Burundi | World Bank

Burundi - Finance and Private Sector Development Project

Burundi - Financial and Private Sector Development Project

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY08 : Africa region - Burundi

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY08 provides information on all International Bank and Rural Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2008. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY08 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY09 : Africa region - Burundi

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY09 provides information on all International Bank and Rural Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2009. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY09 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Burundi - Third Economic Reform Support Grant Program

The Third Economic Reform Support Grant Program (ERSG III) is the second in a programmatic series, which was designed to assist the Government of Burundi (GoB) to transform Burundi's economy from a post-conflict context and to design and implement policies to accelerate growth and promote human development, including through private sector development. The ERSG III operation directly follows on Second Economic Reform Support Grant (ERSG II) and will support the government to continue: (i) reforms in the public finance management system to improve accountability and transparency in public spending; (ii) reforms in the business, legal, and institutional environment to foster private sector-led growth; and (iii) reforms in the coffee and domestic petroleum sub-sectors. The program structure aims to maintain a balance between the need for essential reforms and the simplicity dictated by the weak institutions and implementation capacity. This balance is maintained with a particular bias toward deepening the reform process in areas already supported by predecessor operations, where government's buy-in has already been established. Overall, the program continues to support the establishment of new legal and institutional frameworks to implement essential reforms. Given the current limits of fiscal space, it was also designed to help the government to maintain adequate financial resources through: (a) economic growth, (b) external financial assistance, and (iii) debt relief. At the conclusion of the ERSG II-III programmatic series, tangible progress with respect to each component of the reform program is expected, including: 1) measurable improvements in public finance management; 2) measurable improvements in the environment for private sector development; and 3) progress in the execution of the reform program in the coffee and domestic petroleum sub-sectors.

Burundi - Finance and Private Sector Development Project

Burundi - Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Markets Development Project

Burundi - Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Control and Orphans Project

Ratings for the Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Control and Orphans Project (MAOP) for Burundi were as follows: outcomes were moderately satisfactory, the risk to development outcome was substantial, the Bank performance was moderately satisfactory, and the Borrower performance was also moderately satisfactory. Some lessons learned included: adoption of a fast track preparatory process has hidden costs that cannot be discounted. The extensive effort needed over the first few years of the project period essentially to complete preparation of core inputs required for actual project execution significantly slowed implementation and disbursements and ultimately contributed to the need to extend the MAOP closing date by almost two years. The risks to implementation from capacity weaknesses, particularly pervasive shortages of skilled professionals, can be and indeed were in Burundi significantly underestimated during project preparation. These shortages presented major obstacles to effective, efficient project implementation. Tackling major, widespread human resource constraints may be best done cross-sectorally rather than on a sector-by-sector basis since the underlying dynamics of low morale and high turnover among civil servants tend to be common across public sector entities. High turnover of Bank Task Team Leaders (TTLs) presents a major obstacle smooth project implementation. The five TTLs over the MAOP life led to serious shortfalls in project performance, monitoring, and reporting. Continuity of Bank project leadership, particularly in challenging operational environments is essential. Similarly, having two executive secretaries at the National AIDS Council (NAC) was disruptive. In such circumstances, increased attention must also be given to identifying alternative approaches to attract and retain project managers in executing agencies.

Burundi - Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Project

Ratings for the Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Project for Burundi were as follows: outcomes were moderately satisfactory, the risk to development outcome was substantial, the Bank performance was moderately satisfactory, and the Borrower performance was moderately unsatisfactory. Some lessons learned included: improved demobilization center counseling and sensitization. Counseling must be better tailored to the profile of each ex-combatant, and classes are more practical than theoretical. Associations can be an important means to social reintegration and economic security. They are also another possible means of reinforcing sustainability and mainstreaming reintegration support, since associations can also apply for support via other development programs and initiatives. Spouses and families should be encouraged to participate at some or all stages of reintegration support (activity choice, training, and implementation) by all implementing partners. The involvement of spouses and families in reintegration activities has been shown to increase the chances of their sustainability, but spousal involvement in Burundi has been low. This issue must be addressed in a more coherent manner. Possibilities for community involvement and support should also be identified. Promote labor-intensive public works for reintegration activities and establish monitoring mechanisms at the implementing partners' level to continuously assess the economic opportunities in the community of resettlement.

Burundi - Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Project

Ratings for the Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Project for Burundi were as follows: outcomes were moderately satisfactory, the risk to development outcome was substantial, Bank performance was moderately satisfactory, and Borrower performance was moderately unsatisfactory. Some lessons learned included: improved demobilization center counseling and sensitization. Counseling must be better tailored to the profile of each ex-combatant, and classes are more practical than theoretical. Demobilized identification card retrieved upon departure from the camp to allow for better social reintegration. Incentive mechanism to encourage beneficiaries to use interim transitional support in a sustainable manner. Reintegration activities adapted to Burundi's job market and opportunities. Promote labor-intensive public works for reintegration activities and establish monitoring mechanisms at the implementing partners' level to continuously assess the economic opportunities in the community of resettlement. Spouses and families should be encouraged to participate at some or all stages of reintegration support (activity choice, training, and implementation) by all implementing partners. The involvement of spouses and families in reintegration activities has been shown to increase the chances of their sustainability, but spousal involvement in Burundi has been low. This issue must be addressed in a more coherent manner. Possibilities for community involvement/support should also be identified.

