http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.1.aspx The latest news on Africa from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.1.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12590.aspx Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:14:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12590.aspx The African Development Bank has been setting itself up as a major knowledge broker for sustainable development across the continent. However, a new mapping project from Heinrich Boell and BIC draws into question the Bank's track record when it comes to climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12569.aspx Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:07:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12569.aspx Read the latest REDD Alert for updates on the R-Package, Carbon Fund and Common Approach, as well as country updates from Africa, Latin America and Asia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12550.aspx Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:53:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12550.aspx This update prepared by the Bank Information Center introduces the FCPF Readiness Package (R-Package) and the Carbon Fund (CF) operational. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12545.aspx Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:21:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12545.aspx The Sierra Club and Bank Information Center are releasing a new report today describing the daily realities of coal impacted communities from Cirebon, Indonesia, the Konkan coast and Kutch India, Inner Mongolia China, Appalachia USA, New South Wales Australia, and Limpopo South Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12537.aspx Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:41:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12537.aspx The workshop Oslo REDD Exchange 2011 was organized by Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), on 23-24 June 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12531.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:35:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12531.aspx A new report from the Center for International Environmental Law sees a bias at the World Bank in favor of megaprojects like South Africa's Medupi coal plant. As it prepares a new Energy Sector Strategy, the report argues, the World Bank must calculate the true costs of its investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12385.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:17:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12385.aspx Read the latest REDD Alert for updates on the 8th Meeting of the FCPF Participants Committee, taking place next week in Da Lat, Vietnam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12380.aspx Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:50:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12380.aspx The Republic of Congo (RoC) government is preparing to send the country’s revised Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP) to the Facility Management Team (FMT) of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) after conducting a national validation workshop in Brazzaville from February 22-23, 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12374.aspx Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:40:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12374.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12371.aspx Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:18:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12371.aspx Dan Kammen has written a blog post discussing the upcoming UNFCCC conference in Durban, South Africa, the Scaling up Renewable Energy in Low-Income Countries program (SREP), and how the poor can benefit from both. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12369.aspx Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:37:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12369.aspx BIC is happy to announce the publication of our new Executive Director advocacy toolkit. Built around our ED advocacy workshop held during the 2010 Annual Meetings, this guide provides strategies for civil society actors to engage and build relationships with the World Bank's Executive Directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:53:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12314.aspx The Congo Basin is rich in forests and poor in cash, which makes it hard to resist offers of easy money from loggers. Carbon credits could, in theory, help save the forests, but the region's historically low rates of deforestation (and governance) make it difficult to prove you're saving trees. Here's a look at some of the complex challenges facing forestry advocates in this vital region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12277.aspx Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:48:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12277.aspx As Nigeria moves forward with the UN REDD Programme, residents remain fearful that their lands could be taken over by the government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12269.aspx Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:36:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12269.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12259.aspx Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:24:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12259.aspx Soaring demand in China and political unrest in Madagascar are fuelling illegal logging for hardwoods in the African nation, a report concludes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12211.aspx Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:27:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12211.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12209.aspx Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:34:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12209.aspx A group of eight Tanzanian Civil Society Organizations recently released their comments on Tanzania's R-PP which is scheduled to be discussed on November 2nd at the seventh Participant's Committee meeting of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility in Washington, D.C. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12208.aspx Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:12:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12208.aspx Africa’s first significant CDM forest carbon project has attracted a price of $US4 per tonne in temporary CER (tCER) carbon credits, according to a media report. The World Bank will buy the credits for half the carbon stored up to 2017 from an Ethiopian forestry project, the Humbo Assisted Natural Regeneration Project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12207.aspx Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:45:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12207.aspx The core of the Norway-Tanzania partnership on Climate and Forest is to provide financial and technical support to help Tanzania prepare for a future global mechanism for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12188.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:57:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12188.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12151.aspx Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:28:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12151.aspx The REDD Alert is a resource for civil society engaged in the global REDD+ process, with a special focus on the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. The alert brings you the latest information available on the FCPF process, other REDD initiatives such as UN-REDD and the Forest Investment Program, and other related news from around the world. REDD Alert is a project of Bank Information Center with contributions from other civil society groups working to make REDD a more participatory, transparent and equitable process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12150.aspx Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:35:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12150.aspx Pending Board approval, Zambia will represent a number of Anglophone African countries on the World Bank's Board of Directors, effective October 21, 2010. Meanwhile, discussions are underway to identify which countries will comprise the newly-formed third African seat on the Board. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:29:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12131.aspx Following the Inspection Panel's decision to launch a full investigation into the recently approved loan to South African utility Eskom, South African and international CSOs called for the World Bank to learn from the loan as it reviews its Energy Strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12073.aspx Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12073.aspx A draft report set to be released in August details the boom in agricultural land in the global south. Some have argued that the Bank is trying to bury the report because it contradicts Bank policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12066.aspx Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:31:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12066.aspx The Panel was given the green light today to conduct a full investigation into alleged policy violations in the World Bank's loan to South African power utility Eskom based on a complaint from local communities, who allege that the project will result in significant harms to their health, environment and livelihoods. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:58:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Kammen was recently selected to head the World Bank's renewable energy unit. In this interview, he discusses how technological change has affected the market for renewable energy and warns of "one size fits all" energy paths for developing countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12064.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:53:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12064.aspx Eleven case studies in Africa demonstrate the development effectiveness of renewable energy projects. A best practices model identifies the replicable elements of the projects so that international financial institutions can adopt these best practices in developing an energy investment strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12063.aspx Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:41:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12063.aspx Despite controversy surrounding it, the R-PP of the Republic of Congo was deemed of sufficient quality to move forward in the process, at the sixth Participants Committee meeting of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12053.aspx Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:36:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12053.aspx The R-PP of the Republic of Congo along with R-PPs from Argentina, Costa Rica, Kenya and Nepal were deemed of sufficient quality to move forward in the process, at the sixth Participants Committee meeting of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). This means that the World Bank is authorized to proceed with its due diligence and enter into a grant agreement with the country for a $3.4 million readiness grant. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12044.aspx Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:37:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12044.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12042.aspx Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:27:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12042.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12038.aspx Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:01:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12038.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12033.aspx Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:24:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12033.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12030.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:04:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12030.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12028.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:20:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12028.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12020.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:45:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12020.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12018.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:21:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12018.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12017.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:12:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12017.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12015.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:33:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12015.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12009.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:05:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12009.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12008.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:53:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12008.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12007.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:30:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12007.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12006.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:15:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12006.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12003.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:10:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12003.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12000.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:58:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12000.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11999.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:42:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11999.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11998.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:32:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11998.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11994.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:47:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11994.aspx For the people of northwestern Kenya, fighting to protect Lake Turkana from the Gibe 3 Dam is a fight for their livelihoods and the future of their unique cultures. International Rivers recently took a trip to the area and documented their struggle. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11987.aspx Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:31:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11987.aspx An experts workshop on governance safeguards in REDD+ was held from May 24th-25th, 2010 at the Chatham House, in London. In preparation for the workshop a background paper, "Governance in REDD+" was released, looking into the issues raised in REDD+ thus far. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11980.aspx Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11980.aspx A new lamp using inexpensive solar technology is being developed in Africa. This technology, less efficient but more affordable than others, could bring electric light to off-grid Africans and reduce dependence on kerosene. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11917.aspx Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:21:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11917.aspx On the tenth anniversary of the funding of the Chad-Cameroon Oil & Pipeline Project, the World Bank continues to practice problematic energy investment strategies. This emblematic project and its problems should inform the Bank's new Energy Strategy and how it invests in poor communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx On the heels of winning a $3.75 million loan from the World Bank, South African utility Eskom is now seeking carbon credits from the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. Environmentalists are outraged that one of the largest coal plants in the world could receive public funds from both the World Bank and the CDM. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11895.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:53:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11895.aspx The protestors, led by Friends of the Earth Europe, gathered peacefully outside of the meeting where they demanded an end to the World Bank's financing of fossil fuel projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx In light of the International Finance Corporation's review of its Sustainability Policy, Performance Standards and Disclosure Policy, the Bank Information Center has outlined its major concerns and policy recommendations that it will be presenting to the IFC throughout the review process. BIC highlights the issues of extractive industries revenue and contract transparency; reporting on development outcomes; and the principle of free, prior and informed consent and broad community support for risky projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11894.aspx Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:06:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11894.aspx A new ClimateWire article looks into the growing number of voices concerned about the World Bank's role in a post-Copenhagen world. The Bank's recent approval of a controversial loan to South African utility Eskom has spurred several previously reserved groups to demand reforms. BIC board member David Hunter was quoted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx Mon, 24 May 2010 14:02:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx Representatives from donor countries, REDD countries plus observers and World Bank staff met in La Lope, Gabon from March 22 to 25 to discuss readiness proposals from several countries. Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mexico were each allocated readiness grants up to 3.6 million USD. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11841.aspx Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:33:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11841.aspx In an interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Desmond D'Sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance spoke about the controversial loan to Eskom and what will be done now that the Board has approved it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx Despite strong opposition from concerned South Africans and marathon deliberations, the Bank today voted to approve a loan that will help fund one of the dirtiest coal-fired power plants in the world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11838.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:43:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11838.aspx South African activist Desmond D'Sa is quoted in the ClimateWire article. Sources say that later today, the U.S. will abstain from voting on the controversial Eskom loan rather than vote against it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:42:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Civil society activists converged at the World Bank on Wednesday afternoon in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:00:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx Community members from South Africa's Limpopo Province filed a complaint with the World Bank Inspection Panel today due to the proposed $3.75 billion loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Underlying the controversial proposed loan to the South African utility company Eskom are changing internal politics of the World Bank. Lisa Friedman of ClimateWire analyzes the implications for future World Bank loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11831.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:57:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11831.aspx Lori Pottinger of International Rivers writes about South Africa's potential for renewable energy, contrasted to the heavy focus on coal power that Eskom is pursuing. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11830.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:08:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11830.aspx South Africa's proposed Medupi power station would help maintain the country's status as a low cost location for industry. The Guardian's Joss Garmin discusses the implications of the World Bank loan to Eskom in the context of global politics of climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:32:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx The vote on the controversial loan to Eskom at the World Bank Board of Directors on April 8 is still up in the air. The government of the United Kingdom is still weighing the options, but will very likely be the deciding vote. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.aspx Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:46:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.aspx The proposed capital increases for the World Bank and IFC would expand their size without expanding the scope of their reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Rainforest Foundation Norway, Rainforest Foundation UK, Greenpeace, FERN and Global Witness, released a joint statement on March 12, 2010, criticizing the Democratic Republic of Congo's REDD readiness proposal for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:58:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will hold the fifth meeting of its Participants Committee in order to discuss several reforms and readiness proposals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11806.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:17:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11806.aspx Friends of the Earth is planning a discussion with two South African activists about the proposed $3.75 million loan to Eskom which will fund the construction of the Medupi power station tomorrow at 1 p.m. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11803.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:25:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11803.aspx World Bank research paper debunks conventional views that renewable energy is too costly for large-scale expansion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11801.aspx Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:12:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11801.aspx The Bank will delay the proposed refurbishment of the Inga 1 and 2 dams until 2016, and will cut back the size of the project. Staff said that the cutbacks were due to both the world financial crisis and problems specific to the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:10:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx After the Democratic Republic of Congo cancelled an IFC backed mining contract over disputed payments, the World Bank arm has declared that it will not begin new projects in the country until the dispute is resolved. The IFC is currently active in nine projects in Congo with a commitment of $104.6 million. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11789.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:35:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11789.aspx A broad coalition of civil society in South Africa is mobilizing opposition to the controversial loan proposed to help fund the Medupi coal plant. They threatened a boycott of World Bank bonds if the loan is approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:49:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx Communities, environmental groups, academics and NGOs today call on the World Bank to cease and desist from a proposed loan of R29 billion ($3.75 bn) to Eskom. If this loan – which may come up for a Board vote in March or April – goes through, poor South Africans will have to bear the burden of Eskom’s debt and the World Bank’s cost recovery programme, and climate change will intensify. A world campaign begins now. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11773.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:13:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11773.aspx In his op-ed featured on All Africa, Frank Muramuzi of the National Association of Professional Environmentalists analyzes the World Bank’s disastrous approach to energy lending, focusing specifically upon large hydropower projects in Uganda. He emphasizes the point that the Bank’s current policies lead to more poverty, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11691.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:34:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11691.aspx As the World Bank is expediting a $3.75 billion dollar loan to the South African power utility Eskom, mostly for the coal fired Medupi power station, a new report from South African NGO GroundWork looks at the state of Eskom, and what the influx of money will mean for the company and the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx BIC board member and environmental expert Korinna Horta considers the challenges and opportunities for REDD and forest governance in the Congo Basin region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:57:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx South Africa's power company believes that the World Bank will make a decision about whether to loan up to $5 billion to the company in the first half of 2010. The money would go toward the construction of the Medupi coal fired power station, as well as other energy projects throughout the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:57:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx In 2009, Development Policy Operations increased dramatically as a percentage of overall World Bank lending, from an average of about 33% to over 50%. Dogged by concerns that stem from a lack of a strong set of safeguard policies or clear results, this shift to greater dependence on DPLs/DPOs raises concerns about arbitrage by Bank clients to soften or avoid transparency and accountability commitments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:24:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx The World Bank is quietly preparing the first capital increase in nearly 20 years to replenish the coffers after unprecedented lending in 2008 and the coming two years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:13:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx With a price tag of $860 million and climbing, Bujagali is now amongst the most expensive hydropower plants in the world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:56:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.aspx BIC's Africa Program Manager, Josh Klemm, is quoted in a This is Africa article about the problematic $860 million Bujagali Hydropower plant project in Uganda, financed, in part, by the IFC. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:13:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx Observers, however, are skeptical that the proposed project presents a solution to Africa's energy problems and whether the millions of Africans without access to electricity stand to benefit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:47:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.aspx DRC mining review process struck down the contract, citing issues such as non-payment of royalties and failure to adhere to an agreed timetable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11438.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:59:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11438.aspx The frontloading of resources in response to the crisis has nearly exhausted AfDB's lending capacity for 2010, as the Bank explores ways to sustain its lending levels. Meanwhile, its support for disastrous projects like the Gibe III Dam in Ethiopia highlights risks of a stronger AfDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11434.aspx Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:21:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11434.aspx Civil society groups remain skeptical that either is in a position to ensure the environmental and social sustainability of their investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11386.aspx Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:44:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11386.aspx This update provides an analysis of the World Bank's Approach Paper entitled "Toward Greater Transparency: Rethinking the World Bank's Disclosure Policy", which was recently released. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11095.aspx Read highlights from the 2nd Participants Committee Meeting of the FCPF, at which BIC served as an NGO observer. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx The World Bank launched the review of its information disclosure policy on Friday, March 13th with the public release of an Approach Paper. BIC and partners argue the case for greater transparency in Bank procedures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:07:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11071.aspx Requestors argue that the Gibe III Dam is set to deplete Lake Turkana with dramatic impacts on downstream communities in Kenya, and in the absence of public consultation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11057.aspx Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:27:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11057.aspx BIC to serve as NGO observer at the next meeting of the Committee of Participants for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) that will take place on March 11-13 in Panama, Central America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:17:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx Civil society requests for a delay go unanswered as the project is approved in the absence of an environmental impact assessment and amid significant transparency and governance issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11047.aspx Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:23:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11047.aspx Meanwhile, IFC mining investments in Guinea face uncertainty after the government revoked half of the IFC-backed Simandou concession, and over the future of the massive Guinea Alumina Project as Guinea's president dies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11001.aspx Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:11:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11001.aspx African Development Bank also contributing record loans to address power shortage. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10992.aspx Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:20:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10992.aspx Meanwhile, people displaced by the project finally receive monetary compensation, nearly four years after being impoverished through a resettlement process that denied them the option of the land compensation they were entitled to. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Plummeting copper prices have caused investors to shy away from the $1.5 billion Kafue Lower Gorge Dam, which is designed exclusively for use by foreign mining companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10986.aspx Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:59:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10986.aspx Bujagali deal full of risk for one of world’s poorest countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10962.aspx Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:15:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10962.aspx A newly released joint report between Bank Information Center (BIC) and Global Witness critically assesses the World Bank Group's and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) success in increasing transparency in extractive industries in resource-rich countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx A coalition of 630 organizations from 104 countries have issued a statement demanding a truly global response to the global crisis and laying out a set of principles for doing so. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3930.aspx Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:07:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3930.aspx In the wake of the global financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is experiencing a resurgence as the world’s "financial crisis firefighter." The upcoming G20 financial summit has placed the IMF as the central institution in charge of “crisis management” and reform of the international financial architecture. While there is much talk of “overhauling” the IMF through fundamental reforms, the same leaders who say this are also talking about broadening the scope of the IMF’s power and influence. Undoubtedly empowered by the contagion of financial meltdown in middle-income countries, the IMF is now scurrying around the globe signing new multi-billion dollar loan deals with a spate of new countries, most notably the Eastern European “Baltic tiger” countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3929.aspx Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:31:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3929.aspx Sign-on to the civil society letter, BY OCTOBER 28, supporting the fundamental and far-reaching transformation of the international financial and economic system. The letter supports the major international conference convened by the UN to review the international financial and monetary architecture, its institutions and its governance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3923.aspx Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:34:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3923.aspx The World Bank’s request amounts to an admission of failure in one of its most controversial and disastrous projects – once touted as a “model” for high-risk projects - after the Chadian government repeatedly used its newfound oil wealth in contravention of its agreements to invest in poverty reduction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3892.aspx Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:34:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3892.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3889.aspx Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3889.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3886.aspx Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3886.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3880.aspx Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3880.aspx Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and five other African countries were included in a list of 14 that will take part in the Bank's controversial Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3878.aspx Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:18:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3878.aspx Since the Chinese economy has taken off and it has increasingly looked to Africa to provide raw materials, the World Bank and IMF have been confronted with the question of how to respond. Recent statements by the institutions have shown that these responses are careful and at times contradictory. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3872.aspx Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3872.aspx The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) $35 million investment in a Guinea iron mine is in jeopardy after the government rescinded a deal with mining company, Rio Tinto. At the same time, the IFC is exploring the possibility of a $500 million stake in a massive aluminum project in the West African country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3871.aspx Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:39:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3871.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3866.aspx Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3866.aspx But questions on compensation for displaced, “upstream” impacts, and gas flaring remain unanswered. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3863.aspx Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3863.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3856.aspx Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3856.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3848.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3841.aspx As the World Bank prepares to launch two new climate investment funds at the upcoming G8 summit, and positions itself as the "climate bank," new statistics developed by the Bank Information Center show that the World Bank's private sector arm, the International Financial Corporation (IFC), increased its lending for fossil fuel projects by a staggering 165% in FY2008. Taken as a whole, the World Bank Group increased its fossil-fuel lending by 60% in the same period. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3840.aspx Bank Information Center has recently released it's new "Handbook for Advocacy on Extractive Industry Revenues: Good Practices and the IMF’s Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.aspx Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:34:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3826.aspx World Bank involvement in the proposed Inga and Kafue dams has brought criticism over the continued reliance on hydro in a warming world, and intentions to power foreign mining companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx As Newmont, the world's largest mining company prepares for gold mining operations in Ghana, civil society groups challenge the purported benefits for local communities. Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has come under fire for the environmental and social legacies of its gold mining investments in Ghana and its plans proceed to begin the next phase of Newmont's controversial Ahafo gold project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.aspx Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:45:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.aspx The World Bank's Country Director for Kenya, who was criticized over the Bank's portfolio in the country as well as a controversial leaked memo during the country's recent elections, will be the new Bank Director of Operations and Strategy for Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3820.aspx Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:36:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3820.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3802.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.aspx Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3791.aspx During the French environment minister's recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society organizations released a statement drawing attention to the alarming situation in the Congo forests and the destructive activities of logging companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 13:31:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx The World Bank announced today that it has set up a financing facility in the order of $1.2 billion to assist with the global food crisis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx Thu, 29 May 2008 15:16:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx The International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending is at an all time low, and the institution is forced to redefine its role as developing countries benefit from the availability of other sources of finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3783.aspx Wed, 28 May 2008 11:57:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3783.aspx The "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3781.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3779.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3764.aspx Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3764.aspx Skyrocketing food prices have forced the international financial institutions (IFIs) to articulate responses to the situation. The World Bank has conjured a "New Deal for Global Food Policy" to pump agriculture-oriented loans and programs into Africa and to address emergency financing needs. The IMF has voiced concern over the likely macroeconomic shocks of the food crisis in low-income countries. But the Bretton Woods Institutions must wrestle with a legacy that helped set the stage for diminished food security in many low-income countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 10:31:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3763.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compilation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3762.aspx This is a new feature from BIC! This "Weekly Roundup" is a compliation of select news articles, blogs or other media concerning the international financial institutions from the past week. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx Fri, 02 May 2008 10:47:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3749.aspx The new Country Assistance Strategy for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which the Bank has kept secret, suggests a continued emphasis on the natural resource sectors as sources of growth going forward and predicts at least $1.4 billion in new lending over the next three years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:24:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx Read the special Spring Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. The issue is also available in Spanish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx DRC mining contract commission to push for a greater share in the Tenke Fungurume mining concession, one of the largest copper-cobalt deposits in the world. Critics charge that EIB's investment in the highly contested project before the conclusion of the contract review was "irresponsible." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3719.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3719.aspx The World Bank is considering financing a hydroelectric dam between Burundi and Tanzania that would boost mining production in East Africa. But in an area prone to drought, particularly with the onset of climate change, questions remain about the project's sustainability and whether it will be worth the projected $190 million cost. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Wall Street Journal editorial targets corruption in World Bank projects in Kenya, spurring renewed complaints about the Bank’s alleged contribution to a climate of loose ethics and corruption in the Kenyan government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3717.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:34:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3717.aspx Rising global food prices have led to outbreaks of civil unrest in West and Central Africa. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank plan their responses to the growing crisis, Cameroon, site of worst strife, relaxes IMF policies on wages and prices. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3702.aspx Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3702.aspx As a significant rebel threat to his government appears to recede, Chadian President Idriss Deby has clamped down on political opponents and bypassed controls established by an agreement with the World Bank to redirect oil revenues for military use. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:14:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3693.aspx Proposed projects would include transcontinental transportation corridors that would require a huge outpouring of money. They would serve to benefit exporters and, by extension, transnational companies that profit the most from Africa’s commodities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3679.aspx Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:54:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3679.aspx Panel's suggestions include merging of the African Development Fund (ADF) with the African Development Bank (ADB), and eliminating the performance-based allocation (PBA) system. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3677.aspx Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:37:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3677.aspx Robert Zoellick told Africa's leaders the World Bank wanted to expand its "efforts to help countries produce their own food, instead of relying on imports.” This would represent a complete reversal of Bank policy which has focused thus far on encouraging Africa to devote more land and resources to growing commodities, and to rely on international markets to purchase the food they were no longer growing. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:42:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx While the World Bank has expressed its support for the move, calling the new fiscal regime "more equitable," critics counter that the Bank was responsible for insisting on rock-bottom tax rates in 1998 that have deprived the government of much-needed revenue as copper prices soared. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3672.aspx Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:22:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3672.aspx World Bank hopes leading academic's appointment will help strengthen ties with China. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:50:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3668.aspx The World Bank President also spoke of the need to “speed up the process of clearing the arrears of countries that have fallen behind in payments to multilateral lenders.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3662.aspx Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:09:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3662.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:07:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3659.aspx Concerns abound about vague promises to exempt the impoverished from payment, while debate continues over whether public institutions should allocate resources to private providers at the expense of the public health sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3653.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:53:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3653.aspx A UK tribunal ruled in favor of the government after finding that water services deteriorated following a controversial, non-competitive privatization process backed by the World Bank. A separate case brought by the company against Tanzania worth $20 million is being decided behind closed doors at a World Bank court. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3652.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:50:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3652.aspx Construction of the dam proceeds despite an ongoing investigation into claims presented by civil society groups that the project violates environmental and social standards of both the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3651.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3651.aspx During a recent visit to China, Bank President Robert Zoellick appeared keen to assuage concerns that China’s massive loan packages to Africa could compromise recent efforts to reduce some African countries’ debt burdens. Zoellick also praised China for its decision to contribute for the first time to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3650.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:11:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3650.aspx Only a handful of countries have signed onto the highly contested free trade agreements with Europe, which critics argue would limit governments’ ability to protect local firms or stipulate certain investment conditions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3649.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3649.aspx An Inspection Panel report on the World Bank’s safeguard policy violations in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forest sector operations prompts discussion on new approach and greater role for Pygmies in decision-making about the future of the world’s second-largest rainforest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:43:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Internal memo raises questions about the institution's political neutrality in Kenya. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3638.aspx Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3638.aspx AfDB President Donald Kaberuka praises the United Kingdom's “concretization of commitments to double aid to Africa” made at the Gleneagles G-8 summit in 2005. However, Kaberuka’s willingness to credit the UK with “concretizing” its pledges appears overly generous. To date, the UK and the G-8 have fallen well short of the mark in meeting their promises. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3633.aspx Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:18:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3633.aspx World Bank's Inspection Panel expected to submit findings of its investigation into claims made by local communities that the project violated the Bank's environmental and social policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:11:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx Last week, the Financial Times published an article on the World Bank's errors in its forest operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and allegations of support for illegal logging in the country by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Just two days later, the IFC announced it would sell its stake in Olam International Ltd., the Singaporean commodity trading company accused of "environmental malpractice" in the world's second largest rainforest. As those gathered in Bali for the United Nations conference on climate change discuss the importance of forests to the future health of the planet, the Bank's missteps in Congo deserve a closer look. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx A prominent New York Times article describes how Malawi went from food aid recipient to regional food provider in just two years after re-introducing fertilizer subsidies for its low-income farmers. The move contravened years of policy guidance from the World Bank and IMF, which warn against such distortions of the “free market.” But donors find it hard to argue with success, especially because in violating what its wealthy benefactors in Europe and North America say, Malawi is doing precisely as they do. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3601.aspx Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:46:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3601.aspx The World Bank touted it's meeting with a delegation of Pygmies from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the Bank's Annual Meetings in October. But as Simon Counsell of Rainforest Foundation UK points out, the Bank has consistently ignored the findings of the quasi-independent Inspecition Panel and violated its own "safeguard policies." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:51:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Thousands of teachers and hundreds of nurses in Burundi went on strike last month to protest the government’s inability to meet its commitments to increase wages and improve working conditions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3577.aspx Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3577.aspx Leaked report lists IFC-sponsored Kalukundi concession among contracts recommended for renegotiation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3576.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:34:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3576.aspx The claim runs contrary to a recent report which found that over 40 percent of IFC projects implemented between 1996 and 2006 failed to deliver positive development results. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3575.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:15:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3575.aspx According to Bloomberg, the plant would require the use of up to two-thirds of the dam's output. The World Bank previously indicated that it may be willing to support the expansion of the dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3574.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:03:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3574.aspx The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced yesterday that it will write off Liberia's debt by securing $842 million from its own institutional reserves and donor country pledges. The move comes after the Fund endured heavy criticism in the international media last month for not following through on its commitment to Liberia, eighteen months after the country had met the IMF's stringent policy conditions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3568.aspx Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3568.aspx A coalition of non-governmental organisations from Europe, North America, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched an international appeal today demanding the publication of the final report of the ministerial commission on the review of mining contracts without delay. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:31:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx Critics claim that Aid for Trade schemes could aggrevate rather than alleviate poverty, particularly in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3546.aspx Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3546.aspx Questions remain as to whether the IFC will use its role as a major IDA donor to deflect criticism of its own investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3545.aspx As the World Bank launches its latest flagship World Development Report, this year on "Agriculture for Development," the Independent Evaluation Group's report clearly acknowledges that the Bank's engagement with the most important sector in its highest-priority region has largely been a failure. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:15:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx On October 15th, a public hearing on the World Bank will take place in The Hague. The hearing aims to raise the debate on the legitimacy of the World Bank and influence the aid distribution process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:10:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx World Bank President Robert Zoellick has named former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as a new managing director of the Bank, effective December 1, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:50:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3522.aspx The African Development Bank (AfDB) will contribute $100 million despite ongoing review into alleged irregularities associated with mining concession contract. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3520.aspx Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:49:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3520.aspx Last week, International Finance Corporation (IFC) chief Lars Thunell told Reuters that the IFC is "trying to do more in high-risk countries," adding that it is investing more in post-conflict countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Lebanon and Sierra Leone. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3519.aspx Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:27:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3519.aspx Controversial both inside and outside the institution, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) strategy in low-income countries was debated at a recent panel that questioned whether or not the IMF should exit low-income countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3518.aspx Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3518.aspx The World Bank has approved plans to proceed with the development of the controversial Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, although many critical issues remain unanswered. Civil society groups are concerned that the initiative may end up being profitable for governments, companies and investors without any real reductions in carbon emissions, true protection of forest resources, or equitable benefits for the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:19:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx Proposed copper-cobalt and gold projects re-enforce civil society's misgivings about the International Finance Corporation's commitment to environmental and social sustainability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3507.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3507.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from July 14 to September 21 on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. Sign up now to receive this publication in our new electronic newsletter format. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3506.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:54:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3506.aspx The African Development Bank's $500 million loan to support Eskom's expansion raises the question of whether it wields sufficient leverage to ensure adherence to its social and environmental safeguards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3505.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:49:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3505.aspx Some observers are apprehensive about the trend among international financial institutions (IFIs) to focus on fragile states, particularly in Africa, and are concerned that these institutions may wield undue leverage over cash-strapped governments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3504.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:35:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3504.aspx On September 13th, after over 20 years of negotiations, the United Nations General Assembly finally adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The international declaration sets a higher standard for international financial institutions (IFIs) to ensure safeguards and strengthen their policies on indigenous peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:34:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx The Bank's new "Lighting Africa" program, which was launched this week, seeks to catalyze business interest in developing innovative ways to bring light to millions of Africans who are not connected to the electricity grid. While the attention to off-grid and non-fossil fuel based electricity supply in Africa is welcome, it remains questionable whether the private sector can meet the Bank's goal of delivering affordable lighting to 250 million people on the continent by 2030. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3481.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:38:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3481.aspx While the World Bank pumps more money to sub-Saharan Africa, much of it to finance large-scale infrastructure projects, poverty levels across the continent continue to rise. How effective is the Bank's aid to Africa? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3479.aspx Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:51:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3479.aspx Although construction of the controversial hydropower project in Uganda began last week, debate continues over the dam's design, cost and impacts. A recent article in the Baltimore Sun provides details. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3473.aspx Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:59:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3473.aspx The Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) filed a request for inspection of the World Bank's Kwabenya landfill project in Accra, the capital of Ghana. They argued that the project would displace a significant portion of the Agyemankata community and cause health problems for residents, who were not adequately consulted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:01:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3472.aspx Last week, National Public Radio's Morning Edition broadcast a story on the debate surrounding the World Bank-financed Bujagali dam in Uganda. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3471.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:00:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3471.aspx The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), found that 41% of the IFC projects studied had low development ratings. IFC performed particularly poorly in Africa and Asia, where only half of its projects had positive development outcomes. In Africa, the quality of IFC work was particularly poor, rated as “high” in only 45% of projects, as compared to 68% in other regions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:21:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3466.aspx China's "no-strings-attached" investments in Africa appear to many a welcome alternative to the conditional loans offered by the World Bank and IMF. But what consequences will China's growing involvement on the continent have for Africans? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3460.aspx Thu, 16 Aug 2007 14:21:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3460.aspx A new World Bank report warns reproductive health services are being overlooked in the fight against poverty. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3451.aspx Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:28:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3451.aspx Meanwhile, divisions on the Bank's Board of Directors over the report's findings could present Zoellick with his first test of leadership. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3449.aspx Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:38:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3449.aspx Unprecedented increase raises question of whether the Bank wields sufficient leverage to ensure compliance with its social and environmental safeguards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3448.aspx Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:31:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3448.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3446.aspx Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3446.aspx The European Investment Bank this week approved €100 million ($130 million) for the controversial Tenke Fungurume mining project, despite calls from civil society for public lenders to await the outcome of an ongoing examination of 60 mining contracts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3445.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:21:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3445.aspx World Bank-backed project to receive Inspection Panel visit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3437.aspx Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3437.aspx Critics argue that OPIC's expected investment in the Tenke Fungurume mine appears to prejudge the outcomes of the ongoing government review process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3436.aspx Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:05:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3436.aspx Civil society remains concerned that the criteria for cancellation in the legal review may not be strictly applied, and that many dubious titles could be confirmed in the process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3429.aspx Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3429.aspx Critics question whether the Fund has the expertise to engage countries emerging from conflict, and are concerned that the it might exert undue leverage over cash-strapped governments with little bargaining power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3428.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3428.aspx Plans to scale up investments in mining, large infrastructure, and private education raises concerns among civil society groups skeptical of the IFC's commitment to development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3427.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3427.aspx Critics argue that the Bank and many of its borrowers are ill-equipped to effectively utilize the substantial increase in aid requested on Africa's behalf. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3426.aspx Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:34:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3426.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between June 16 and 29 on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. Sign up now to receive this publication in our new electronic newsletter format. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3425.aspx Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3425.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3417.aspx Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3417.aspx Just weeks after the World Bank Group approved $360 million in loans and guarantees for the Bujagali Hydroelectric Dam, the project is again in the news following renewed debate over the crisis facing Lake Victoria. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3404.aspx Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3404.aspx Many question banks' rhetoric of "support[ing] environmentally and socially sustainable investment" on the continent, citing dubious track records. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3403.aspx Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:33:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3403.aspx Critics maintain opposition to IMF tax proposals, call on government to demand equitable royalty rates for Zambia's lucrative copper mining. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3402.aspx Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:16:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3402.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between May 26 and June 15 on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. Sign up now to receive this publication in our new electronic newsletter format. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3401.aspx Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3401.aspx Critics contend that even with the upcoming review of 60 mining contracts signed during the war and by the interim government, the Congolese stand to benefit little. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3399.aspx Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3399.aspx Uncontested World Bank presidential nominee makes no major break from Wolfowitz's agenda during Africa tour. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3397.aspx Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3397.aspx Eva Joly encourages Zambian parliamentarians to demand greater revenues so that the country could benefit from its lucrative copper industry http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3396.aspx Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3396.aspx Find out what extractive industry (oil, gas, mining) and energy projects the international financial institutions (IFIs) are financing in your country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3395.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3395.aspx While NGOs express disappointment at the G8’s failure to take any bold steps on climate change during the recent summit in Heligendamm, Germany, the World Bank has praised the meeting outcomes and applauded the emphasis on market mechanisms to combat climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3394.aspx Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:01:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3394.aspx Critics counter that carbon market amounts to "a carbon accounting loophole for industrialized countries, instead of a tool for climate protection." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3388.aspx Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3388.aspx Civil society fears that Bank is cutting corners in safeguards review in rush to approve loans, posing potentially serious risks to affected communities and the environment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3387.aspx Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3387.aspx Collaboration to focus on large infrastructure; move seen as attempt by World Bank to avoid growing competition with Chinese counterpart. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3386.aspx Mon, 04 Jun 2007 10:56:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3386.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between May 12 and 25 on the international financial institutions (IFIs) in Africa. Sign up now to receive this publication in our new electronic newsletter format. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3383.aspx Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:53:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3383.aspx Local groups argue that the controversial IFC-sponsored Ahafo gold mine seriously threatens the environment and livelihoods. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3338.aspx Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3338.aspx China’s offer to host the event, which brings together senior finance and development officials from African and donor governments, speaks volumes about changing Sino-African relations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3337.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 10:35:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3337.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between April 21 and May 11 relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3336.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 10:19:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3336.aspx African civil society rejects the idea of Wolfowitz as Africa's friend, arguing that the Bank continues to undermine development on the continent. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3331.aspx Mon, 14 May 2007 10:35:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3331.aspx Controversial Uganda dam to become the subject of the first trial case for the African Development Bank's new Independent Review Mechanism. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3328.aspx Wed, 09 May 2007 13:00:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3328.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3320.aspx Mon, 07 May 2007 15:48:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3320.aspx The Primer aims to help Africa’s civil society better understand what the AfDB is, how it may affect them, and what they can do to influence it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3315.aspx Tue, 08 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3315.aspx A new report documents the results of IMF macroeconomic policies on governments' ability to hire teachers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3295.aspx Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:12:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3295.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from April 1 - April 20 relating to International Financial Institution (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3293.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:58:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3293.aspx In a press release following yesterday's decision, NGOs accuse the Bank of ignoring inconvenient truths about climate change, hydrology and fisheries. They warn the project may threaten Lake Victoria and leave the majority of Ugandans in the dark. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3292.aspx Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3292.aspx Bank approves $360 million financing package for dam on Victoria Nile despite concerns about climate change, environmental impacts and cost. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3291.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:20:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3291.aspx The World Bank produced a progress report on its Africa Action Plan in advance of the Spring Meetings in Washington, DC earlier this month. How has the Bank measured up to its commitments, and what should Africa expect moving forward? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3287.aspx Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3287.aspx The UK Royal Court of Justice in London ruled that Zambia must pay Donegal International $15.4 million plus an undetermined share of Donegal's legal fees. Donegal purchased Zambia's debt for $4 million, then sued the impoverished nation for over $50 million. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3280.aspx Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:01:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3280.aspx Report highlights disrepancies between conclusions of the World Bank and the official project monitors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3270.aspx Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3270.aspx New report shows that IMF's lending in Africa is "confused, vague, lacks transparency and suffers from a large gap between rhetoric and practice." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3269.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3269.aspx Civil society remains concerned about limited public participation and energy planning, risks to Chad-Cameroon pipeline and forest reserves, and expectations that the dam would serve industrial interests. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3264.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3264.aspx Investigation to focus on issues of compensation, safety, livelihood impacts, and gas flaring http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3263.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3263.aspx 27 arrested after protest turns violent; environmental groups condemn violence, may face charges. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3262.aspx Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:00:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3262.aspx The World Bank-backed Chad-Cameroon pipeline is once again in the news - this time following the release of a new report which documents the heavy toll that oil development has taken on the local population in southern Chad. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3261.aspx Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3261.aspx Many remain skeptical that the proposed project represents a solution to Africa’s energy woes http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3247.aspx Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:56:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3247.aspx Ugandan groups highlight risks of project to hydrology of Lake Victoria, sustainability of the energy production, lack of comprehensive needs and options assessment, anticipated impacts on local communities http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3246.aspx Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:29:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3246.