As the world economy continues to stutter, many sub-Saharan African countries are turning to the Fund for financial support, though the Funds are coming with strict conditions to restrict spending.
Kenya
Rights
Commentary
Lessons from Kenya: Why the World Bank must apply the Indigenous Peoples Policy consistently
The World Bank’s support for a Kenya electricity programme is criticised for failing to comply with its Indigenous Peoples Policy, with implications for the Bank's future lending and the safeguards review.
Social services
News
IFC-pushed private education investment model criticised by UN
Two UN committees and a special rapporteur have questioned development aid funding going to private education, including through IFC supported Bridge International Academies.
Environment
Analysis
Climate Investment Funds Monitor 13
New edition of the Bretton Woods Project's biannual Climate Investment Fund (CIFs) Monitor, published to coincide with the World Bank-hosted CIFs trust fund committee meetings.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Concerns continues over slow progress in implementing the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP) investments plans and lack of funding for new pilot countries, as well as constraints on grant resources. The CIF strategic directions paper proposed an enhanced private sector programme for energy access. Questions on consideration of indigenous peoples were raised in relation to Liberia and Tanzania projects.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Concerns have been raised about the slow progress with the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP). Ghana, Haiti and Nicaragua's investment plans were approved, with questions asked about the loan/grant ratio, promotion of PPPs, and reliance on funding from the Green Climate Fund.
Environment
Analysis
Climate of controversy
Despite efforts to boost its influence within climate finance circles and a call to “decarbonise development”, the World Bank continues to support fossil fuels.
Social services
Analysis
The elephant in the classroom: the World Bank and private education providers
World Bank’s high-level support for private education providers is condemned by the UN Special Rapporteur, NGOs and academics.
Social services
News
World Bank’s “wakeup call” on universal health
New World Bank report shows lack of access to basic health services has pushed six per cent of the global population into poverty, as the IFC continues to support private health providers.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Indicative funding allocations have been agreed for 14 new Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries pilot countries, however, cautions remained about “unrealistic expectations” about funding availability. Questions were raised about incentives for diesel in a Kenya project.
Social services
Commentary
How will the Global Financing Facility deliver for sexual and reproductive health and rights?
The Global Financing Facility, hosted by the World Bank, aims to scale up support for sexual and reproductive health, however, concerns remain that funds may be transferred from existing programmes.
Conditionality
News
IMF moved on from structural adjustment?
Concerns in existing and prospective borrower states about the appropriateness and efficacy of IMF-sanctioned reforms under lending and precautionary agreements.