Burundi - Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project

The objective of the Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project for Burundi is to support the efforts of the recipient to: a) demobilize members of national liberation forces - dissidents; and b) provide socioeconomic reintegration support to said members following demobilization, as well as to ex-combatants demobilize under the emergency demobilization, reinsertion, and reintegration project, with a particular focus on the provision of such support to such female, child, and disabled ex-combatants. Additional co-financing resources to support the overall project valued at US$7.5 million will be made available from a Bank administered multi-donor trust fund (MDTF) set up for this project, for a total project value of US$22 million. The operation will support the Government of Burundi (GoB) efforts to continue building peace and stability through the demobilization, reinsertion, and reintegration of the last two remaining nonstatutory armed groups in the country: the Forces Nationales de la Libbrution (FNL) and the group of dissidents originating from the FNL (FNL-D). The continued support to demobilization and reintegration (D&R) in Burundi is currently an urgent strategic priority in light of: (i) the recent closing of the Burundi chapter of the Multi- Country Demobilization and Reintegration Program (MDRP)' in December 31 , 2008, which since 2004 provided support for the dismantling of nearly 30,000 militia forces and the demobilization, reinsertion and reintegration of an additional 27,000 combatants; and (ii) the need for the GOB to respond to a demand for D&R from the FNL following the successful conclusion of peace negotiations and the transformation of the FNL into a political party. Furthermore, with presidential elections scheduled in Burundi for 2010, most observers believe that the final dismantling of all potentially destabilizing forces before the upcoming electoral period is paramount to solidify the transition from a post-conflict society into full recovery and development.

Burundi - Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Markets Development Project

Burundi - Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project

Burundi - Health Sector Development Support Project

The objective of the Health Sector Development Support project for Burundi is to increase the use of a defined package of health services by pregnant women and children under the age of five. There are two components to the project. The first component of the project is increased financing for a redefined free package of services, this component aims to increase the use of a package of cost-effective health services targeted mostly at pregnant women and children under the age of five and will increase both the supply and demand of these services. The second component of the project is strengthening the capacity of MSP (Ministry of Public Health - Ministire de la Sante Publique) and entities involved in Results Based Financing (RBF), this component will build Ministry of Health (MOH) capacity in the areas of monitoring and evaluation, procurement, resource management, and results-based financing, including support for internal and external control mechanisms, and to ensure that facilities are actually providing the Free Package of Services (FPS) to the target population. The component will also strengthen the national capacity to implement RBF. The MSP intends to establish a technical unit two to strengthen its capacity to implement its RBF policies. The project will support the technical unit by providing consultants, an operating budget, and goods, including a consultant to be a focal point for these Bank-financed activities.

Burundi - Public Works and Urban Management Project

The development objective of the Public Works and Urban Management Project for Burundi is to increase access to basic socioeconomic services and short-term employment opportunities in target areas. There are three components to the project. The first component of the project is infrastructure. This component will support the rehabilitation and expansion of demand-driven infrastructure in all urban communes of the country and trunk infrastructure in Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi in order to improve their effectiveness as economic growth poles. The second component of the project is municipal and urban management, this component will target principally the three main cities of Burundi (Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi) to improve governance, municipal management, and fiscal performance through the provision of technical assistance, training, and equipment. The third component of the project is institutional strengthening, monitoring, and evaluation. This component will finance activities aimed at strengthening: i) institutional partners to better support and monitor communal development; ii) the local construction private sector to improve its capacity to deliver quality infrastructure; and iii) monitoring and evaluation of project results, support to project management, and targeted training for the technical secretariat and ABUTIP (Burundi Agency for the Execution of Public Works - Agence burundaise pour la realisation des travaux d'interet public) staff.

Burundi - Health Sector Development Support Project

Burundi - Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project

The project Burundi - Financial & Private Sector Development is now in the pipeline.

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000Z

The project Burundi - Financial & Private Sector Development is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Burundi: World Bank Approves US$25 Million Grant to Support Economic Reforms

2009-10-30T13:52:57.000Z

Contact

Francois Gouahinga

(202) 473-0696

fgouahinga@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, October 29, 2009—The World Bank’s Board of Directors today approved a grant in the amount of SDR 16 million (US$25 million equivalent) to the Republic of Burundi to help finance a Third Economic Reform Support Grant (ERSG III).

ERSG III is the second grant in a programmatic series of two annual operations designed to assist the Government of Burundi in implementing policies and institutional reforms to promote growth and achieve sustainable reductions in poverty. It proposes to continue to support efforts aimed at reforming public finance management and improving fiscal transparency and accountability. It will also help support reforms in the business legal and institutional environment in order to foster private sector-led growth, as well as reforms in the coffee and domestic petroleum sectors.

“This programmatic series was designed to assist the Government of Burundi to transform the country’s economy from a post-conflict context to an environment focused on accelerating growth and human development, including through private sector development. Moreover, it is aligned with the Bank's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), which is based on the Burundi's PRSP,” said John M. McIntire, Country Director for Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania.

In particular, the grant is expected to translate into maintaining rates of budget allocation and execution in priority sectors at satisfactory level through reduction of security expenditures; planned budgets more in line with PRSP objectives and sector strategies; reliable financial management information system; effective procurement institutions and systems; modernized legal and institutional business environment; more efficient and productive coffee sector and more flexible price fixing mechanisms for petroleum products.

“This grant proposes to consolidate reforms already underway in public finance management and to reenergize the reform process in private sector development,” said Jean-Pascal N. Nganou, Task Team Leader/Country Economist for Burundi. “In addition, it proposes to continue diagnostic studies and to support the development of a strategic approach in areas where action is needed but knowledge is too limited.”

At the conclusion of this programmatic series, tangible progress is expected, including: (i) measurable improvements in public finance management, (ii) measurable improvements in the environment for private sector development, and (iii) progress in the execution of the reform program in the coffee and domestic petroleum sectors.

The first grant of the programmatic series (ERSG II) was approved by the Board of Directors on August 4, 2008 in the amount of SDR 18.5 million (US$30 million equivalent).

The project Economic Reform Support Grant III (DPL) is now in the pipeline.

2009-10-30T04:00:00.000Z

The project Economic Reform Support Grant III (DPL) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Burundi: Third Economic Reform Support Grant (ERSG III)

2009-10-29T18:19:00.000Z

WASHINGTON, October 29, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IDA Grant: US$25 million equivalent

Project ID: P113235

Project Description: The Third Economic Reform Support Grant (ERSG III) in Burundi aims to continue to support the government in reforming public finance management to improve fiscal transparency and accountability, reforming the business legal and institutional environment to foster private sector-led growth, and supporting reforms in the coffee and domestic petroleum sectors.

Media Contact

Francois Gouahinga

(202) 473-0696

fgouahinga@worldbank.org

For more project information on projects in Burundi, please visit: www.worldbank.org/burundi.