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between March 17 and 30 relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3245.aspx Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:11:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3245.aspx Report entitled "Carving up the Congo" reveals that the world's second largest rainforest is under threat. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3243.aspx Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:44:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3243.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between March 3 and 16 relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3222.aspx Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:58:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3222.aspx Reuters reports that Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, is expected to become the next Vice President for Africa at the World Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3219.aspx Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:37:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3219.aspx NGO reports dramatic drop in World Bank lending for Africa during current fiscal year, predicts decline in quality of loans during final quarter if the Bank attempts to meet its commitments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3216.aspx Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:11:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3216.aspx Taking advantage of rising commodity prices, the International Finance Corporation plans to expand its hard rock mining activities to incorporate copper, aluminum and iron ore http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3215.aspx Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:09:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3215.aspx “Access to affordable and clean electricity for the millions of Africans who today have none” is a fitting goal for the World Energy Council (WEC)’s energy planning in Africa. But their answer, the $50 billion USD Grand Inga hydropower scheme, is not the panacea project that the WEC would like it to be. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3213.aspx Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:17:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3213.aspx A coalition of NGOs launched an appeal to the Congolese government, the World Bank and other international partners to "renegotiate, revoke or cancel" disadvantageous mining contracts made during the war and under the transitional government, in order to ensure that the Congolese people derive a "fair share" from the exploitation of the country's natural resources. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3209.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:14:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3209.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles from between February 17 and March 2 relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3204.aspx Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:56:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3204.aspx The use of public money by the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank to extract uranium poses a serious cause for concern, not only because of threat of contamination of local water sources, but because of the precedent it would set. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3199.aspx Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:58:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3199.aspx Controversial World Bank-backed project faces further obstacles due to ongoing instability in Nigeria’s turbulent Niger Delta region. In recent months, unrest in the Delta has been marked by kidnappings of oil workers and attacks on oil installations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3198.aspx Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:44:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3198.aspx Visit signals heightened World Bank interest in the country following the inauguration of a new government, as well as in the wake of controversy around the forest and mining sectors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3197.aspx Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:30:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3197.aspx Civil society releases declaration enumerating key demands concerning forest sector management in the Democratic Republic of Congo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3196.aspx Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:23:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3196.aspx BIC and Environmental Defense release the latest DRC Country Update, which provides information about recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to the work of the International Financial Institution’s (IFIs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The French version is forthcoming. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3182.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:10:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3182.aspx At a two-day “experience-sharing meeting” on the extractive industries (EI) in Africa last week in Tunis, the banks agreed to intensify their collaboration on EI work and support for the implementation of the EITI by resource-rich countries in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3181.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:01:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3181.aspx At a recent press conference in Brussels, the head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) reiterated his apprehensions about increased competition from Chinese banks in Africa. As reported in the Financial Times, President Philippe Maystadt expressed his concerns that Chinese banks “apply lower ethical and environmental standards” to their investments in Africa, and that they are effectively undermining good governance and undercutting competitors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3180.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:46:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3180.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3179.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:44:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3179.aspx A British court ruled that Donegal International, which paid less than $4m to buy off a Zambian debt valued at over $30m, is owed repayment from Zambia. The exact repayment total is undetermined, but estimated at about $20m – half the amount the country will receive in debt relief this year. Many are outraged at the ‘vulture fund’ for reversing the affects that debt relief should bring the impoverished nation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3172.aspx Thu, 22 Feb 2007 09:37:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3172.aspx Although Dr. Sarah Wykes, an anti-corruption campaigner at Global Witness, has been released from prison following her Feb 20 arrest on espionage charges, she has not yet been able to leave the oil-rich Cabina region, where she was detained. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3165.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3165.aspx A report released last week documents the failure of the proposed Bujagali Dam in Uganda to fully comply with the international best practices set by the World Commission on Dams (WCD) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3157.aspx Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3157.aspx A new film by independent Malian director demands accountability from the IFIs for their impacts in Africa. Staged in a typical family courtyard in Mali, "Bamako" beautifully documents a people's trial of the World Bank and IMF. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3150.aspx Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:01:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3150.aspx The controversial Chad-Cameroon pipeline is again in the news after an off-shore oil spill occurred near the town of Kribi in coastal Cameroon. Meanwhile in southern Chad, where ExxonMobil and its consortium partners extract nearly 200,000 barrels of “black gold” per day, the security situation and living conditions are deteriorating. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3148.aspx Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:20:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3148.aspx Civil society concerned about regional bank's emphasis on large-scale energy projects http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3141.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3141.aspx An article in The Times described a secret high-level meeting of the heads of several Western mining companies and UN and World Bank officials concerning competition from Chinese investors in Africa’s mining sector http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3140.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3140.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3138.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:30:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3138.aspx The World Social Forum was held in Africa for the first time earlier this month. For five days, more than 50,000 people gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the most pressing issues affecting social, economic and environmental justice in the world today – to voice outrage, to celebrate progress, and to inspire each other. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3126.aspx Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:25:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3126.aspx The Center for Environment and Development (CED), a Cameroon-based organization that has been active in monitoring the impacts of the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project, has issued a press release on the incident. CED notes, among other things, a concern regarding the poor communication and long delay in alerting the public and local authorities about the spill. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3108.aspx Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:44:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3108.aspx BIC to host sessions on the African Development Bank and World Bank in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3094.aspx Sun, 21 Jan 2007 22:06:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3094.aspx Observers anticipate an emphasis on large infrastructure http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3089.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3089.aspx In an op-ed about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Boston Globe, authors John le Carre and Jason Stearns criticized the unfavorable mining contracts signed between several international companies and Gecamines, the Congolese state-owned copper company, as a threat to the country’s prospects for lasting peace and development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3088.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3088.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3074.aspx Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3074.aspx Both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Investment Bank (EIB) disclosed project documents for the controversial Bujagali hydroelectric dam this week; IFC board date set for April 2007 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3070.aspx Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3070.aspx The EIB's emphasis on large, fossil fuel-based infrastructure projects a major cause for concern. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3067.aspx Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3067.aspx A report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged China to exercise caution while investing in Africa. The IMF expressed concern that the ever-increasing volume of Chinese loans with loose conditions to African countries could end up producing a "new wave of Africa debt." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3062.aspx Tue, 19 Dec 2006 15:29:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3062.aspx Tiomin mining company is set to resume preparations for titanium extraction in an African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3059.aspx Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3059.aspx Ghana’s Minister of Finance Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu announced this month that Ghana would not renew its Poverty Reduction Growth Facility (PRGF) concessional lending scheme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3053.aspx Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:53:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3053.aspx The Bank will offer $1 billion to newly-elected President Joseph Kabila in support of his five selected priority areas: health, energy, infrastructure, education and good governance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3052.aspx Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3052.aspx New World Bank Vice President for East Asia “confident that we'll be able to find a broad range of activities where we can work together.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3051.aspx Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3051.aspx Bank's delayed reply fails to address critical issues of public disclosure or consultation http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3040.aspx Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3040.aspx Competition from Chinese lenders prompts EIB to consider removing "excessive" conditions placed on loans http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3037.aspx Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3037.aspx World Bank yet to disclose audits of Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned copper mining company http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3036.aspx Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3036.aspx An NGO letter to the World Bank details urgent concerns regarding the Bujagali hydropower project in Uganda, which is being fast-tracked for development early next year. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3035.aspx Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3035.