World Bank 2012

This report presents the results of an assessment of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/International Development Association (the World Bank) conducted by the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN).

To assist developing countries worldwide in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable growth, the World Bank provides loans to middle income countries, and credits and grants to low-income countries. It has recently committed to substantially increase its support to fragile and conflict-affected states. The allocated resources are invested by governments in a wide array of development sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, inclusive growth, health, education, water and sanitation, climate change, and governance in public administration. The World Bank also provides analytical and advisory activities and technical assistance to client countries.

Globally, the World Bank plays a role in the wider multilateral system as a provider of knowledge, a commitment that has recently been reinforced with the launch of the Open Knowledge Repository, and uses its convening power to develop and maintain global development partnerships.

The World Bank has implemented a number of reforms to improve its effectiveness, efficiency and governance. As part of the Bank’s modernisation agenda, it has committed to enhance transparency, increase its focus on results, and become financially stronger and more responsive to clients.

In 2012, MOPAN assessed the World Bank based on information collected through interviews with World Bank staff, a survey of key stakeholders, and the review of documents. The survey targeted the World Bank’s clients, as well as MOPAN donors based in-country and at headquarters. Eight countries were included in the MOPAN survey: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Honduras, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe. A total of 219 respondents participated in the survey. MOPAN’s document review assessed the World Bank through an examination of publicly available corporate documents and country programming documents from five of the eight countries selected.