The project BI - Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Markets Development Project is now in the pipeline.

2009-09-09T04:00:00.000Z

The project BI - Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Markets Development Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Burundi: Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project

2009-06-23T14:55:03.000Z

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2009 – Last week the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the following project:

Burundi: Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project

IDA Grant: US$15 million equivalent

Project ID: P113506

Project Description: The objective of the Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project in Burundi is to support the efforts of the government to: demobilize members of the National Liberation Forces and the National Liberation Forces–Dissidents; and provide social economic reintegration support to members following demobilization as well as to ex-combatants demobilized under the Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Project, with a particular focus on females, children and disabled ex-combatants.

Media Contact:

Rachel Mccolgan-Arnold

(202) 458-5299

rmccolgan@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&contentFed=yes&Projectid=P113506

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

The project Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project has changed to Active

2009-06-18T04:00:00.000Z

The project Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

World Bank Approves $15 Million Grant to the Burundi for Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration

2009-06-16T21:30:52.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Rachel McColgan-Arnold

rmccolgan@worldbank.org

In Bujumbura: Marie-Claire Nzeyimana

mnzeyimana@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a $15 million International Development Association (IDA) grant to help the Government of Burundi facilitate peace building and to help preserve and restore human social capital, particularly related to conflict.

Co-financing resources to further support the Project will be made available from a Bank-administered multi-donor trust fund established for the purposes of this Project. The Burundi Government will have access to retroactive financing for eligible expenditures up to a maximum of $4 million under the IDA grant.

The objective of the Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project is to support the efforts of the Republic of Burundi to: (i) demobilize members of the National Liberation Forces and the National Liberation Forces - Dissidents, the two remaining non-statutory armed groups in the country; and (ii) provide socioeconomic reintegration support to these groups following demobilization, as well as to pending ex-combatants demobilized under the earlier Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion, and Reintegration Project. Particular focus will be given to the provision of support to female, child, and disabled ex-combatants.

According to John M. McIntire, Country Director for Burundi, “This Project is of high priority to sustainable peace and stability of Burundi and, therefore, to improved security in the Great Lakes region. It will promote sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants in their communities of return through the development of synergies with ongoing and planned wider recovery and development initiatives, such as community-driven development, agriculture, and public works projects supported by the World Bank”.

“Continued support for Demobilization and Reintegration in Burundi is an urgent strategic priority in light of: (i) the recent closing of the Burundi chapter of the MDRP, which provided support for the demobilization of nearly 30,000 militia forces and the demobilization, reinsertion, and reintegration of an additional 27,000 combatants on December 31, 2008, and (ii) the need for the Government of Burundi to demobilize ex-combatants from the last rebel group (the National Liberation Forces) following the successful conclusion of peace negotiations and transformation of this group into a political party”, said Marcelo Jorge Fabre, World Bank Task Team Leader of the Project.

The project has four components: Demobilization, Reinsertion support, Transitional socio-economic reintegration support and Support to vulnerable groups.

Expected outcomes include: (i) the receipt, by approximately 1,500 ex-combatants from previous projects, of the remainder of their transitional socio-economic reintegration support; (ii) the receipt and completion, by approximately 1,500 physically disabled ex-combatants already demobilized, of rehabilitation and prosthetic support; (iii) the demobilization of up to 5,000 combatants from the FNL and 1,564 FNL-D, who will receive reinsertion payments and transitional socio-economic reintegration support; and (iv) assistance targeting all children associated with the FNL and FNL-D who have been separated from those groups involving reuniting them with their families, or being placed in alternative care, and receiving full reinsertion and reintegration support as appropriate to their status as minors. This includes the completion of reinsertion and reintegration support to approximately 250 children from the previous project.

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

The project Health Support has changed to Active

2009-06-12T04:00:00.000Z

The project Health Support has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Public Works and Urban Management Project has changed to Active

2009-06-11T04:00:00.000Z

The project Public Works and Urban Management Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Burundi: World Bank Approves $45 Million Grant to Support Sustained Reconstruction

2009-06-10T16:10:20.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Rachel McColgan-Arnold

rmccolgan@worldbank.org

In Bujumbura: Marie-Claire Nzeyimana

mnzeyimana@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, June 09, 2009 – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a $45 million International Development Association (IDA) grant to help the Government of Burundi to increase access to basic socioeconomic services and short-term employment opportunities in target areas.

This five-year grant will focus on a combination of demand-based and trunk infrastructure investment programs covering communes of all provinces and will target municipal support programs to strengthen municipal management and fiscal performance at the local level in the three main cities of Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi. The Public Works and Urban Management Project is a logical continuation of the successful Public Works and Employment Creation Project, which closed in December 2007 following a six-year implementation period.

"Burundi is still under-urbanized and suffers from the effects of unbalanced urbanization, with more than three quarters of the urban population in the capital, Bujumbura. This project will significantly boost the governments' decentralisation goals with the objective of re-establishing social services in a more sustainable and equitable manner. While doing so, the project will also provide a large number of short-term employment opportunities, a critical input in an economy with high unemployment. The grant will also support strengthening institutional and implementation capacity which will further bolster decentralisation efforts" said Sylvie Debomy, the Bank’s Task Team Leader for the project.

The Project has three components:

Component A: Infrastructure will support the rehabilitation and expansion of demand-driven infrastructure in all urban communes of the country and trunk infrastructure in Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi in order to improve their effectiveness as economic growth poles

Component B: Municipal and Urban Management component will target the three main cities of Burundi, Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi, to improve governance, municipal management, and fiscal performance through the provision of technical assistance, training, and equipment.

Component C: Institutional Strengthening, Monitoring, and Evaluation will finance activities aimed at strengthening: (i) institutional partners to better support and monitor communal development; (ii) the local construction private sector to improve its capacity to deliver quality infrastructure; and (iii) monitoring and evaluation of project results, support to project management, and targeted training for the Technical Secretariat and ABUTIP staff.

