Seychelles has achieved considerable economic and social progress since independence in 1976. Since enduring a major crisis in 2008, Seychelles has managed a remarkable turnaround in restoring fiscal sustainability and laying the groundwork for growth.
... See More + Having successfully exited from crisis, the government's attention has turned increasingly toward consolidating progress on debt sustainability and increasing resilience by putting Seychelles on a higher, private sector-led growth trajectory. While the government has made impressive progress on fiscal consolidation, these efforts will need to be sustained in order to achieve its debt reduction targets. This report reviews the progress in implementation during the first three years of the FY2012-15 country partnership strategy (CPS) for Seychelles. The strategy is structured around two pillars: (i) competitiveness and employment, and (ii) vulnerability and resilience, and one crosscutting foundation: governance and public sector capacity. The strategy is aligned with the Bank Group's twin corporate goals of reducing extreme poverty and increasing shared prosperity.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 88259 NOV 14, 2014
Togo's new Poverty Reduction Strategy, Strategy for Boosting Growth and Promoting Employment (SCAPE) 2013-2017 was adopted by the Government of Togo on August 29, 2013.
... See More + It presents the overarching reference framework for the Government's development agenda and reflects the authorities' aspiration to become, over the next 15-20 years, a middle income country, in which the rule of law and human rights are respected. An extensive diagnostic of the economy identified four critical challenges that the new strategy addresses: (i) how to accelerate economic growth and employment creation, (ii) how to improve governance, (iii) how to deal with demographic challenges, high population growth in particular, and (iv) how to enhance urban development, improve land use and protect the environment. The SCAPE's response to these challenges is a program comprising five pillars: (a) developing sectors with high growth potential, (b) strengthening economic infrastructure, (c) developing human capital, social protection and employment, (d) strengthening governance, and (e) promoting participation and a balanced and sustainable pattern of development.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 86108 JUL 03, 2014
Under the first Medium-Term Plan (MTP-1) (2008-12) of Kenya's vision 2030 strategy, significant efforts were made to promote growth and preserve sound economic policies under challenging circumstances.
... See More + The overall objectives of the MTP-2 are to accelerate growth to reach double-digit levels, to create jobs for the Kenyan youth, and to further reduce the still high poverty levels. It seeks to build on the successes of the MTP 1, including macroeconomic stability, the enactment of the 2010 constitution, infrastructure development, the growth of the services sector, and improved access to education. At the same time, it recognizes remaining challenges, including a low and declining share of manufacturing, low agricultural productivity, high energy costs, a still limited transport infrastructure, a narrow export base, and major economic and social disparities across the country. The MTP-2 aims to continue the positive trend in areas where substantial progress was achieved, as well as to increase attention on areas where progress was slower while keeping the same priority sectors. The key thematic areas that seek to describe how these objectives will be achieved are: (i) the foundations for national transformation, which cover a broad range of areas including infrastructure, information technology, employment policies, land reform, ending drought emergencies, public sector reform, and national security; (ii) the economic pillar, which identifies the seven sectors that are expected to spur faster growth; (iii) the social pillar; and (iv) the political pillar.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 85054 FEB 12, 2014
This joint staff advisory note (JSAN) reviews Cabo Verde's third growth and poverty reduction strategy paper (GPRSP-III) covering the period 2012-2016.
