The Republic of Guinea Country Partnership Framework Chair Summary* June 7, 2018 Executive Directors discussed the World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the Republic of Guinea for the period FY2018-2023. They supported its alignment with the Guinea Systematic Country Diagnostic and the Government’s 2016-2021 National Social and Economic Development Plan. Directors found that the CPF provided a comprehensive framework for supporting the country’s objectives to achieve inclusive growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development goals. Directors appreciated the CPF emphasis on accelerating Guinea’s transition to a more diversified, higher-value-added economy while addressing the multiple drivers of fragility through: (i) better fiscal, natural resources and biodiversity management; (ii) strengthened human capital and citizen engagement; and (iii) improved agriculture productivity and economic growth. Directors welcomed the selectivity framework but questioned if the resulting portfolio was too thinly spread across sectors and themes. They encouraged the team to consider sharpening the focus to achieve transformational results. They welcomed the scale-up of the envelope and the application of the Maximizing Finance for Development (MFD) approach, particularly in the energy and agribusiness sectors. They also welcomed close synergy with IFC, as well as efforts to optimize the use of the different WBG instruments, including non-concessional financing tools. Executive Directors asked about the pipeline for PSW. Some Directors asked about the use of non-concessional financing in the context of weak debt sustainability. They urged continued focus on coordination and alignment with the IMF. Directors wondered what was the WBG strategy for the energy sector in Guinea and how this affected potential engagement of IFC and MIGA in the sector. They highlighted the importance of the energy sector, noting that the Bank will not finance hydropower infrastructure. Directors asked the team how the lessons from the previous Country Partnership Strategy, as well as lessons from other parts of the Bank, will be incorporated in the CPF implementation in the health, education, labor and energy sectors. They also encouraged the team to build flexibility in the plans to be able to adapt to any change in the environment. Directors highlighted the importance to improve domestic resource mobilization and the need to strengthen social safety nets. Overall, the Directors welcomed the emphasis on institutional and absorption capacity in light of the ambitious program and substantial resources increase. _________________________________ *This summary is not an approved record.