According to John M. McIntire, Country Director for Burundi, “This project is a high priority operation for the government, communes, and the population to address the need for focused and gradual institutional development in municipal management and to prepare for decentralization. The project directly supports the Government’s objective of improving access to social services and consolidating social stability which in turn reflects the goals of the 2007 Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.”

For more information on the World Bank’s work in sub-Saharan Africa visit:

www.worldbank.org/afr

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Burundi visit:

www.worldbank.org/burundi

For more information about the project visit:
Public Works and Urban Management Project

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Burundi: World Bank Approves Grant of $25 Million to Improve Health System Performance

2009-06-10T15:52:42.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Rachel McColgan-Arnold

rmccolgan@worldbank.org

In Bujumbura: Marie-Claire Nzeyimana

mnzeyimana@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, June 09, 2009 – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a $25 million International Development Association (IDA) grant for the Health Sector Development Support Project in Burundi, to help the Government in its efforts to strengthen outcomes in the health sector, particularly among expectant mothers and children under 5. The project will also finance activities that tackle the incidence of malaria and HIV/AIDS transmission in those target groups.

Burundi has one of the lowest per capita GDPs in the world (US$110 in 2007) and despite limited growth and recent stability, basic social indicators remain among the lowest in Africa. A 2005 survey found infant and child mortality to be 109 and 181 per 1,000 live births respectively and estimates for maternal mortality rates have remained stagnant at roughly 1,100 per 100,000 live births for the last several years. Deficits in the health system are further compounded by other factors including services that are not used (due to cost barriers) and scare and poorly motivated staff working in the sector.

In spite of these challenges and reflecting the 2006-2011 Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper--which identified Human Development as one of four pillars--the Government has doubled public expenditure on human development. According to the Bank’s Task Team Leader, Ms. Montserrat Meiro-Lorenzo, “The challenge is to make that expenditure more efficient and equitable, building on the success to date of the Free Package of Service (FPS)s and the successful experiences with results-based financing (RBF).”

The project has two components: The first ($20 million) seeks to increase the use of the FPS, targeted mostly, although not exclusively, at pregnant women and children under the age of 5, stimulating both the supply of and demand for cost-effective health service. The second component ($5 million) seeks to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and other entities involved in results-based financing, by providing technical assistance, operational costs, training, and hardware to strengthen the capacity of the General Directorate of Resources (DGR) of the MSP.

Ms. Meiro-Lorenzo pointed to the government’s use of the Health Sector Strategy (the PNDS) and RBF to move toward a sector-wide approach (SWAP): “This project is part of the ongoing SWAP process in that it focuses on the PNDS and works very closely with the government and its development partners to settle on a common set of indicators of success, a coordinated monitoring and evaluation system, a common implementation mechanism at the national level, harmonized financing so that it avoids gaps in funding and duplication, and a consensus on how to implement RBF nationwide. The dialogue between the MSP and its partners on the development of a pooled financing mechanism will continue throughout project implementation.”

The project is aligned with the Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) of August 2008 and with the government’s priorities as set out in the Burundi PRSP. The objectives for the health sector laid out in the CAS include the promotion of maternal and child health by deploying additional health personnel to rural areas as well as by establishing performance contracts with health facilities to give them an incentive to deliver the FPS. The proposed project is fully consistent with the CAS in that it increases the resources available for the FPS, and helps to build the MSP’s capacity to purchase services on the basis of performance, to attract health personnel to rural areas, to plan and manage resources, and to increase its monitoring and evaluation capacity.

According to John M. McIntire, Country Director for Burundi, “The proposed IDA financing will be critical to help close the gap in health system investments and the World Bank’s experience in other countries around the globe indicates that employing the RBF approach can be extremely effective in increasing the use of cost-effective health interventions.”

For more information on the World Bank’s work in sub-Saharan Africa visit:

www.worldbank.org/afr

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Burundi visit:

www.worldbank.org/burundi

For more information about the project visit:

Burundi Health Sector Development Support Project

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Burundi: Public Works and Urban Management Project

2009-06-09T22:23:41.000Z

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IDA Grant: US$45 million equivalent

Project ID: P112998

Project Description: The Public Works and Urban Management Project for Burundi

aims to increase access to basic socio economic services in target areas and to provide short-term employment opportunities. This will be achieved through demand-based and infrastructure investments programs covering urban centers of all provinces and targeted municipal support programs to strengthen municipal management and fiscal performance at the local level in the three main cities of Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi.

Media Contact:

Rachel Mccolgan

(202) 458-5299

rmccolgan@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P112998

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Burundi: Health Sector Development Support Project

2009-06-09T22:14:22.000Z

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IDA Grant: US$25 million equivalent

Project ID: P101160

Project Description: The Health Sector Development Support Project for Burundi aims to increase the use of a defined package of health services by pregnant women and children under the age of five. There are two components to the project. The first component of the project is increased financing for a redefined free package of services, this component aims to increase the use of a package of cost-effective health services targeted mostly at pregnant women and children under the age of five and will increase both the supply and demand of these services. The second component of the project is strengthening the capacity of MSP (Ministry of Public Health - Ministire de la Sante Publique) and entities involved in Results Based Financing (RBF), this component will build Ministry of Health (MOH) capacity in the areas of monitoring and evaluation, procurement, resource management, and results-based financing, including support for internal and external control mechanisms, and to ensure that facilities are actually providing the Free Package of Services (FPS) to the target population. The component will also strengthen the national capacity to implement RBF. The MSP intends to establish a technical unit two to strengthen its capacity to implement its RBF policies. The project will support the technical unit by providing consultants, an operating budget, and goods, including a consultant to be a focal point for these Bank-financed activities.

Media Contact:

Rachel Mccolgan

(202) 458-5299

rmccolgan@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P102608

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

The project Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project is now in the pipeline.

2009-03-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Call for Action to Mitigate Effects of the Financial Crisis on Africa

2009-02-05T21:38:43.000Z

Contacts:
In Addis Ababa: Gelila Woodeneh: 1 (251) 62 77 00
gwoodeneh@worldbank.org
In Washington, DC: Herbert Boh: (1) 202 473- 3548
hboh@worldbank.org

ADDIS ABABA, February 4, 2009 – African economies, which were on the verge of turning the corner following more than a decade of faster and steadier economic growth, now desperately need new funding to mitigate contagion from the global financial crisis, the World Bank said Tuesday.

