Evaluations

Policy Publications

Search our database of policy briefcases, bulletins, and evidence reviews. Briefcases summarize the results and policy recommendations from one randomized evaluation, while bulletins synthesize the broader policy lessons emerging from multiple evaluations on the same topic. Evidence reviews summarize an existing academic literature review, like a handbook chapter or white paper, for a policy audience.

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Microcredit Flyer MENA photo

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Tailored Microcredit Approaches Can Help Borrowers

Last Updated:
Last Updated:
May 6, 2025
In many contexts, classic microcredit models have not led to transformative impacts on income or consumption for borrowers. However, innovations such as targeting high-potential entrepreneurs, introducing flexible repayment schemes, and directly depositing loans into women’s digital accounts have...
A man works at a spice stall

Winners and Losers: The Benefits and Dangers of Credit

Last Updated:
Last Updated:
August 31, 2023
Providing large loans to small businesses in Egypt had no impact on profits for the average borrower, but entrepreneurs predicted in advance to be top performers saw much higher returns than their peers.
A man weaves a rug. Photo Credit: Haitham Fahmy | J-PAL

Egyptian Rug Firms Weave Their Way into Foreign Markets

Last Updated:
Last Updated:
September 1, 2019
Offering small rug producers in Egypt opportunities to export rugs to high-income markets increased firm profits through improvements in firms’ technical knowledge, efficiency, and product quality.