Niger Growth Policy Reform Grant (Growth DPL-1)

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The objective of the First Growth Policy Reform Grant (GPRG1) in Niger is to help overcome policy constraints and institutional bottlenecks to growth by: (i) addressing the main business environment obstacles, including taxes; (ii) relieving infrastructure constraints for the private sector; (iii) promoting rural sector growth; (iv) pursuing public finance management reform; and (v) addressing demographic issues. The expected outcomes of this development policy operation (DPO) are as follows: 1) improved business environment, freeing up financing for short term capital needs, increased access to finance; 2) improved road infrastructure; increased private sector participation in public infrastructure projects; 3) a better performing agricultural sector, through food imports rationalization and technology investment; 4) improved public financial management by: (i) enhancing the linkages between budget and treasury functions which will directly translate in the reduction of payment delays to private suppliers; (ii) strengthening the financial relationship between the State and the private sector; (iii) encouraging an increase in registered tax-paying firms by lowering the profit tax; (iv) and bolstering financing for infrastructure maintenance; and 5) implementation of the government's policy on demographics.