“We call on rich countries to keep Africa in mind as they design programs to help their economies weather the financial crisis,” the World Bank’s Vice-President for the Africa Region, Obiageli Ezekwesili, said during a video press conference from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she was attending the African Union summit.

Connected via video to journalists in 21 other African capitals, Ezekwesili said it was crucial for wealthier nations not to focus on “insular” domestic responses to the crisis. She reiterated a call made earlier by World Bank President Robert Zoellick for donor countries to devote 0.7 percent of the amount of their stimulus packages to a Vulnerability Fund for Africa.

She explained that the Fund would direct spending to projects that are urgently needed to avert the growing unemployment, now building across Africa, as a result of the closure of mining operations, the suspension or cancellation of projects in sectors hardest-hit by a reversal of private capital flows, and tighter public budgets, the fall in commodity prices, and the shrinking of revenue from tourism and remittances.

The Fund would also finance safety net programs, attending to the basic needs of the poorest of the poor: health, education, school feeding projects, basic inputs for farmers, etc. It would help sustain the flow of credit to small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the engines of growth, job and wealth creation.

The Fund, which the World Bank is asking the G20 summit expected to hold in London next April 2 to help set up, would support investments in infrastructure projects that can build a foundation for future productivity and growth in Africa and other poor countries.

To sustain support for aid and the kind of fresh funding proposed under the Vulnerability Fund, Ezekwesili urged African governments to stay the course of public sector reforms; helping to build more capable states; train and retain competent civil servants who demonstrate integrity and tackle inefficiencies in state bureaucracies.

She called on African governments to improve the efficiency of public expenditures, pointing to the need to scrap subsidies that benefit those Africans who do not need them, for those that are better targeted in favor of the poor. A staggering one half of Africa’s US$40 billion annual financing gap for much-needed infrastructure could be closed by improving the efficiency in the way the public service functions.

She urged resource-rich countries, to improve adherence to transparency and accountability mechanisms; to ensure that revenue from natural resources are invested in sustainable poverty alleviation programs; to promote pro-poor growth and to diversify their economies beyond non-renewable sources of wealth.

“Countries like Zambia and other mineral-rich African nations must articulate a development strategy and make policy choices that would guarantee prosperity for ‘a Zambia without copper’,” the World Bank Vice President said, in reply to a question from a Lusaka-based journalist. She said citizens’ groups, the media and parliaments must all play more active roles in holding governments and donors accountable.

“The citizens of Africa are the continent’s most valuable asset,” Ezekwesili said, stressing the importance of tertiary education in building Africa’s skills to compete in a truly globalized economy. She said education, innovation and the technological leap-frogging offered by ICTs (information and communications technology) would help those African economies that invest in them to build the knowledge economy of the future.

“Those who can pay should pay but governments should provide scholarships and other forms of assistance to ensure that poor students who deserve to can attend university,” Ezekwesili said, in response to a question on tertiary education in Tanzania.

She acknowledged the need for governments to stick only to those things they do best – allowing space for the private sector to thrive in what businesses do.

“Governments cannot abandon their regulatory role, especially when it comes to ensuring that their financial sectors work efficiently,” Ezekwesili said.

Some analysts have blamed ineffective regulatory mechanisms for the current global financial crisis.

Initially underestimated, contagion from what started as a crisis in the US subprime mortgage sector, poses a real threat of rolling back gains in poverty alleviation in Africa that had been fuelled by healthy growth rates ranging from 5.9 percent to 8.1 percent for about 65 percent of Africa’s population during 1997-2007. Although still fragile, that growth had clearly broken with a past marked by the economic collapse of the decade 1975-1985 and the stagnation experienced in 1985-1995. Ensuring that Africa also benefits from initiatives to stimulate economies in the North would help restore that growth and return Africa and the world to a path of prosperity.

For more information about the work of the World Bank in Africa, visit:
www.worldbank.org/afr

Burundi Reaches Completion Point under the Enhanced HIPC Debt Relief Initiative

2009-01-29T22:57:52.000Z

WASHINGTON, 29 January 2009. The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed that Burundi has made sufficient progress and taken the necessary steps to reach its completion point under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Because of this agreement, Burundi becomes the 24th country to reach the completion point under the Initiative.

Debt relief under the Enhanced HIPC Initiative from all of Burundi’s creditors has been revised upward to US$832 million in net present value (NPV) terms[i] from US$825 million estimated at the time of the decision point document. HIPC debt relief committed by IDA and the IMF amounts to US$425 million and SDR 19 million (US$27 million) in NPV terms, respectively.

In reaching the HIPC completion point, Burundi also becomes eligible for further debt relief from the IMF, IDA, and the African Development Fund (AfDF) under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). MDRI relief net of HIPC assistance would lead to a nominal[ii] reduction of debt owed to IDA and the IMF by US$90 million and SDR 9 million (US$13 million) respectively.

To reach the completion point, Burundi completed a number of measures aimed at preparing and implementing a national poverty reduction strategy, maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment, setting up mechanisms to ensure efficient and transparent use of HIPC interim debt relief, strengthening public expenditure management, implementing governance measures related to social sector services delivery, and improving debt management capacity. In addition, the authorities have made good progress in implementing other measures—on demobilization, the coffee sector and social sectors.

“We are very pleased that the Boards of the Bank and the Fund have approved full debt relief for Burundi under the HIPC initiative and MDRI,” said John M. McIntire, World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. “This confirms the quality of Burundi's fiscal and debt management as it emerges from conflict and continues toward economic and social recovery. My Fund colleagues and I congratulate the Burundian authorities on this achievement. At the same time we urge them to maintain momentum toward the goals of their national Poverty Reduction Strategy Program by using this debt relief for its intended purposes,” he added.

