What the World Bank’s shift from public to private funding means for development

Abstract

Something new is afoot at the World Bank. But there’s no reason for developing countries to be hopeful that development funding is about to get a much needed fillip after decades of dismal performance and inappropriate policy prescriptions. It’s just that Santa Claus will only give gifts to the investor kids from now on. As for those who were getting gifts all these years . . . well, it may be time to create another Santa.