... See More + The GPRSP-III aims at operationalizing through structural reforms and programs the government's objective of "building a dynamic, competitive and innovative economy, and promoting shared prosperity". The GPRSP-III describes in detail the participatory process through which the objectives were formulated. While preserving consistency with the government's long term development vision, the GPRSP-III entails several important policy shifts. The GPRSP-III places significantly greater emphasis on the structural reforms needed to improve the country's competitiveness. Recognizing the difficult external environment facing Cabo Verde and the government's constrained fiscal position and reduced access to concessional financing, the GPRSP-III sets out an ambitious structural reform agenda to improve the efficiency of public sector investment and state-owned enterprises' (SOEs) service delivery, enhance the investment climate, and reform the labor market (with a view to raising productivity and fostering private sector development). The GPRSP-III also focuses on promoting shared prosperity through developing and modernizing agriculture and fisheries, and strengthening linkages between tourism and the rest of the economy. The GPRSP-III has a matrix structure based on five axes of government interventions and seven clusters with strong potential to accelerate growth and shared prosperity.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 84449 JAN 23, 2014
The Agenda for Prosperity (AfP) provides the framework for Sierra Leone's social and economic development for 2013-18. This new strategy, adopted by the government in July 2013, builds on progress made under the previous one, the Agenda for Change (AfC), and seeks to address remaining challenges and to accelerate the country's development in a stable macroeconomic environment.
... See More + The authorities' strategy to achieve Sierra Leone's economic transformation relies heavily on prospective expansion in the natural resources sector. Key objectives under the AfP build on enhanced management of the country's vast natural resources and expected higher revenue from the sector, particularly from mining. Similar to the previous strategy, the AfP focuses on addressing the country's large infrastructure needs, notably through large-scale infrastructure projects in the energy, transport and agriculture sectors. Progress in the implementation of Sierra Leone's second generation poverty reduction strategy, the Agenda for Change (AfC), was generally positive. The AfP recognizes a number of lessons learned in the implementation of its predecessor, the AfC. The nature and determinants of poverty characteristics in monetary dimensions are well identified in the AfP. Key trends in poverty levels are presented using two rounds of data. The AfP presents trends in overall poverty-called absolute poverty, food poverty, and extreme poverty for 2003 and 2011. The overall reduction was led by strong growth in rural areas, where headcount poverty declined from 78.7 percent in 2003 to 66.1 percent in 2011. Urban poverty declined from 46.9 percent in 2003 to 31.2 percent in 2011, but increased in the capital city, Freetown from 13.6 percent in 2003 to 20.7 percent in 2011. The agenda for prosperity sets forth a bold vision to put Sierra Leone on a path to become a middle-income country by 2035. While this long-term vision is underpinned by rich endowment of natural resources, its pace of implementation depends on progress in harnessing those resources along with a broad range of other financing initiatives, including support from development partners and the private sector.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 83304 DEC 30, 2013
Rwanda made notable achievements in sustaining high growth, reducing poverty and ameliorating income inequality during the first Poverty Reduction Strategy (2002-06) and the first Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 1; 2008-2013).
... See More + The overall objectives of the EDPRS 2 are to accelerate growth and further reduce poverty, including extreme poverty. It seeks to do so while reducing aid dependency and thus increasing self-reliance. It aims to build on the strengths of the EDPRS 1 experience and address its shortcomings. The four thematic areas are: (i) economic transformation, to achieve high and sustained growth and restructure the economy towards services and industry, (ii) rural development, to bring the national poverty rate below 30 percent, (iii) productivity and youth employment, to ensure growth and transformation are supported by appropriate skills, and (iv) accountable governance, to improve service delivery and increase citizen participation in and satisfaction with delivery of development. These thematic areas are supported by eight foundational issues which are long-term ongoing priorities for which substantial progress was already achieved during EDPRS 1 and seven cross-cutting issues.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 79447 NOV 12, 2013
This Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) reviews the Republic of Moldova's Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy Paper (PRSP) covering the years 2012-2020.
