Multinational - Support Program for Regional Technical Assistance Centers in Africa (AFRITAC-II)

The design of the AFRITAC (Regional Technical Assistance Centers) program is a reflection of the institutional and human resource gaps and weaknesses that have impeded for many years the implementation of projects and programs in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, especially when implementing macroeconomic policies. Indeed, the low level of human resource development and dysfunctions observed in institutions such as those in charge of public financial management, revenue administration or debt management have a negative impact on the economic performance and absorptive capacity of the countries concerned. The AFRITAC initiative, launched in 2002 by the IMF. The key activities planned by the program were (i) transfer of technology and know-how from technical assistants to nationals, (ii) the training of about 5,000 managers in charge of macroeconomic management, public finance, banking and statistical systems and (iii) the purchase of computer equipment and office equipment. The action of AFRITAC should particularly be able to: (i) support the capacity building component of the PRSP process; (ii) to provide on-going practical assistance and training based on the demand expressed by countries; (iii) and more effectively coordinate and monitor on-going technical assistance projects.