Republic of Guinea-Bissau

                                Country Partnership Framework

                                            June 13, 2017

                                           Chair Summary*


        Executive Directors discussed and endorsed the World Bank Group Country Partnership
Framework (CPF) (IDA/R2017-0169[IFC/R2017-0124, MIGA/R2017-0038]) FY18-FY21 for the
Republic of Guinea-Bissau (Report No. 114815-GW). They welcomed the CPF as the first full
strategy for WBG engagement in Guinea-Bissau since 1997, and expressed broad support for the
framework and its design, as well as its alignment with the Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD)
and national priorities as set out in “Terra Ranka�.

        Chairs welcomed the proposed two strategic focus areas: (i) increased access to quality
basic services; and (ii) expanded economic opportunities and enhanced resilience, and the
inclusion in the framework of cross-cutting themes on gender and governance. Directors noted
that the World Bank Group program provides an opportunity for a fresh start, incorporating
lessons learned from implementation experience in the past. Chairs also recognized Guinea
Bissau’s significant challenges as a small and fragile country, and highlighted the importance of
creating the necessary conditions for job creation and economic growth.

         Directors welcomed the proposal to expand interventions outside of Bissau and into rural
areas, and moving from emergency support to creating incentives for change. Directors also
stressed the potential benefits of using the wide range of investments and instruments available
through IDA18’s funding envelopes, including particularly the Regional and Private Sector
Windows, and noted the important role that IFC could play in helping develop the country’s
private sector.

        Directors welcomed the framework’s approach to complement the governmental
engagement by working and coordinating with the IMF, non-state actors including CSOs, the
private sector, and UN agencies, as appropriate. Directors also emphasized the potential for
South-South cooperation to support the program, and the importance of seeking development of
more timely and comprehensive development data. Finally, Directors highlighted the prevalence
of governance, institutional and capacity issues in Guinea-Bissau, and supported the use of
innovative instruments to support core state functions.




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*This summary is not an approved record.