Conditionality

Analysis

The IMF’s role in the devastating impacts of Covid-19 – the case of Ecuador

IMF-backed austerity measures starved health sector prior to pandemic, yet Fund continues to prescribe devastating long-term fiscal consolidation.

16 July 2020 | Guest analysis

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.

16 July 2020 | Guest comment

Rights

Analysis

Fears of lawsuits at World Bank’s tribunal constrain efforts to fight pandemic

Covid-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for ICSID and wider ISDS reforms as cases threaten to undermine state efforts to protect public health.

16 July 2020

IFI governance

News

“Godmother of austerity” appointment to World Bank chief economist post

Carmen Reinhart, co-author of influential 2010 pro-austerity paper, named to key post.

16 July 2020

Accountability

News

CSOs raise concerns about conflict of interest related to World Bank technical assistance loan in Guyana

Law firm contracted under World Bank technical assistance apparently backs out after CSOs expose links to ExxonMobil.

16 July 2020
Kasimba Prinary School, Mpanda District, Katavi Region, Tanzania. August 2019.

Social services

News

The World Bank, Covid-19 and public education: two steps forward one step back

World Bank’s new report on education and Covid-19 contrasts with IFC announcement on freezing private school investments.

16 July 2020

Rights

News

IFC denies responsibility for community harms following CAO’s Guatemala dam investigation

IFC denies responsibility for harms to the community in dam case despite investigation findings.

16 July 2020