In March, the World Bank launched its new Africa strategy, outlining three main areas in which it will focus its operations: competitiveness and employment, vulnerability and resilience of citizens, and governance and public sector capacity.
Health
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Social services
News
World Bank sexual health investment falls short
The World Bank's Reproductive Health and Action Plan: 2010-2015, which was released in April 2010 recognises that "women's full and equal participation in the development process is contingent on accessing essential [reproductive health] services."
Rights
News
IMF serious about measuring conditionality impacts?
More criticism emerged of IMF programmes as it begins the process of another conditionality review. Political upheaval in Ireland and continued protests in Greece are focussing attention on the IMF's controversial economic policy advice.
Accountability
Analysis
Submission to the International Development Committee of the UK parliament: inquiry into the World B
The UK should not increase its contribution to IDA in the current replenishment. Instead, it should focus on achieving substantial reforms of the World Bank and IFC in key areas, including health, gender, climate and energy, and the private sector, and in radically improving the legitimacy, transparency and accountability of the institution.
Accountability
Background
Meeting on the World Bank between DFID and UK NGOs
Notes of a meeting between UK civil society and DFID staff.
Land
News
UK reviews World Bank, multilateral aid
In June the new UK coalition government announced a hasty review of its funding to multilaterals, including the World Bank Group.
Accountability
Analysis
Submission on the World Bank and IFC to DFID's multilateral aid review
As the UK government reviews its funding and relationships with multilateral organisations, we argue that the World Bank Group's poor performance, lack of country ownership and accountability, and tendency to 'mission creep', require a focus on institutional and policy change at the Bank, and no increase in funding.
Social services
Analysis
Social insecurity
This paper aims to raise awareness of private financial institutions' influence on healthcare and pensions in developing countries.
Accountability
News
World Bank fails to focus on results in health
A newly published report adds to mounting criticism of the World Bank’s approach to health projects.
Infrastructure
Background
Meeting on the World Bank with DFID
Notes of a meeting between Rachel Turner of DFID and UK NGOs, April 2010
Featured briefings
6 October 2022
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2022
4 October 2022
The Bretton Woods Observer: Autumn 2022
4 October 2022
Monetary power and sovereign debt crises: The renewed case for a sovereign debt restructuring mechanism
The sovereign debt crises threatening states in the Global South are less about fiscal mismanagement and more about monetary power in the global currency hierarchy.