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3034.aspx Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3034.aspx President Wolfowitz fills position after Africa VP's resignation http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3033.aspx Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3033.aspx Summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to international financial institution (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3029.aspx Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3029.aspx European Investment Bank to provide funds for controversial Uganda dam http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3022.aspx Tue, 21 Nov 2006 13:05:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3022.aspx An internal memo warns that the Bank may be complicit in the non-transparent awarding of mining contracts that are unfavorable to the country http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3021.aspx Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3021.aspx Agencies encourage donor countries to channel more Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects to Africa under new "Nairobi Framework" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3018.aspx Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3018.aspx Vice President Gobind Nankani considered Wolfowitz's "latest casualty" http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3017.aspx Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3017.aspx The Sino-African summit wrapped up last weekend amid promises from China to double trade, aid and investment in Africa http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3008.aspx Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3008.aspx This week the World Bank suspended its contracts to Lahmeyer International after being found guilty of bribing public officials in the multi-billion dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3007.aspx Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3007.aspx BIC's "IFIs in Africa News Briefings" provide summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to International Financial Institutions (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3002.aspx Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3002.aspx BIC's "IFIs in Africa News Briefings" provide summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to International Financial Institutions (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2987.aspx Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2987.aspx The head of the extractive industries unit for the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the World Bank’s political risk insurance arm, has expressed an interest in scaling up its portfolio in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining industry from its present $20.8 million to $500 million within three years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2979.aspx Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2979.aspx In a written response to civil society organizations, the World Bank has agreed to disclose its comments on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the planned Lom Pangar hydroelectric project in eastern Cameroon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2975.aspx Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2975.aspx BIC's "IFIs in Africa News Briefings" provide summaries and commentary on the latest news articles relating to International Financial Institutions (IFI) involvement in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2974.aspx Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2974.aspx At its annual meetings in Singapore, the IMF Board of Governors reformed the voting shares of a few countries, but critics say they have not gone far enough http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2973.aspx Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2973.aspx The Ghana Country Updates provide information about recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institution’s (IFIs) in Ghana. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2964.aspx Fri, 29 Sep 2006 14:22:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2964.aspx The European Investment Bank (EIB) last week approved a €70 million investment (approximately $87 million) in the Chevron-led West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to support the construction of the 681 km-long pipeline that will transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Ghana’s industrial centers in Tema and Takoradi. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2950.aspx Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2950.aspx The upcoming annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Singapore will have a direct bearing on the institution’s operations in sub-Saharan Africa. Topics particularly relevant to Africa include a one-year-on review of the Bank’s Africa Action Plan, the presentation of the Bank’s new Energy Investment Framework, and a discussion of the Bank’s Anti-Corruption and Governance Strategy. In addition, the governors of the IMF are expected to discuss proposed adjustments to the voting shares of member countries, with potential implications for Africa’s voice on the Fund’s Board of Directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2949.aspx Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:29:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2949.aspx Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources admits that the ongoing crisis in the country’s turbulent Niger Delta Region may delay the supply of natural gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana through the West Africa Gas Pipeline project (WAGP). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2940.aspx Fri, 01 Sep 2006 11:58:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2940.aspx A proposed revision of voting shares at the International Monetary Fund could leave Africa with even less of a say in the institution's operations. The Fund's governors will consider increasing the votes of China, South Korea, Mexico and Turkey, at the organization’s Annual Meetings in September. African governors may veto the proposal if it does not include firm commitments to protect the voice of low-income countries. Als available in Spanish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2937.aspx Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:53:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2937.aspx World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz recently concluded a whirlwind tour of Africa after visiting seven countries - Ethiopia, Tanzania, Chad, Benin, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia – in almost as many days. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2908.aspx Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:50:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2908.aspx The Government of Chad and the World Bank signed a memorandum of understanding on July 14th regarding the use of the country's oil revenues. While the agreement has been heralded as a resolution to the protracted dispute between the two parties, some civil society observers remain skeptical that the government of Chad has any more will or capacity today to deliver on promises to use oil money for the poor than it did when the World Bank suspended lending to Chad in January of this year. The MOU, which will be in effect through 2007, leaves many questions unanswered and key details about oversight of spending and management of windfalls undefined. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2892.aspx Mon, 24 Jul 2006 13:50:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2892.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2876.aspx Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:14:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2876.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2894.aspx Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2894.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2875.aspx Tue, 11 Jul 2006 15:42:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2875.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2867.aspx Wed, 05 Jul 2006 12:44:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2867.aspx The AfDB President laid out the institution's priorities for development in Africa in an interview with AllAfrica.com, emphasizing the need to make investment climates more attractive to the private sector and focus on regional integration and infrastructure development http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2839.aspx Wed, 14 Jun 2006 12:44:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2839.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2837.aspx Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:06:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2837.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2812.aspx Mon, 22 May 2006 10:21:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2812.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2800.aspx Thu, 18 May 2006 15:42:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2800.aspx The claim filed by Nigerian residents of twelve communities in Lagos State to the World Bank Inspection Panel cites violations of World Bank policies on resettlement, environmental assessment and economic evaluation. If implemented as presently designed, the claimants argue, the project will do irreparable harm to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of their communities.<ul><li class="DocPDF"> <a href="http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTINSPECTIONPANEL/Resources/Ghana_NoRMay1-FINAL.pdf">Notice of Registration document</a>, World Bank Inspection Panel, May 2, 2006 WB Inspection Panel website (Acrobat pdf 36 KB)</li></ul> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2775.aspx Thu, 11 May 2006 15:13:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2775.aspx Following expressions of concern about ongoing problems at its Ahafo gold mine in Ghana, Newmont Mining Corporation recently made available new documents on the project's social and environmental impacts and mitigation measures. These supplemental documents, located on Newmont’s website, contain updated information on the company's resettlement action plan, measures to address the vulnerability of project-affected populations, the terms of reference for an external monitoring mechanism, and data on environmental risks. <ul><li class="DocHTM"> <a href="http://www.newmont.com/en/operations/projectpipeline/ahafo/docs/supdoc.asp">Supplemental documents on the Ahafo mines</a> (Newmont’s website)</li></ul> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2773.aspx Thu, 11 May 2006 11:20:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2773.aspx The World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank announced that over $2 billion of Cameroon's debt would be erased. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2758.aspx Thu, 04 May 2006 12:55:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2758.aspx On April 27th, the World Bank announced that it had reached an interim agreement with the Government of Chad to resume lending and unfreeze bank accounts containing the country's oil revenues. The accounts had been blocked since January of this year, when the Bank suspended lending to the country following the government's decision to rewrite the revenue management law and use oil money for security spending. <ul><li class="DocHTM"> <a href="http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/0,,contentMDK:20903775~menuPK:258657~pagePK:146736~piPK:146830~theSitePK:258644,00.html"> World Bank press release on interim agreement </a></li></ul> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2750.aspx Wed, 03 May 2006 16:40:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2750.aspx Joshua became BIC’s Africa Program Assistant in April 2006 after spending a year and a half with the local Transparency International chapter in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the National Accountability Group. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2748.aspx Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:14:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2748.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2711.aspx Tue, 04 Apr 2006 13:09:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2711.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2811.aspx Sat, 01 Apr 2006 16:05:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2811.aspx Following the approval of IFC financing for Newmont's Ahafo mine in Ghana, the Bank Information Center, Oxfam-America, FoodFirst Information Action Network, Earthworks, WACAM, and ABRANDH sent a letter to IFC repeating the call for urgent action to be taken on unresolved problems related to the social and environmental impacts of the mine. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2671.aspx Mon, 13 Mar 2006 18:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2671.aspx The recent collapse of the World Bank’s “model” petroleum development project in Chad underscores the vulnerability of the poor as the primary bearers of risk and highlights the pitfalls of promoting extractive industries in countries lacking political stability, history of respect for human rights, or functioning mechanisms of public accountability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2668.aspx Tue, 07 Mar 2006 13:29:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2668.aspx NGOs call upon the World Bank to investigate mining contracts and problems with the Bank's reform project in DR Congo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2665.aspx Fri, 03 Mar 2006 17:36:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2665.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2623.aspx Fri, 03 Mar 2006 15:15:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2623.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2512.aspx Tue, 31 Jan 2006 09:53:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2512.aspx A group of Ghanaian and international organizations is urging the World Bank to postpone funding for a new gold mining project in Ghana until the Bank addresses the project's human rights and environmental problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2611.aspx Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:43:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2611.aspx In what some have described as Wolfowitz's first real test in his new position, the President announced the suspension of all World Bank loans to Chad on Friday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2569.aspx Fri, 06 Jan 2006 16:33:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2569.