Recourse

How development is financed, who bears risk, and whether climate considerations are embedded in economic decision making are questions that shape climate and development outcomes worldwide.

In 2025, Recourse engaged the IMF, scrutinised climate finance governance, and advocated for reforms to the international financial system. Through submissions, advocacy, convenings, and analysis, we pushed for stronger climate integration in global financial governance and challenged approaches that continue to fall short of climate justice.

⬇️ 🌱 Read more in our Annual Report 2025 in the first comment.

As development finance institutions expand private finance and blended finance approaches, accountability and public interest must remain central.

Across many African countries, rising debt pressures continue to constrain public investment, climate resilience and independent development pathways.

We are calling for:
💸 Grant-based and concessional public finance
📢 Greater transparency in private sector operations
⚖️ Rights-based and accountable development finance
🌍 Economic diversification and long-term resilience

Development finance should support equitable and climate-resilient futures, not deepen debt distress and extractive dependence.

A just transition cannot be built on fossil gas expansion.

Recent AfDB financing decisions risk undermining climate commitments and long-term energy transition goals across the continent.

Development finance should:
⛔ Exclude fossil gas and LNG financing
⚡ Prioritise sustainable renewable energy systems
🛡️ Strengthen environmental and social safeguards
🌍 Support equitable and rights-based energy access

Mission 300 should accelerate access to sustainable energy, not reinforce fossil fuel dependence or false solutions.

💧 Are MDBs backing a truly just energy transition?

In our 2025 Annual Report, we reflect on Recourse’s work to challenge fossil fuel lock-in and push for financing for renewable energy systems that are community-centred, accountable, and accessible.

Throughout the year, we monitored MDB clean energy finance, contributed to Mission 300 and the ADB Energy Policy review, and continued challenging “false solutions” promoted under the banner of climate finance and transition.

Our partner Karabo Mokgonyana from Power Shift Africa shared: “By centring communities and pushing for greater accountability in public finance, our joint efforts have helped amplify the call for renewable energy systems in Africa that are not only sustainable, but equitable and inclusive.”

📎 Read the full story in our Annual Report 2025 in our first comment.

🛡️ In our Annual Report 2025, we reflect on a year of advocacy to strengthen safeguards and secure access to remedy amid growing pressure on international financial institutions to weaken accountability standards and mechanisms.

Throughout 2025, Recourse supported advocacy and community-led campaigns linked to coal projects in the Philippines and Indonesia, the Pathivara cable car project in Nepal, the Bhola gas plant in Bangladesh, lithium extraction in Argentina, Reko Diq copper mine in Pakistan, and many more.

We also convened 200+ civil society organisations to engage in the IFC Sustainability Framework review process.

Our partner Prabindra Shakya Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy shared: “We look forward to sustaining our collaboration with Recourse to push the IFC for similar dedicated engagement with Indigenous Peoples.”

Read the full story in our Annual Report 2025 in our first comment ↓

🕰️ Tomorrow: join our webinar on how IMF programmes are shaping climate and development policy across the Global South!

Speakers from Bangladesh, Ecuador, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia will share perspectives on debt, austerity, climate finance and grassroots resistance to IMF-driven reforms.

This conversation is for climate advocates, civil society groups, researchers and anyone interested in the intersection of finance and climate justice.

⏰ Tuesday 19 May, 7am MX / 9am EDT / 3pm CEST / 4pm EAT / 6:30pm IST

Register here: 🔗 https://imf-climate.org/webinars/

Join our webinar on 19 May:
IMF country cases – greenwashed austerity, grassroots resistance ✊️

A panel of experts and advocates will share first-hand insights into the IMF's impacts on climate and development policy in Bangladesh, Ecuador, Kenya, Senegal and Zambia, and provide important lessons for activists mobilising against IMF-imposed austerity.

This webinar is for you if you:
• Are from one of these countries and want to know more about how the IMF’s presence has impacted your climate resilience;
• Are a climate advocate in a country that is considering an IMF loan, who wants to better understand the institution and its potential consequences;
• Are seeking practical insights from experienced advocates on how to challenge the IMF in different contexts.

See you there!
📌 7am MX / 9am EDT / 3pm CEST / 4pm EAT / 6:30pm IST
🔗 Registration link in the first comment