Will the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Reshape the Global Trade and Investment System?
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is the first mega-regional trade and investment agreement this century. […]
Sub-Saharan Africa
Prospects for Low Income Developing Countries
Min Zhu discussed the IMF’s new study on Low Income Developing Countries, economic consequences of the outlook, and the policy options available. […]
Emerging Markets Unite!
A new initiative by the BRICS coalition of emerging countries, intended to establish a new development bank, will rival traditional development groups such as the IMF and World Bank and may shift the balance of power of the world’s economy. […]
The Next World Bank President
The new World Bank president, an American once again, was selected through a process that was far from competitive. However, the presence of two developing world candidates in this year’s field may be a sign that the tide is turning. […]
The World Bank Head Hunt
Over three dozen ex-World Bank officials have backed Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s bid for the World Bank’s presidency. But does she stand a real chance of becoming the institution’s first non-U.S. leader? […]
Inside the World Bank
Over the past several decades, the World Bank has broadened its approach to growth and poverty reduction by moving beyond hard infrastructure initiatives to systemic reforms in education and health care and the development of social safety nets. […]
Soaring Food Prices: Causes, Consequences, and Remedies
After a relatively short-lived decline during the Great Recession, international food prices have soared again and reached a record-high in recent months. This price surge, coupled with a dramatic spike in the price of oil, is causing great hardship for the world’s poor households. […]
Is the African Renaissance for Real?
Economic growth in Africa has accelerated remarkably since the turn of the century, reflecting a rise in commodity prices as well as better macroeconomic policies, increased openness, and fewer conflicts. […]
Whither Africa?
After stagnating for decades, economic growth in Africa has accelerated, but maintaining this rapid growth is far from guaranteed. Policy makers must build on past successes and tackle tough reforms before the world’s poorest continent can make sustained economic progress. […]
Is the African Renaissance For Real?
Economic growth in Africa over the last ten years has been at its strongest in decades, but continued reform efforts—especially those affecting governance and the business climate—are needed to ensure that this renaissance continues. […]