World Bank panel probing West Africa gas pipeline

(Reuters) - A World Bank panel is probing possible violations of bank procedures around its funding for the West African Gas Pipeline operated by Chevron Corp..

Washington-based environmental group Friends of the Earth said on Friday the investigation by the bank's Inspection Panel will officially begin on July 15.


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IMF to meet Monday on process to select new chief

(Reuters) - The IMF board will meet on Monday at the prompting of developing nations which want Europe and the United States to agree to throw open selection of a new managing director to candidates from around the globe, officials said on Friday.

The top International Monetary Fund job has always gone to a European since the global financial institution was created in 1945, under an informal deal where the United States appoints the head of its sister organization, the World Bank.


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World Bank to fund West African road, rail links

(Reuters) - The World Bank said on Wednesday it will provide $201 million in credits and grants to improve road and rail links between West African neighbors Chad, Cameroon and Central African Republic.

"Those three countries have some of the least functional traffic connections of any area in the world," World Bank spokesman Tim Carrington told Reuters.


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Africa business rosier but more aid needed - W.Bank

(Reuters) - Prospects for doing business in Africa have never been rosier, but more efforts are still needed to improve roads and energy and cut out red tape, a senior World Bank official said on Wednesday.

At the same time, the world's richest nations, or G8, must speed up aid for Africa in order to complement the continent's drive to put its house in order, said Obiageli Ezekwisili, the World Bank's new vice-president for the Africa region.


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