Notes from a side event on citizen engagement in World Bank operations, which took place during the World Bank-IMF 2016 annual meetings.
Sub-Saharan Africa
IFI governance
Background
Equity, inclusion and education: Examining evidence on low-fee private schools
Notes from a side event on privatisation of education and low-fee private schools, which took place during the World Bank-IMF 2016 annual meetings.
Finance
News
World Bank withholds new lending for Uganda
The World Bank has announced that it is withholding new lending for Uganda, following the cancellation of a criticised road project.
Social services
News
Uganda to close IFC partner’s schools
Uganda has announced that it will close IFC-backed Bridge Academy private schools due to poor hygiene and sanitation.
Finance
News
IFC's (ir-)responsible tax investment policy
Civil society organisations have demanded that the IFC develop a responsible tax policy that ensures that IFC investments are consistent with its development mandate and do not support companies utilising aggressive or abusive tax practices.
Finance
News
IMF increasing its influence in sub-Saharan Africa
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.
Infrastructure
News
World Bank suspends Inga dam funding
The World Bank has suspended funding for the much criticised Inga 3 hydro power project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rights
Analysis
World Bank turns its back on pastoralist communities in Africa
The World Bank has granted a waiver of its indigenous peoples policy for a project in Tanzania, raising concerns about impact on indigenous communities and lack of consultation.
Rights
Commentary
World Bank project fails to safeguard the rights of workers in Cameroon
Workers in World Bank-financed Lom Pangar Hydro Power Project in Cameroon have filed a complaint with the Bank's Grievance Redress System over alleged breaches of workers rights.
Accountability
Analysis
The World Bank’s failed accountability experiment: Why the Inspection Panel’s ‘Pilot’ should dead end
The Inspection Panel's Pilot is criticised for undermining the Panel’s authority, allowing World Bank management to circumvent compliance investigations, and perpetuating existing power imbalances between the Bank, its clients and communities.
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.
