It is time for the IMF and World Bank to understand their own responsibility and decolonise their approach.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Social services
Analysis
World Bank funded $17.3 million Uganda reproductive health voucher PPP fails to reach the poorest women
World Bank backs private sector voucher project in Uganda as poorest women lose out.
Environment
News
World Bank and IMF lend support to mega-gas project in Mozambique, undeterred by growing risks
Despite growing focus on climate issues, both institutions have backed controversial Mozambique LNG project.
Finance
Analysis
World Bank’s rating obsession will negate debt justice
The international financial system’s reliance upon credit ratings – usually based on dubious premises – needs urgent rethinking.
Environment
News
MIGA considering support for Guinea’s Nimba mining project in UNESCO heritage site
The Mount Nimba nature reserve has been listed as a World Heritage site since 1981 but classified as "in danger" since 1992, in part due to the threat of iron-ore mining.
Social services
News
World Bank abandons pandemic bond instrument after disastrous Covid-19 response
World Bank’s pandemic bond instrument scrapped after high visibility Covid-19 failure
Conditionality
News
World Bank power sector loan in Nigeria raises energy costs as economic crisis bites
As Nigeria enters a deepening economic recession, a $750 million World Bank programme for results (P4R) loan has resulted in increased electricity tariff rates for most Nigerians.
Social services
Background
World Bank Group’s ‘Maximizing Finance for Development’ in times of Covid-19
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum at the 2020 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 5 October session on the World Bank's 'Maximizing Finance for Development' and the Covid-19 response.
Finance
Background
Covid-19 and debt: Going beyond debt suspension towards a systemic response to debt crises
Notes from the virtual Civil Society Policy Forum 28 September Session at the IMF and World Bank 2020 Annual Meetings on Covid-19 and debt.
Finance
Analysis
The IMF and World Bank-led Covid-19 recovery: ‘Building back better’ or locking in broken policies?
Early evidence suggests IMF programmes are maintaining long-term fiscal consolidation targets, while World Bank further continues Maximizing Finance for Development narrative amidst Covid-19 crisis.
Infrastructure
Analysis
World Bank must ensure new Africa energy strategy is inclusive and pro-poor
The Bank’s new Africa energy strategy offers it an important chance to mainstream achieving SDG7 into its energy lending on the continent.
IFI governance
Analysis
G24 communiqué analysis – Spring Meetings 2020
Analysis of the G24 communiqué released on 14 April.
Issue Overview
Repairing harm caused: What could a reparations approach mean for the IMF and World Bank?
Beginning with a reflection on the implication of decades of neocolonial policies across the world, it is time for the IMF and World Bank to understand their own legacy and take responsibility for both historic harm and enduring injustice today. Steps towards acknowledging, dismantling and in some situations, reshaping the structures of our world are urgently needed and this must include both the IMF and World Bank decolonising their approach.
Repairing harm caused: What could a reparations approach mean for the IMF and World Bank?
Beginning with a reflection on the implication of decades of neocolonial policies across the world, it is time for the IMF and World Bank to understand their own legacy and take responsibility for both historic harm and enduring injustice today. Steps towards acknowledging, dismantling and in some situations, reshaping the structures of our world are urgently needed and this must include both the IMF and World Bank decolonising their approach.
Featured briefings
12 October 2020
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2020
6 October 2020
The Bretton Woods Observer: Autumn 2020
6 October 2020
Repairing harm caused: What could a reparations approach mean for the IMF and World Bank?
It is time for the IMF and World Bank to understand their own responsibility and decolonise their approach.