Mauritania qualified for the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative in June, while Malawi completed the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative in August.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Social services
News
Cape Verde becomes IMF’s third PSI country
On 1 August, the IMF board approved Cape Verde's application for the Policy Support Instrument (PSI)
Rights
News
The IFC at fifty: All that glitters is too much gold
As the International Finance Corporation (IFC) marks its golden anniversary, the institution claims to serve "as a catalyst for innovative, market-based solutions for reducing poverty and addressing environmental and social challenges". The reality fails to justify such a glittering perspective. Problem gold mine projects in Ghana, Peru and Kyrgyzstan and serious weaknesses in its recent human rights impact assessment programme undermine the future credibility of an institution that is increasin
Accountability
News
Request for inspection of West Africa gas pipeline
In April, the Ifesowapo Host Communities Forum in Nigeria requested the Inspection Panel investigate the West African Gas Pipeline project.
IFI governance
News
African EDs urge top-up for capacity building
As the pilot phase of the Analytical Trust Fund, which finances research to support Sub-Saharan African executive directors' participation on the boards of the Bank and Fund, draws to a close, directors urge its replenishment.
Rights
News
African film puts IFIs on trial at Cannes
The only African film to show at the 2006 Cannes film festival, Bamako, focuses on the injustices Africa has faced at the hands of the World Bank, the IMF, and other Western-dominated institutions.
Social services
Background
Evaluating the impact of the PRGF: The cases of Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia
Highlights of a civil society dialogue on the IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, at the World Bank spring meetings in Washington, 20 April 2006.
Rights
Background
Highlights of UK NGO meeting with Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn
Highlights of meeting between UK NGOs and Secretary of State for International Development, 18 April 2006
Private Sector
News
Investigation demanded into World Bank reform of DRC mining
NGOs have called on the Bank to investigate two mining contracts between the Democratic Republic of Congo's state mining company and two British Virgin Island-based companies.
IFI governance
News
Bank failed to apply safeguards in DRC: Inspection Panel
A preliminary investigation by the Inspection Panel has reveled serious concerns about Bank programmes to develop the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rights
News
Audit finds MIGA at fault in DRC mine
The independent audit of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman was made public in February.
Rights
News
IFC backs controversial Ghana gold mine
On 31 January, the IFC approved a $125 million loan to Newmont Mining Corporation for the development of the Ahafo gold mine project in western Ghana, which NGOs link to human rights and environmental problems.