Bernardin Akitoby, IMF Mission Chief for Burundi, noted that “the authorities are to be commended for reaching this important milestone. Debt relief will reduce significantly Burundi’s debt burden and free up resources to finance spending in areas critical to meeting the Millennium Development Goals.” He added that a key challenge going forward is “to maintain a sustainable external and domestic debt position through careful borrowing and prudent fiscal policy.”

ANNEX

The HIPC Initiative

In 1996, the World Bank and IMF launched the HIPC Initiative to create a framework in which all creditors, including multilateral creditors, can provide debt relief to the world’s poorest and most heavily indebted countries, and thereby reduce the constraints on economic growth and poverty reduction imposed by the debt-service burdens in these countries. The Initiative was modified in 1999 to provide three key enhancements:

Deeper and Broader Relief. External debt thresholds were lowered from the original framework. As a result, more countries have become eligible for debt relief and some countries have become eligible for greater relief;

Faster Relief. A number of creditors began to provide interim debt relief immediately at the “decision point.” Also, the new framework permitted countries to reach the “completion point” faster; and

Stronger Link Between Debt Relief and Poverty Reduction. Freed resources were to be used to support poverty reduction strategies developed by national governments through a broad consultative process.

To date, 35 HIPC countries have reached their decision points, of which 24 (including Burundi) have reached the completion point.

The MDRI

At the July 2005 G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, G8 leaders pledged to cancel the debt of the world’s most indebted countries, most of which are located in Africa. The aim of this Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) was to reduce further the debt of HIPCs and provide additional resource to help them reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The MDRI is separate from the HIPC Initiative but linked to it operationally. Under the MDRI, three multilateral institutions — the World Bank’s International Development Association, the International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Fund — provide 100 percent debt relief on eligible debts to countries having reached the HIPC completion point[iii]. Unlike the HIPC Initiative, the MDRI is not comprehensive in its creditor coverage. It does not involve participation of official bilateral or commercial creditors, or of multilateral institutions other than the above mentioned three.

[i] Net present value of debt is the discounted sum of all future debt service obligations (interest and prin-

cipal)

[ii] Nominal terms refer to the actual dollar value of debt service forgiven over a period of time.

[iii] The IMF also provided MDRI debt relief to non-HIPCs whose income per capita is below US$380 in order to ensure uniformity of treatment in the use of IMF resources.

The project Burundi Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Program has changed to Closed

2009-01-01T05:00:00.000Z

The project Burundi Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Program has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objectives of the Emergency Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Program are to demobilize combatants, and support their transition, and reinsertion to civilian life, while in addition, contribute to the reallocation of Government expenditure from defense, to social and economic sectors. The Project includes a quick disbursing mechanism that uses a positive list of imports to generate counterpart funds in order to finance rapid Program implementation. Not only will the program benefit returning ex-combatants and militia to productive civilian livelihoods, but a secondary benefit will be the increased allocation of public resources towards poverty reduction. Nonetheless, the resumption of hostilities remains the major external risk, while Program specific risks, are largely linked to weak implementation capacity.

Consultations on the Bank Web Site

2008-12-09T15:37:38.000Z

Dear reader,

A few years ago, the World Bank’s Web site was noted as a leader among development organizations’ websites. As technology has rapidly advanced and user expectations evolved, our Web site too needs to change and adapt.

You come to our Web site because you are looking for the latest information on development. Our project information, data and research assist you in tackling your challenges or keeping up on the Bank’s activities.

Now we’re catching up. We are revamping our Web site and expanding our online capabilities to better satisfy our business needs and meet audience demands.

We’re examining all aspects of the site—content, technology, business needs and audience demands—to figure out what needs to stay, be improved or be removed.

This is a complex undertaking. We are currently gathering information to determine requirements for our future site.

Through our open online consultation, we are looking for comments from anyone who wishes to discuss their information needs and any difficulties they encounter with the site. The online consultation period ends on December 31, 2008.

All feedback we receive will inform the future design and functionality of the Web site by informing Bank management on audience needs.

Our ultimate goal is to make the Web site better support the institution’s mission of fighting global poverty and helping countries develop.

Your feedback will bring us closer to this goal.

Thank you,

Angie Gentile
Managing Editor, www.worldbank.org

The project Burundi - Statistical Capacity Building has changed to Closed

2008-12-01T05:00:00.000Z

The project Burundi - Statistical Capacity Building has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Control and Orphans Project has changed to Closed

2008-12-01T05:00:00.000Z

The project Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Control and Orphans Project has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Control and Orphans Project will support the national program as set forth in its Action Plan for the Struggle Against HIV/AIDS for the period 2002-2006, through actions involving in-line ministries, civil society, private enterprises, labor unions, in addition to women and youth, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Through its components, the project will: 1) strengthen public sector responsiveness to the HIV/AIDS crisis, by supporting the country's control strategy, and action plan, targeting assistance to respective sectors. Selected activities will be financed, particularly for implementing national medical waste management plan, covering as well, prevention, mitigation, and capacity building; 2) increase civil society response to prod grassroots organizations, and communities in the fight against the epidemic. Capacity building, and initiatives by the private sector will be targeted at implementing prevention strategies for employees, and families, to be assessed against an eligibility criteria, whereas funds will be granted to associations and private enterprises, including NGOs, and community-based organizations; 3) support the placement of orphans with their extended families, or when necessary with unrelated families. Orphans shall be provided with scholarships for primary education, and vocational training, while the economic, and nutritional well being of families in care will be strengthened through investments, and income generating activities; 4) reinforce the capacity of public, and private agencies in the formulation, and implementation of the epidemic's control, by strengthening coordination, monitoring and evaluation criteria; and, 5) ensure project coordination, by financing operational costs, technical assistance, and equipment supply as needed.