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2514.aspx Thu, 08 Dec 2005 13:42:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2514.aspx BIC’s Africa regional work focuses on the operations and impacts of the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund. BIC has strategic partnerships with non-governmental organizations throughout the region. A key component of the program is to strengthen our regular information services, communication and outreach to civil society actors monitoring IFI operations and promoting environmental, social and economic justice in Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2502.aspx Fri, 02 Dec 2005 10:50:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2502.aspx Bank Information Center, Oxfam America, Intermon (Oxfam Spain), Environmental Defense and Amis de la Terre (Friends of the Earth-France) have issued a statement concerning the current crisis in Chad over the government's proposal to fundamentally alter the petroleum revenue management law. The fate of the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project, a flagship investment for the Bank in the extractive industries and in Africa, has implications not only for the people of Chad, but for the Bank's future involvement in the sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2490.aspx Mon, 21 Nov 2005 17:00:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2490.aspx The government of Chad has announced its intention to amend the Petroleum Revenue Management Law—the much-vaunted centerpiece of the World Bank’s “model” Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project—in order to increase revenues available for discretionary spending today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2450.aspx Thu, 27 Oct 2005 11:07:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2450.aspx The World Bank has drafted an "Action Plan" for Africa, laying out key objectives and commitments for its operations in the region in the coming years. Among other things, the plan emphasizes shifting IDA resources toward unresitricted budget support, dramatically increasing financing for the private sector and infrastructure, through collaboration between IDA and IFC, and expanding regional trade initiatives. The document went to the Board Committee on Development Effectiveness (CODE) in early September and will be discussed by the Development Committee at the Annual Meetings in late September. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2332.aspx Mon, 12 Sep 2005 20:48:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2332.aspx On August 29, the International Finance Corporation indicated its intent to provide $125 million in loans to Newmont Gold Corporation, the largest gold producer in the world, for its development of two mining sites in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Prior to the public announcement about proposed IFC support for the mining activities, local community members and civil society organizations in Ghana had expressed concern about Newmont's operations, community relations and the lasting environmental impacts of the open-pit gold mine. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2328.aspx Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:39:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2328.aspx Includes information about recent developments, decisions, civil society concerns and recommendations related to Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) involvement in Sierra Leone. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2325.aspx Thu, 08 Sep 2005 14:05:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2325.aspx Includes information about recent developments, decisions, civil society concerns and recommendations related to Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) involvement in Ghana. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2299.aspx Fri, 02 Sep 2005 10:44:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2299.aspx The director of the Oil, Mining, Gas and Chemicals Department responds to a civil society letter noting lack of progress on implementing Extractive Industries Review recommendations. Read the full response and highlights. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2285.aspx Fri, 12 Aug 2005 12:11:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2285.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2274.aspx Wed, 10 Aug 2005 15:40:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2274.aspx Browse a list of current country directors (includes emails) for borrowing member countries of the World Bank in sub-Saharan Africa. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2247.aspx Wed, 03 Aug 2005 16:50:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2247.aspx Mr. Donald Kaberuka was favored by the US and other non-African member countries, although he apparently gained significant African support in the two months since the stalemated elections at the AfDB's Annual Meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2222.aspx Wed, 27 Jul 2005 19:03:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2222.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2195.aspx Thu, 14 Jul 2005 14:23:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2195.aspx Learn civil society perspectives on climate change and the G8 debt cancellation proposal, and find out how to act. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2198.aspx Wed, 06 Jul 2005 15:38:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2198.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2180.aspx Fri, 24 Jun 2005 15:23:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2180.aspx African Jubilee South demands restitution, an end to debt and conditionalities http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2170.aspx Wed, 15 Jun 2005 12:32:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2170.aspx Includes information about recent developments, decisions, civil society concerns and recommendations related to Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) involvement in Nigeria. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2099.aspx Tue, 03 May 2005 17:51:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2099.aspx Over 30 civil society organizations issue a statement highlighting the shortcomings of the draft report. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2084.aspx Wed, 20 Apr 2005 15:59:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2084.aspx The African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has criticized the World Bank for the insufficient time frame provided for draft Country Assistance Strategy comments. They are calling for a delay in the process to allow civil society a meaningful opportunity for input. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2081.aspx Wed, 20 Apr 2005 15:17:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2081.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2027.aspx Wed, 23 Mar 2005 16:39:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2027.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1986.aspx Tue, 15 Mar 2005 22:06:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1986.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1979.aspx Mon, 14 Mar 2005 14:07:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1979.aspx Elections for the presidency of the African Development Bank will be held at the Annual Meeting of the Boards of Governors scheduled to take place on May 18-19 in Abuja, Nigeria. Seven candidates are running, including representatives from Ghana, Rwanda, Cameroon, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Gabon. Each candidate is supported by one or more regional member countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1975.aspx Sat, 12 Mar 2005 18:02:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1975.aspx Pressure on the US mounts during discussions at a recent meeting of Trade Ministers in Nairobi, Kenya, and following the ruling of the WTO appeals mechanism finding the US in violation of prohibitions against cotton subsidies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1974.aspx Sat, 12 Mar 2005 16:46:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1974.aspx The Africa Commission formed by Tony Blair, British Prime Minister and Chair of the G8 for this year, has issued its nearly 500 page report, with recommendations regarding debt, aid flows, corruption and trade garnering the most attention. Several less well-known recommendations in the report concern the undemocratic structure and governance of the IFIs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1973.aspx Fri, 11 Mar 2005 20:19:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1973.aspx The World Bank is preparing to reestablish relations with Sudan and commence lending within the year. The WB reopened an office in Sudan in January and is expected to contribute to the massive $7 billion reconstruction program outlined for the "post-conflict" country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1972.aspx Fri, 11 Mar 2005 20:13:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1972.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1945.aspx Mon, 28 Feb 2005 09:13:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1945.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1925.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2005 12:58:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1925.aspx The February G7 meeting produced talk of providing “as much as 100% multilateral debt relief,” but no consensus was reached on concrete actions moving forward. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1877.aspx Sun, 06 Feb 2005 13:15:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1877.aspx The African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has criticized the late notice and lack of information available in advance of a consultation on the World Bank's Country Assistance Strategy for Nigeria, to be held on Monday, December 13. They are calling for a delay in the process to allow civil society a meaningful opportunity to input into the formulation of the Bank's lending strategy for the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1816.aspx Fri, 10 Dec 2004 14:12:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1816.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1788.aspx Sat, 04 Dec 2004 15:51:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1788.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1787.aspx Sat, 04 Dec 2004 15:40:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1787.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1786.aspx Sat, 04 Dec 2004 15:35:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1786.aspx On November 30, 2004, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a $25 million Institutional Reform Support Credit for Chad. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1785.aspx Sat, 04 Dec 2004 15:29:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1785.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1784.aspx Sat, 04 Dec 2004 15:17:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1784.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1940.aspx Wed, 01 Dec 2004 10:29:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1940.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1774.aspx Tue, 30 Nov 2004 15:35:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1774.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1770.aspx Mon, 22 Nov 2004 16:41:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1770.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1757.aspx Tue, 16 Nov 2004 11:48:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1757.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1648.aspx Wed, 13 Oct 2004 14:47:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1648.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1627.aspx Sat, 11 Sep 2004 18:16:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1627.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1625.aspx Sat, 11 Sep 2004 17:49:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1625.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1610.aspx Mon, 30 Aug 2004 21:06:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1610.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1541.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2004 11:05:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1541.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1626.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2004 18:01:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1626.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1489.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2004 13:36:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1489.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1473.aspx Wed, 09 Jun 2004 20:27:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1473.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1472.aspx Wed, 09 Jun 2004 20:22:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1472.aspx Representatives of prominent African NGOs and trade unions have called upon the G8 to take action on their unfulfilled promises to address the debt, trade and HIV/AIDS issues. Transparency network calls for more disclosure. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1467.aspx Mon, 07 Jun 2004 14:18:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1467.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1418.aspx Mon, 26 Apr 2004 12:11:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1418.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1405.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2004 20:59:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1405.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1401.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2004 18:59:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1401.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1385.aspx Mon, 08 Mar 2004 18:16:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1385.aspx Local NGOs have issued press statements and addressed letters to MIGA's Executive Directors and their own government raising concerns about the Koidu Kimberlite Diamond Mine in Sierra Leone, and calling for a delay of the project's approval. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1363.aspx Wed, 25 Feb 2004 21:02:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1363.aspx The developer of a diamond mine in Sierra Leone for which MIGA is considering a guarantee, defends itself against concerns raised about its operations and questions the legitimacy of local NGOs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.705.aspx Wed, 14 Jan 2004 21:37:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.705.aspx The African Development Bank is accepting public comments on its proposed inspection function through January 31. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.578.aspx Mon, 12 Jan 2004 10:49:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.578.aspx The World Bank released initial project documents for the West African Gas Pipeline. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.570.aspx Sun, 11 Jan 2004 13:53:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.570.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.654.aspx Wed, 17 Dec 2003 22:47:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.654.aspx Groups fear imminent oil revenues will strengthen the current regime and exacerbate current insecurity, lack of resources, and human rights violations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.72.aspx Fri, 10 Oct 2003 16:20:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.72.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.73.aspx Wed, 13 Aug 2003 16:37:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.73.aspx