29]
The World Bank’s Perspective on Partnerships
- Ajay Banga, World Bank Group President, outlines how impactful development—like delivering healthcare or energy to millions—requires knowledge, financing, and, crucially, partnerships.
- “It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of knowledge, a lot of financing and a lot of partnerships.” — Ajay Banga [06:10]
- Examples of powerful collaborative efforts:
- Healthcare: Ambitious plan to reach 1.5 billion people with affordable health services by 2030 [06:10].
- Energy Access: Partnership with African Development Bank to connect 100 million new users and revisit investments in nuclear energy with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [06:39–07:27].
HBCUs: Legacy, Strengths, and Unique Role
- Dr. Daniel K. Wims on HBCUs:
- “These [HBCUs and 1890 land-grant institutions] are somewhat sacred and divine and have a mission for helping particularly and specifically African Americans... to become a part of the fabric and fiber of the nation United States of America.” — D. K. Wims [09:23]
- HBCUs have created an educated African American middle class, focusing historically on practical disciplines like agriculture and engineering [09:23–10:15].
The World Bank Group’s Partnership with AAMU
- Ambassador Roya Rahmani details objectives:
- To foster shared research, talent pipelines, and exchanges, connecting HBCU strengths to global challenges [10:22].
- Dr. Wims shares goals:
- Expand AAMU’s international footprint, especially in Africa and Latin America.
- Leverage AAMU’s experience transitioning families from subsistence agriculture to larger-scale, sustainable practices [10:59].
- Offer extension programs, public service, and technical expertise to developing country farmers [10:59–12:45].
Knowledge Exchange in Action: Mission300 & Agriconnect
Mission300 – Energy for Africa
- Ambassador Rahmani introduces Mission300, aiming to extend reliable and affordable electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030 [13:05].
- Dr. Wims describes AAMU’s role:
- Providing technical assistance and research.
- Preparing populations for greater access to energy—connecting electricity, plumbing, irrigation, and food storage.
- Faculty diversity and direct familiarity with African and Latin American agricultural challenges as added value [13:50–16:58].
- “Electricity isn't just lights. It's water and plumbing, irrigation, cold storage, processing and getting goods to market.” — Tony Carrasani [17:05]
Agriconnect – Strengthening Agricultural Value Chains
- Ambassador Rahmani highlights the Agriconnect initiative to empower farmers by linking them to markets, data, finance, and technology [18:04].
- Dr. Wims expands on AAMU’s capacity:
- “Agriculture is not just food, it's also fiber... food and fiber are the basis of community and economic development.” — D. K. Wims [18:49]
- Discusses research in climate impact prediction, water quality, pest management, crop diversity, and sustainable poultry farming.
- Emphasizes trusted relationships and culturally appropriate approaches in agricultural extension [18:49–21:23].
The Human Core of Development
- Ambassador Rahmani closes with a reflection on the human element:
- “Development is ultimately human. Yes, it grows out of the institutions that nurture talent, it's the educators that open the doors, and it's the partnership that bring purpose and possibilities together.” — Roya Rahmani [21:30]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You need people who will call BS on you. You need to learn how to trust other people... goals are more rewarding when they’re shared.”—S.L. Price [04:29]
- “If the World Bank Group would look at us as a partner, let's develop this partnership and be able to transfer our knowledge, expertise, and experience to the developing world. I think it will be a win win.” — D. K. Wims [11:57]
- “Our technical expertise at the 1890, which still works with small farmers in the southern states, that we're able to help in a more direct and ... accepted fashion... The community has to accept you and take your advice... trust and belief that you have their best interest at heart.” — D. K. Wims [15:30]
- “Agriculture... is the first true religion. Before there were ideas about how to engage in cultural practices, the human family had to learn how to feed itself.” — D. K. Wims [18:49]
- “Development is ultimately human… it’s the partnership that bring purpose and possibilities together.” — Roya Rahmani [21:30]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Basketball & Teamwork Analogies: [00:07–05:32]
- World Bank Group’s Partnership Imperative: [05:32–08:00]
- AAMU & HBCU Legacy and Mission: [09:23–10:15]
- Building the World Bank-AAMU Partnership: [10:22–12:52]
- Mission300: Electrifying Africa: [13:05–17:05]
- Agriconnect: Agriculture for Development: [18:04–21:30]
- Personal Reflections on Development & Partnership: [21:30–22:18]
Tone & Language
The episode is thoughtful, inspirational, and collaborative in tone, with each guest offering practical insights anchored in real-world experience. It weaves moving sports metaphors with the gravitas and aspiration of international development work, giving listeners a sense of both concrete progress and shared, human possibility.