The project BI-ERSG II has changed to Closed

2008-10-10T04:00:00.000Z

The project BI-ERSG II has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Second Economic Reform Support Grant (ERSG II) is the first in a series of two grants designed to assist the Government of Burundi to continue implementing the country's poverty reduction strategy in order to transition from a post conflict economic environment to one that is focused on economic development driven by private sector growth. The 2006 stand alone ERSG aimed at supporting the Government in implementing the interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in three areas: (i) improving public expenditure management and the impact on the poor; (ii) reviving agriculture export crop sectors (coffee, tea, and cotton) by ensuring better revenue distribution among actors; and (iii) reviving the private sector by improving business climate, accelerating state divestiture, and settling the Government domestic arrears to the private sector. The ERSG II grant will support the Government to continue: (i) reforms in the public finance management system to improve accountability and transparency in public spending; (ii) reforms in the business legal and institutional environment to foster private-sector led growth; and (iii) reforms in the coffee sub-sector. It proposes to: (i) consolidate reforms already underway (in public finance management as identified in the recent joint Public Expenditure Management and Financial Accountability Review (PEMFAR)); and (ii) to reenergize the reform process in private sector development (the legal and regulatory framework for the general business environment, and the coffee reform process). In addition it aims at continuing diagnostic works and support development of a strategic approach in areas where action is needed but knowledge is too limited (public enterprise reform). Thus, at the conclusion of the ERSG series, one would expect to see tangible progress with respect to each component of the proposed reform program.

Global Food and Fuel Crisis Will Increase Malnourished by 44 Million

2008-10-08T17:30:00.000Z

Contacts:
In Washington :Carl Hanlon 202-473-8087; chanlon@worldbank.org;
Philip Hay 202-473-1796
phay@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, October 8, 2008 – High food and fuel prices will increase the number of malnourished people around the world in 2008 by 44 million to reach a total of 967 million, a report from the World Bank says.

While food and fuel price increases may have moderated in recent months, prices remain much higher than previous years and show few signs of declining significantly, according to the report entitled “Rising food and fuel prices: addressing the risks to future generations”. Poor families around the world are being pushed to the brink of survival, causing irreparable damage to the health of millions of children. As families cut back on spending, there are also grave risks for the educational performance of poor children.

“While people in the developed world are focused on the financial crisis, many forget that a human crisis is rapidly unfolding in developing countries. It is pushing poor people to the brink of survival,” said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. “The financial crisis will only make it more difficult for developing countries to protect their most vulnerable people from the impact of rising food and fuel costs.”

The report, due to be presented on Sunday to the Development Committee at the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF, says the food and fuel crisis could have long term effects on poor people and countries. Malnourished children cannot develop into healthy adults and become productive members of society who can contribute to the growth needed to lift themselves and their country out of poverty.

The report says priority should be given to a series of targeted measures. These include:

Making existing targeted cash (or near cash) transfer programs more generous;
Getting nutrition to infants and pregnant women;
expanding so-called ”in-kind” food distribution programs including school feeding and the distribution of fortified calorically dense food;
using fee waivers, lifeline-pricing and other forms of targeted subsidies for poor users/consumers; and
introducing additional measures to prevent children from dropping out of school, such as fee waivers, subsidies for school inputs, or cash transfers.

The report also argues that allocating the necessary amount of budget to finance an expansion of safety net programs may require pruning less-priority spending in other areas. But it notes that well-designed safety net programs do not have to be prohibitively expensive to be effective. Some of the most successful programs in the world cost well under 1 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Moreover, investing in safety net programs now will give governments new tools to address not just the current crisis, but future ones as well.

In May, the World Bank launched a $1.2 billion rapid financing facility to help poor countries cope with the food crisis. Since then, around US$850 million has been committed to finance seeds, plantings, and feeding programs. In April, Zoellick called for a New Deal for Global Food Policy that included short, medium and long-term measures to provide immediate help to poor people and farmers while increasing food production.

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For more information on the Bank's work in nutrition, please visit: www.worldbank.org/nutrition

and for more on social safety nets, click here: www.worldbank.org/safetynets

The project PUBLIC WORKS & URBAN MANAGEMENT PROJECT is now in the pipeline.

2008-10-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project PUBLIC WORKS & URBAN MANAGEMENT PROJECT is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Burundi : Health Sector Support is now in the pipeline.

2008-09-12T04:00:00.000Z

The project Burundi : Health Sector Support is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project BI - Food Crisis Response Development Policy Grant has changed to Closed

2008-08-28T04:00:00.000Z

The project BI - Food Crisis Response Development Policy Grant has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Food Crisis Response Development Policy Grant (DPG) Project for Burundi of US$10 million supports the Government's program to mitigate the impact of increased food prices on the poor, while maintaining fiscal stability. This in turn will help reduce the risk of worsened food insecurity, increased poverty, social unrest, and will help foster social and economic development. This grant helps to finance the revised 2008 budget which includes a number of measures, notably: (i) suspension of custom duties and domestic transaction taxes on thirteen basic food items; (ii) sustaining or extending school feeding programs (including for girls) in primary schools of vulnerable provinces; and (iii) adding more resources to the budget for the emergency humanitarian relief to cope with a threat of famine in the country following the drought. Other components of the revised budget attempt to address the fuel price increases and limit increases in transport costs, to which the poor are particularly vulnerable. The provision of budget financing will enable the Government to maintain the gains in macroeconomic stability, sustain the critical reforms under the Economic Reform Support Grant (ERSG) program, and undertake critical expenditures to respond to the food price shock. The development community is supporting Burundi's medium term poverty reduction strategy, and it is critical that the momentum of the reform program be maintained. The food response grant financing will complement other support from bilateral and multilateral agencies for mitigating the risks to Burundi's overall program. It will also support the Government's medium-term reform agenda for putting in place a better safety net system that improves Burundi's resilience and response to shocks.

The project BI-ERSG II has changed to Active

2008-08-19T04:00:00.000Z

The project BI-ERSG II has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project BI - Food Crisis Response Development Policy Grant is now in the pipeline.