... See More + The PRSP follows Moldova's National Development Strategy (NDS) focusing on seven national development priorities: (i) Aligning the education system to labor market needs in order to enhance labor productivity and increase employment in the economy; (ii) Increasing public investment in national and local road infrastructure; (iii) Reducing financing costs by increasing competition in the financial sector and developing risk management tools; (iv) Improving the business climate; promoting competition policies, streamlining the regulatory framework and applying information technologies in public services for business and citizens; (v) Reducing energy consumption by increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources; (vi) Ensuring financial sustainability of the pension system in order to secure an appropriate rate of wage replacement; (vii) Increasing quality and efficiency fighting corruption to ensure equitable access to public goods. The Bank and Funds staff believe the NDS provides a good basis for inclusive growth in Moldova, but that implementation will be key. Particular attention will be given to the relation between the new NDS and existing national and sectorial strategies.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 80050 AUG 01, 2013
This interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (I-PRSP) was prepared following the secession of South Sudan in July 2011. The preparation of this I-PRSP was initiated before the secession of South Sudan.
... See More + The I-PRSP provides a useful stock-taking of the socioeconomic situation in Sudan and offers a good basis for the design and monitoring of growth and poverty reduction policies. This strategy lays out a clear policy approach for the Government of Sudan to accelerate poverty reduction and provides a foundation for a roadmap to a full PRSP, but timelines and concrete next steps need to be urgently defined. The I-PRSP is underpinned by an adequate analysis of the poverty situation in Sudan based on the results of the first ever comprehensive household expenditure survey carried out in 2009. The I-PRSP is built on a medium-term macroeconomic framework (MTF) that encapsulates those policies. This I-PRSP for the very first time provides an integrated framework of policies aimed at accelerating poverty reduction in Sudan.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 80768 JUL 29, 2013
The National Development Plan (NDP) is considered the third poverty reduction strategy for Chad, following the ones adopted for the periods 2003-6 and 2008-11.
... See More + The NDP focuses on a sensible set of priorities, notably on the creation of new productive capacities and opportunities for decent jobs, human capital development and the fight against inequality, poverty and social exclusion, environmental protection and climate change adaptation, and improved governance. The plan is organized into four chapters. The first chapter is focused on a diagnosis of Chad's economic and social situation from 2000 to 2011. The second chapter presents the strategy and the 2013-2015 NDP. The strategic guidelines adopted should make it possible, in terms of results, to meet the challenge of steady growth and sustainable development. The third chapter presents the different growth scenarios and the macroeconomic and financial framework of the National Development Plan 2013-2015 (PND). Finally, the fourth chapter deals with the mechanism for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the 2013-2015 PND. This refers to all of the mechanisms and bodies that enable monitoring and evaluation of the effective execution of the 2013-2015 PND. One paragraph is reserved for the post-2013-2015 PND period that broaches the question of the 2025 vision and its preparation.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 78692 JUN 20, 2013
This joint staff advisory note reviews the Second Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRSII), 'Agenda for transformation 2013-2017', which followed the completion of the first poverty reduction strategy, 'lift Liberia', covering the 2008-2012 period.
... See More + The strategy is aligned with the 'national vision 2030: Liberia rising', which sets out the government's long term social and economic development objectives, including the goal to achieve middle-income status within the next twenty years. To sustain the gains achieved during the first PRS, the Agenda for Transformation (AfT) seeks to address the constraints to inclusive growth and to increase income, create wealth and enhance inclusiveness to bring about a more equal and just society. Reducing poverty is seen as being key not only with income growth and human development objectives, but also with equality, peace and security.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 78343 JUN 17, 2013
This Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) reviews Guinea's third Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2013-15 (PRSP). Implementation of the second PRSP, adopted in August 2007 and covering 2007-10, was interrupted by a military coup in December 2008.
