New IMF debt sustainability framework fails to alleviate concerns over transparency and overoptimism in midst of large-scale debt crisis, as countries face severe austerity and private lenders wait for bailouts.
Zambia
Finance
Background
Showcasing the impact of debt in poor countries and a proposal for fair and green recovery financing
Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 29 March.
Finance
Analysis
G20 debt proposal continues to favour creditors
New common framework for debt relief announced at G20 Leaders’ Summit maintains prominent role of IMF and fails to include World Bank debt relief.
IFI governance
Background
Great expectations: Is the IMF turning words into action on inequality?
Notes from the 2017 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings session on the IMF's approach to inequality, 13 October.
Conditionality
Commentary
The IMF returns to Zambia: How will gender and income inequality be addressed?
The government of Zambia has approached the IMF for financial assistance, however, Zambian civil society is concerned that the required reforms will worsen gender and income inequality.
Finance
Analysis
IMF and debt restructuring: just talk?
An IMF staff blog has acknowledged weaknesses in IMF’s approach to debt sustainability, meanwhile civil society continues to demand human rights-based approach considering who bears burden of debt repayment.
Environment
Analysis
Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR)
Pipeline management and cancellation policies are in preparation for the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) to address funding constraints, with no funding available for new pilot countries’ projects. Questions were raised about gender impacts for a renewable energy project in Mozambique.
Environment
Analysis
Forest Investment Program (FIP)
Challenges in measuring progress were noted for the Forest Investment Program (FIP), in particular greenhouse gas accounting. Investment plans for Mozambique and Ivory Coast have been approved. Questions were raised over the reasoning for a commercial teak plantation project in Ghana.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
A new a new Enhanced Private Sector Program for the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP) is due to discussed. Cambodia’s investment plan has been approved. Social, environmental and financial risks related to a Nicaragua geothermal project were raised.
Environment
Analysis
Climate Investment Funds Monitor 14
New edition of the Bretton Woods Project's biannual Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) Monitor, including an update on the Green Climate Fund, published to coincide with the World Bank-hosted CIFs trust fund committee meetings.
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.
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.
