Mali - Economic Governance Reform Support Programme – Phase I

PARGE-I, the first phase of two programme-based budget support operations aims to consolidate the achievements of previous budget support operations and contribute to sustained economic growth by enhancing the efficiency of public expenditure and promoting private sector development. Indeed, after two budget support operations in response to the crises, the conditions for general budget support are met, because of the existence of a credible economic reform program that is supported by all development partners. This operation presents the multiannual framework of the program and provides a list of reform measures considered as triggers for the second phase (PARGE-II). PARGE-I is in line with the 2012-2017 Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Framework (GPRSP) and the 2014-2018 Government Action Program (GAP). It agrees with two (Governance Strengthening and Private Sector Development) of the five key operational priorities of the Bank's Ten Year Strategy (SLT) 2013-2022. The first component, which focuses on the effectiveness of public spending, will, through major structural reforms: (i) improve fiscal decentralization; (ii) improve the management of the public order; and (iii) strengthen the role and effectiveness of internal control. In the second component, support for private sector development will focus on: (i) support for investment promotion and private enterprise development; and (ii) improving the business environment.