Africa: Dams for Development? Unpacking Tensions in the World Bank’s Hydropower Policies

Africa: Dams for Development? Unpacking Tensions in the World Bank’s Hydropower Policies

Dams have been emblematic of the World Bank’s approach to development for many decades. From the bank’s early years in the 1960s and 1970s, large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams, power plants and transport networks were central to its strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction. This reflected a top-down modernisation paradigm. But the controversial…

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Belarus, Russia conduct joint military drills amid NATO tensions | Russia-Ukraine war News

Belarus, Russia conduct joint military drills amid NATO tensions | Russia-Ukraine war News

Moscow and Minsk insist, however, that the drills are defensive, adding that Western security concerns are ‘nonsense’. Russia has showcased some of its advanced weapons while conducting a joint military drill with Belarusian troops amid heightened tensions with NATO countries following alleged violations of the airspaces of Poland and Romania by Moscow. Approximately 7,000 troops,…

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Ethiopia inaugurates GERD dam amid downstream tensions with Egypt, Sudan | Energy News

Ethiopia inaugurates GERD dam amid downstream tensions with Egypt, Sudan | Energy News

Ethiopia celebrates Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam as Egypt and Sudan express fears over water security. Published On 9 Sep 20259 Sep 2025 Ethiopia has inaugurated Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile, as the $5bn project continues to sow dismay with downstream neighbours Sudan and Egypt. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has hailed the Grand…

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