Brazil’s National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES)

Local Development, the Key to Legitimising Amazon Hydropower Dams

By Mario Osava
In the case of the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam in Brazil, the projects aimed at mitigating the social impacts have been delayed. But in other cases, infrastructure such as hospitals and water and sewage pipes could improve the image of the hydropower plants on Brazil’s Amazon rainforest rivers, turning them into a factor of effective local development.

Money, Knowledge and Controversy in Brazil’s Development Bank

By Mario Osava
Brazil’s rush to build hydroelectric dams, refineries, railways, ports and other megaprojects since the last decade, not only at home but in other countries as well, has been fueled by the sheer volume of financing from its development bank.

Africa in Debt to Brazil: Forgiveness Isn’t Always Free

By Fabiana Frayssinet
The Brazilian government projects the cancellation of nearly 900 million dollars in debt owed by a dozen African countries as a gesture of solidarity. But others simply see an aim to expand the economic and political influence of South America’s powerhouse.


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