Mali RRSC

closed

This program document proposes a one-tranche Recovery and Reform Support Credit Program (RRSC) for SDR33.4 million (US$50 million equivalent) to the Republic of Mali. This stand-alone development policy operation supports the authorities' efforts to (i) deepen executive accountability, (ii) protect poverty reduction progress made in recent years, and (iii) prepare for a rapid economic recovery as the political transition ends and the security situation improves. While the credit will primarily translate into financing programs from the emergency priority action plan 2013-14, particular attention is given to the policy actions aimed at: (i) strengthening controls on budget and transparency, (ii) protecting pro-poor expenditures, (iii) restoring financial sustainability and investment capacity in power and irrigation sectors, and (iv) improving public financial and investment management. The operation fully shares the objectives of the World Bank Group's interim strategy note for FY14-15, and is aligned with the World Bank's Strategy for Africa. The operation is also part of a larger regional response to the crisis in the Sahel. While Mali is at the epicenter of the crisis, it is broadly understood that some of its causes, and the responses, have to be found at the regional Sahelian level. Thus, development policy operations are also being processed in Niger and Burkina Faso. A World Bank regional response, taking the form of projects to strengthen resilience and promote regional integration, while building knowledge on demographic and spatial Sahelian challenges was also in the making by May 2013.