Niger - Support to Reforms and Economic Resilience Programme

Support to Reforms and Economic Resilience Programme (PARRE) is the continuation and consolidation of the reforms backed by the Bank over the last three years through the Financial Reforms and Food Security Support Programme (PAREFSA) in Niger. PAREFSA supported major public finance management reforms, particularly the adaptation of WAEMU Guidelines on public finance management, the validation of new bidding documents (BDs) as part of the reform of the public procurement system and the conduct of public procurement audits for the 2013 and 2014 financial years. All these measures have helped to achieve growth levels above the sub-regional average, driven by increased agricultural production. However, the country remains fragile and heavily dependent on vagaries of the weather. Therefore, the present programme will address the major challenges and constraints that cause fragility in Niger and undermine efforts to curb the vulnerability of its economy to external shocks and alleviate poverty. PARRE will take the form of a programme-based support operation (PBO) covering the 2017, 2018 and 2019 financial years. It is financed by three general budget support (GBS) operations, that is UA 30 million in 2017 and indicative amounts of UA 20 million and UA 15 million in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Programme-based support will help to provide predictable financing to the Government of the Republic of Niger (GoN), while facilitating dialogue on medium-term economic and financial reforms. The programme comprises two complementary components, namely: (i) Improve Public Finance Management and the Business Environment; and (ii) Enhance Economic Competitiveness and Resilience to Food and Nutrition Insecurity.