... See More + In early 2011, a new democratically elected government extended the original PRSP to cover 2011-12 and reported on this implementation in 2011. The JSAN 2012 commented on these documents. Since then, the authorities have been preparing a full PRSP for 2013-15; on March 4, 2013, the authorities sent the draft PRSP to the bank and Fund staff to benefit from a JSAN on the basis of a shared understanding that its priorities shall remain substantially unchanged pending validation. The PRSP aims to accelerate economic growth and progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The strategic vision of the PRSP is to use Guinea's potentially large mining rents toward poverty alleviation and development of a competitive employment generating private sector. Priority is given to the following issues: (1) strengthening democracy and state effectiveness; (2) accelerated and diversified growth; (3) employment; and (4) reduction of regional inequalities. The strategy aims to take advantage of the recent political and social stability to accelerate progress toward meeting the set objectives. As was the case on previous occasions, the PRSP was prepared with input from extensive public consultations.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 77641 APR 30, 2013
Mali's third Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategic Paper (GPRSP-3, 2012-17) provides a comprehensive framework for implementing an ambitious growth and poverty reduction agenda over the next five years.
... See More + The GPRSP-3 is based on five axes: 1) strengthening peace and security; 2) strengthening macroeconomic stability; 3) promoting accelerated, sustainable and pro-poor growth, which will create jobs and generate income; 4) strengthening the foundations of long-term development and equitable access to quality social services; and 5) improving institutional development and governance. In spite of the major security developments since March 2012, the authorities consider that the GPRSP-3 still provides the relevant medium term framework for resource mobilization and allocation in support of growth and poverty reduction. While the GPRSP-3 is a comprehensive strategy to increase growth and reduce poverty, it will benefit from an elaboration in some important areas. The GPRSP-3 does not address the absence of critical reforms in electricity, cotton, and financial sector. Its gender policies will remain ambiguous in light of the 2011 family code passed by parliament. The authorities consulted extensively with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the widest possible buy-in for the GPRSP-3 process.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 76831 APR 23, 2013
Niger's new poverty reduction strategy, the Plan for Economic and Social Development (PDES) was approved by the council of ministers on August 1, 2012.
... See More + The PDES proposes changes in policy orientation and institutional arrangements to respond to recent developments in Niger and in the sub region. In particular, in order to prevent a recurrence of the political instability experienced during the period 2009 - 2010, the PDES pays particular attention to the consolidation of the credibility and efficacy of public institutions. Overall, the PDES provides a comprehensive analysis of Niger's development challenges and plans to achieve accelerated sustainable growth. The clear articulation of the interconnectedness of good governance, security and development, which was also highlighted by Niger president at the PDES round table in Paris, is welcome and addresses the significant domestic and external challenges that Niger is confronted with in its pursuit of economic and social development.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 76241 APR 05, 2013
This Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) reviews the second Annual Progress Report (APR) on Comoros' first full Poverty Reduction Strategy (CPRS).
... See More + The CPRS was approved by the Government of Comoros and submitted to the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September 2009. It was prepared through broad-based consultations with major stakeholders and civil society following a participatory approach. The overall strategy covers the period 2010-2014. The JSAN on the CPRS was presented to the IDA and the IMF Boards in July 2010. The CPRS provides a comprehensive framework for the design and monitoring of growth and poverty reduction policies in Comoros. The strategy is organized around six pillars: (i) stabilize the economy and lay the groundwork for strong and equitable growth; (ii) develop key productive sectors by focusing on institution building and ensuring a broader role for the private sector; (iii) strengthen governance and social cohesion; (iv) improve the health status of the general public; (v) promote education and vocational training with the aim of developing human capital; and (vi) foster environmental sustainability and civilian security. The second APR documents a moderately positive performance during 2011. Although the reform agenda under the extended credit facility arrangement with the fund veered temporarily off-track in the first half of 2011 because of slippages in the fiscal and structural areas, performance improved markedly in the remainder of the year thanks to the adoption of critical corrective measures. Key policy challenges remain going forward. These include: (i) maintaining macroeconomic stability in the face of a deteriorating external environment; (ii) mobilizing external resources pledged by donors from the Gulf region for high-quality investment plans consistent with Comoros' poverty reduction strategy and absorptive capacity; (iii) strengthening further public financial management; (iv) improving policy and donor coordination; and (v) building capacity of government institutions to enhance CPRS's implementation and monitoring, including the provision of more details on actions undertaken in key reform areas.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 73327 NOV 27, 2012
The Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) reviews the authorities' Medium-term Development Program (MTDP), which covers the period from 2012 to 2014.
