Public-private partnerships are pushed in Africa, but the risks and costs must be fully understood and minimised, including the impact on the poor.
Analysis
Finance
Analysis
China goes global with development banks
This briefing examines the trajectory of China's evolving leadership in international development finance, including the impact of it's massive increase in development finance for developing countries.
IFI governance
Analysis
IFC claims “absolute immunity” to avoid justice. But will it hold up in court?
This briefing provides an overview of the immunity of international organisations in US law, looking at a lawsuit brought against the IFC regarding the Tata Mundra coal power plant in India.
Accountability
Analysis
Where’s the remedy? Development banks must do more to remedy harm caused by the activities they finance
A report assessing the effectiveness of 11 development bank’s accountability systems found that they are not effective at consistently providing remedy to those harmed.
Finance
Analysis
Rise of the global South and descent of the North?
This briefing notes that recent reforms to the IMF and World Bank governance and the establishment of new Southern-led IFIs are symbolically important, however, they are thus far not a rupture with the Western-dominated international financial architecture.
Conditionality
Analysis
Debt bubbles “popping” in emerging economies
IMF and World Bank face up to slowing global economy, but downplay risks of new debt crises for low income countries
Gender
Analysis
IMF on gender and income inequality: from research to implementation
New IMF staff discussion note links gender and economic equality, but will this research influence IMF policy?
IFI governance
Analysis
IMF governance: one step forward, one step back
Reform to the IMF’s voting shares shifts some power to emerging countries, but the institution’s leadership selection process remains opaque and undemocratic.
Conditionality
Analysis
Infographic: IMF Policy in the MENA Region
The more things change the more they stay the same... Infographic illustrates findings of new report on IMF Policy in the MENA Region.
Conditionality
Analysis
IMF policy in the MENA region: Lessons unlearnt
New report reveals IMF policy in the MENA region has remained unchanged after the 2011 Arab uprising, despite its rhetoric for change towards inclusive growth.
Environment
Analysis
Climate Investment Funds Monitor 12
New edition of the Bretton Woods Project's biannual Climate Investment Fund (CIFs) Monitor, published to coincide with the World Bank-hosted CIFs committee meetings.
Environment
Analysis
Clean Technology Fund (CTF)
An impending shortfall in available resources for the Clean Technology Fund continues to concern, leading to cancellation of projects. Questions were raised about development impacts and reliance on geothermal energy in India and Indonesia's revised investment plans, and on debt sustainability in a Caribbean project.
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IMF surveillance and climate change transition risks
New briefing by ActionAid USA and the Bretton Woods Project highlights research showing that IMF policy advice has undermined a just energy transition since the Paris Agreement was signed.