Governance and Institutions

What We Know

1/2

of the world’s population expresses distrust in government institutions

Capable, accountable and inclusive governance is at the heart of the World Bank’s twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Countries with strong institutions prosper by creating an environment that facilitates private sector growth, reduces poverty, delivers valuable services and earns the confidence of their citizens -- a relationship of trust that is created when people can participate in government decision-making and know their voices are heard.

ida at work

85%

growth in public contracts awarded through open competition in Nigeria, in 2015.

the reality

$1.5trillion

in bribes are paid annually by individuals and businesses worldwide.

the need

36%

of IDA countries report tax revenues below 15% of GDP, far short of the level needed to fund basic state functions.

IDA at Work

Tajikistan

National Credit Bureau Eases Access to Financing

With IDA support, Tajikistan opened its first Credit Information Bureau in 2010. Between 2010 and 2016, more than 1.3 million contracts were uploaded into the system to provide credit information on 970,000 clients, individuals and small and medium enterprises.

Afghanistan

Citizens' Charter Empowers Local Councils

A ten-year Citizens' Charter aims to change the culture of governance in Afghanistan by empowering rural and urban development councils.

Governance and Institutions Interactive

IDA supports countries in building open, effective, and accountable institutions for inclusive development. This involves both strengthening core government systems to channel resources to the bottom 40% of the population, and developing a public sector grounded in transparency and citizen participation, which increases trust between governments and citizens.