... See More + The MTDP was approved by the previous cabinet on April 12, 2012 and subsequently submitted to the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The new cabinet, which was approved by the parliament on September 5, 2012, endorses the MTDP and intends to update it as part of the Annual Progress Report. The main focus of the authorities' comprehensive medium-term strategy is to raise living standards and reduce poverty. These goals are to be achieved through high economic growth, improvements in the business environment and strengthening governance. The three-year strategy aims at: (i) achieving macroeconomic stability; (ii) consolidating public finances; (iii) reforming public financial management; (iv) improving access to finance; (v) strengthening the investment climate; (vi) managing public assets efficiently; and (vii) promoting employment.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 79249 NOV 14, 2012
This Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) reviews the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC's) second Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy Paper (PRSP-2) which covers the years 2011 to 2015.
... See More + The PRSP-2 follows Congo's first full PRSP (PRSP-1), which covered the years 2006-10. The PRSP-1 represented DRC's first comprehensive national development plan since the end of civil war in 2003 and consequently focused on the urgent need to improve living conditions and rebuild the country after a decade of conflict and fragility. The JSAN of the PRSP-1 progress report commended the DRC government for progress made on strategic issues such as the establishment of peace with Rwanda and the renegotiation of the Sino- Congolese Cooperation Agreement (SCCA), but also noted the poor alignment of the budget with the PRSP-1 priorities. The PRSP-2 candidly documents the progress made toward peace, political and institutional consolidation and the delayed progress made toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including gender goals more broadly. The PRSP-2 refocuses its efforts away from urgent post-conflict needs towards a more sustainable development of the country. The PRSP-2 builds on the PRSP-1 but places a particular emphasis on growth, employment creation and the impact of climate change. The document also focuses on the strengthening of good governance, the achievement of the MDGs by 2020 and the elimination of gender-based inequalities. The strategy rests on four pillars: (i) the strengthening of governance and the consolidation of peace; (ii) the diversification of the economy to accelerate growth and create employment; (iii) improvement of access to basic social services as well as the improvement of human capital; and (iv) the protection of the environment and actions to reduce the impact of climate change. These pillars are in line with the Bank's Africa strategy, which focuses on competitiveness and employment, vulnerability and resilience, and governance and public sector capacity.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 72059 SEP 06, 2012
This Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) reviews Guinea's Extension of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2011-12 (EPRSP) and the 2011 Progress Report (PR).
... See More + Implementation of the PRSP, adopted in August 2007 and covering 2007-10, was interrupted by a military coup in December 2008. In early 2011 a new democratically elected government extended the original PRSP over the period 2011-12. The progress report discusses: (a) the EPRSP and (b) developments in 2011 and 2012. The overarching objective of the EPRSP is to accelerate the nation's economic growth and progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The main pillars of the strategy are: (i) improving governance, (ii) accelerating growth and increasing employment opportunities while further stabilizing the economy, and (iii) improving access to basic services. The EPRSP attributes the disappointing implementation of the original PRSP for 2007-10 to poor governance caused by political and institutional instability. The EPRSP was prepared through extensive public consultations, particularly in the rural areas. Regional consultations were held in two major regional centers in January-February 2011. The JSAN draws conclusions that could be helpful to the ongoing preparation of the third PRSP (PRSP III) for the period 2013-15, expected to be finalized in December 2012. The JSAN has the same structure as the EPRSP and PR and concludes with staff recommendations, risks identification, and issues for discussion.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 71739 AUG 22, 2012
This Country Partnership Strategy Progress Report (CPSPR) takes stock of the implementation of the World Bank Group (WBG)'s 2010-13 CPS discussed by the Board on March 23, 2010, provides an update on the economic situation, and describes the way forward for the remaining 18 months.
