In this year's report IEG provides a first global review of advisory services by IFC - knowledge services to private firms and governments in support of private sector development, such as customized training or advice on investment promotion and policy. IFC's advisory portfolio has grown tenfold, to nearly $1 billion, in the last seven years, and IFC now has more advisory than investment staff in the field. The substantial growth of this business line raises important questions related to the appropriate balance of advisory and investment services to ensure maximum development impact. more...

The World Bank Group’s support for health, nutrition, and population (HNP) has been sustained since 1997—totaling $17 billion in country-level support by the World Bank and $873 million in private health and pharmaceutical investments by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through mid-2008. This report evaluates the efficacy of the Bank Group’s direct support for HNP to developing countries since 1997 and draws lessons to help improve the effectiveness of this support. more...