West Africa

         West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI)
                          Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA)

                                            Chair Summary*

                                               June 5, 2018

         Executive Directors approved an IDA financing envelope of up to SDR 218.1 million (US$317.1
million equivalent) for a “West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion�
(WURI) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) program (IDA/R2018-0125). They also approved a
credit for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, a credit and grant to the Republic of Guinea, and a grant to the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in the total amount of SDR 84
million (US$122.1 million equivalent) for the first phase of the WURI MPA program on the terms and
conditions set out in the President’s Memorandum. Directors authorized Management to commit
financing for this MPA program in phases.

         Directors recognized the rationale for using the MPA for this operation, financing regionally
interoperable foundational ID (fID) systems, and facilitating access to services to all persons irrespective
of legal status. They supported the Program Development Objective of increasing the number of persons
in participating countries who will have government-recognized proof of unique identity that will
facilitate access to services. They welcomed the operation’s interlocking three-component architecture,
namely: (i) Strengthening the legal and institutional framework; (ii) Establishing robust and inclusive fID
systems; and (iii) Facilitating access to services through fIDs.

         Directors appreciated the creative application and use of the MPA for shared learning, noting that
ECOWAS member states are at different levels of readiness, and observing that early successes might be
used to incentivize other countries to participate in subsequent phases. They welcomed that the program
design reflects the need to establish strong legal and institutional underpinnings of fID systems in all
countries ensuring data protection, privacy, and inclusion. They stressed the importance of establishing a
robust and inclusive system that serves the identity needs of all, thereby enhancing its sustainability.

        Directors took note of the risks associated with the implementation of these reforms, notably,
geopolitical risks and inadequate institutional capacity. They encouraged the Bank to strengthen
capacity-building activities and Management agreed to conduct an impact evaluation for the program, and
emphasized the importance of continued close coordination with other development partners.




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*This summary is not an approved record.