The IFC is set to expand operations in fragile and conflict-affected states such as Burma, despite indications that systemic problems identified in Honduras persist.
IFI Lending
Finance
Analysis
Where is the public in PPPs? Analysing the World Bank’s support for public-private partnerships
A review of the World Bank’s support for public-private partnerships by the Independent Evaluation Group reveals a lack of proven poverty impacts.
Finance
News
IMF augments new lending facilities after earlier reviews
An IMF review of three new lending facilities has resulted in only "cosmetic" changes critics say.
Environment
News
IFC criticised over Peruvian mine investment
IFC’s accountability mechanism has criticised a series of errors in IFC’s social and environmental risk management of its Peruvian Quellaveco mine investment.
IFI governance
News
Accountability mechanism strongly criticises IFC loan to Honduran bank
An audit by the IFC’s accountability mechanism says the IFC failed to adequately address environmental and social risks when it approved a $70 million loan to Honduran bank Ficohsa.
Finance
Analysis
IFC statements welcome but concrete action needed
Bretton Woods Project response to IFC executive vice president Cai’s Bank blog challenges the IFC’s commitment to address systemic problems.
Conditionality
Analysis
IMF: Ukraine's "tough programme"; Egypt next?
The IMF’s provision of an exceptional access loan to Ukraine was presented as vital economic support, but many commentators fear that this loan is driven as much by political as economic necessity. Despite emphasising increased sensitivity to country circumstances, Fund policy recommendations in Egypt are very similar to its prescriptions for Ukraine.
Finance
News
Final IDA 17 numbers shrink under scrutiny
The release of the final IDA paper in April confirmed that IDA 17 represents a 7.7 per cent decline in IDA resources. The replenishment saw a loan of $1 billion from China and less generous lending terms for IDA borrowers.
Infrastructure
Analysis
The rise of the infrastructure giants
World Bank faces increased competition over large scale infrastructure in Asia, with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS Bank.
Finance
News
Ballroom dancing in Bolivia: IFC investments remain questionable
IFC invests in another five-star hotel, raising further questions whether its investments lead to positive development outcomes.
Featured briefings
12 December 2019
The Bretton Woods Observer: Winter 2019
12 December 2019
Ease of Doing Business – what does it conceal?
As India has risen in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings, it has seen other key development indicators slip.
18 November 2019
Keeping the IMF accountable to women's rights and gender equality at the national level
New IMF gender guidance opportunity for civil society to keep its staff to account.