... See More + Discussions with the Government on potential lending services will continue, and the scope of such lending will depend on the nature of the program that the Government adopts and requests in the coming months. A new Government was elected in December 2011 and has launched consultations with the WBG and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on key policy measures going forward. Lack of performance under the IMF Stand by Arrangement (SBA) was a key campaign issue. The Government acknowledges that there are difficult and urgent decisions to be made to improve macroeconomic stability and help Jamaica transition to a knowledge-driven, globally competitive, green, and innovative economy. Failure to reach an agreement with the IMF could deprive the country of external financing, lead to a resurfacing of capital market pressures, and constrain other multilaterals' ability to provide support.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 70275 AUG 01, 2012
The Second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP-II) articulates Burundi's development priorities from 2012-15. With the objective to address the country's main development challenges, and learning from the PRSP-I, the Government has built its new strategy on four strategic axes: (i) strengthening the rule of law, consolidating good governance, and promoting gender equality; (ii) transforming Burundi's economy to achieve sustainable and job-creating growth; (iii) improving access to and quality of basic services and strengthening social protection; and (iv) promoting environmental and land management to ensure the preservation of the country's natural assets.
... See More + Staffs believe successful implementation of the PRSP-II will contribute to the realization of Burundi's Vision 2025. The sources of growth identified in the PRSP-II reflect the mix of Burundi's natural endowment and new economic realities. The focus is rightly put on modernizing agriculture through value chains (i.e., key staple foods, milk and meat) since this sector accounts for about 90 percent of current employment. Expanding and diversifying exports beyond coffee and tea is also a key objective to reduce the country's external vulnerability and promote job creation. The PRSP-II also aims at unleashing growth potential in the mining and tourism sectors. Lastly, regional integration within East African Community (EAC) is viewed as an important channel for enhancing local private activities thanks to connective infrastructures and sustained business environment improvements. Staffs recognize ongoing reform will have stronger impact by implementing the action plan of the updated Diagnostic Trade Integration Study. The PRSP-II seeks to address a series of challenges that are expected to bring quick wins to the population in a still fragile economic and social environment. Although significant improvements have been achieved on the political front over the past few years, the peace dividend needs to be solidified further to unlock the benefits of economic growth. Welfare enhancing quick wins, notably improved access to health, education, and water and sanitation, will foster support for the reforms and facilitate the ongoing nation building process. The PRSPII identifies six development and growth challenges: (i) the strong demographic pressure; (ii) the need to intensify agricultural productivity to sustain food security; (iii) the need to increase the efficiency of public spending; (iv) the acceleration of the private sector development; (v) energy supply; and (vi) the strengthening of institutional capacity.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 70486 JUL 12, 2012
The Second Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS II) 2011-2016, which is the country's second medium term plan, was finalized and approved by the cabinet in April 2012.
... See More + The MGDS II was thereafter submitted to the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in the context of preparation of the World Bank Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) 2012/13-2015/16 and the authorities request for a new arrangement under the extended credit facility. The MGDS II is a medium term strategy designed to implement Malawi's long term aspirations as spelt out in its Vision 2020. It strives to foster more inclusive job creating growth to address unemployment and reduce poverty. The strategy reflects a general consensus on the country's broad goals for growth, social equity, and governance. More specifically, the strategy recognizes that in order for all Malawians to benefit equitably from economic growth, concerted efforts to promote human and social development need to be complemented with efforts to improve labour productivity and structural transformation leading to economic diversification. Overall, the staffs find that the MGDS II presents a clear analysis of the many challenges facing the country. But there is need for further prioritization and sequencing of proposed actions and interventions in view of limited resources. The emphasis on productivity and economic diversification, especially in agriculture is appropriate. Priority should be given to measures to restore macroeconomic stability and regain control over the management of the economy for these medium term objectives to be achieved.
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Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) 69134 JUL 05, 2012