2008-08-15T04:00:00.000Z

The project BI - Food Crisis Response Development Policy Grant is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Burundi: Second Economic Reform Support Grant (ERSG II)

2008-08-05T19:39:17.000Z

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2008- The following project wasapproved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IDA Grant: US$30Million

Project Description: The Economic Reform Support Grant I1 (ERSG 11) is the first in a series of two grants designed to assist the Government of Burundi in implementing the country’s poverty reduction strategy in order to transition from a post conflict economy with a focus on maintaining peace and stability to one geared towards designing and implementing policies to accelerate growth and human development. The proposed Economic Reform Support Grant I1 (ERSG 11) will continue supporting the Government in (i) reforming the public finance management system to improve fiscal transparency and accountability; (ii)reforming the business legal and institutional environment to foster private-sector-led growth; and (iii)supporting reforms in the coffee sector

Media Contact

Rachel McColgan at (202) 458-5299

rmccolgan@worldbank.org

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

The project BI- Agriculture Rehabilitation & Sustanaible Land Management Supplement Project is now in the pipeline.

2008-06-24T04:00:00.000Z

The project BI- Agriculture Rehabilitation & Sustanaible Land Management Supplement Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Sustainable Land Management Project is to contribute to restoring the productive capacity and livelihoods of rural population in Burundi through economically and ecologically sustainable investments. The additional grant will finance the costs associated with scaling-up activities to increase the impact of the project, which is well-performing and disbursing ahead of schedule. The project has, in accordance with its original development objective, helped to restore productive capacity in rural areas through investments and capacity building. The additional funding will consolidate and improve the outcomes reached to date. Expected outcomes are: an increased number of beneficiaries; higher returns on productive investments due to increased competition through more competitive criteria for allocating matching grants; and stronger institutions involved in agriculture recovery, through increased capacity building of line ministries. In addition, the additional grant will contribute to enhancing the country's longer-term food supply response, through increased agricultural productivity and revenues in rural areas, complementing the Government's short-term interventions to address recent food price increases, including emergency food aid distribution and policy and administrative measures to ensure food security for vulnerable groups.

Burundi Receives US$15 Million to Restore the Productive Capacity of Rural Areas

2008-06-23T21:00:00.000Z

Contacts
In Washington: Aby Touré +1 202 473 8302
akonate@worldbank.org

In Bujumbura: Marie-Claire Nzeyimana (257-22) 20 6200

mnzeyimana@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2008 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a US$15 million IDA additional grant to the Government of Burundi to support the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Sustainable Land Management project.

The development objective of the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Sustainable Land Management project is to restore the productive capacity of rural areas, through investments in production and sustainable land management, and through capacity building for producer organizations, and local communities. Beneficiaries would also include war-distressed returnees and internally displaced persons.

The project, which scales up the original project, consists of the following parts:

· Support for production and sustainable land management investments which will finance demand-driven subprojects, and their effective planning, and implementation by producer organizations, and local communities. It will also provide emergency support for internally displaced persons seeking their reintegration in the agricultural sector.

· Support for capacity building and institutional strengthening, will enhance access to information, and capacity of producer organizations, local communities, and local project's implementing agencies.

· Support for project coordination and management which will finance project management activities, including monitoring and evaluation.

“The proposed US$15 million additional grant would finance the costs associated with scaling–up activities of the project, which is well performing and disbursing ahead of schedule, in a context where new risks have arisen with the increase in food and energy prices”, said Ousmane Seck, the Task Team Leader of the project.

This additional financing will support the allocation of an increased number of matching grants, including the contracting out of local services providers and in line with social safeguards and the initial design of the project additional support to indigenous people and returnees and internally displaced persons.

Lessons learnt from the project execution so far suggested focusing on: (i) the production of quality seeds; development of irrigated rice alternatively with horticultural products, palm oil, etc; (ii) the extension of irrigation sub-projects in suitable wetlands for improving water and soil management, including watershed rehabilitation and capacity strengthening of water users associations; and (iii) the promotion of sustainable land management on pilot watershed subprojects, such as the introduction of indigenous species and protection of waterways.

The project will be implemented in rural areas which are characterized by mountainous terrain and severe erosion.

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For more information on the World Bank’s activities in sub-Saharan Africa visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/afr

For more information on the World Bank’s activities in Burundi visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/burundi

Burundi - Agricultural Rehabilitation & Land Mgmt Project (S)

2008-06-19T18:04:02.000Z

WASHINGTON , June 19, 2008- The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

Burundi - Agricultural Rehabilitation & Land Mgmt Project (S)

IDA CREDIT: US$15 million

TERMS: Maturity = 40 Years; Grace Period = 10 Years

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Agricultural Rehabilitation & Land Management Project aims to contribute to restoring the productive capacity and livelihoods of the rural population in Burundi through economically and ecologically sustainable investments.

For more information, please call Aby Toure at (202) 473-8302 or e-mail here at akonate@worldbank.org

For more information on Burundi please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/
BURUNDIEXTN/0,,menuPK:343757~pagePK:141159~piPK:141110~theSitePK:343751,00.html

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

New report on economic growth offers lessons on achieving sustained, high economic growth

2008-05-21T17:11:32.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington:

Maya Brahmam at +1-202-473-6231 or email at mbrahmam@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2008 – The World Bank Group welcomes a new report by the independent Commission on Growth and Development, a global panel of eminent experts, which reveals important lessons from countries that have achieved high, long-term economic growth. The experts say the lessons learned could help policy makers in developing countries as they seek to set their countries on a steady growth path.

The Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development says integration into the world economy, maintaining high rates of savings and investment, and committed, capable governments are among the key features of countries that have sustained growth rates above 7 percent for 25 uninterrupted years since World War II.

"This report underscores to the development community that one size doesn’t fit all." said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. I am especially pleased that it draws on input from first class practitioners and leaders who have hands-on pragmatic and practical experience of making inclusive development a success. This will help enrich the thinking and practice of the World Bank Group as well as others in the development field.” “

High, long-lasting growth is not easily achieved, but the report by some of the world’s top policy-makers and thinkers, believes it can be reproduced in developing countries, giving them a chance to reduce poverty and improve opportunity and quality of life for their citizens.

“We are acutely aware that there are no silver bullets to create long-running, inclusive growth, and that no single paradigm exists,” says Commission Vice Chair Danny Leipziger, who is also Vice President for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management at the World Bank. “While seeking to identify those key elements that can lead to long running and inclusive growth, the report is clear that policy makers will need to customize and experiment with polices rather than follow any rigid set of guidelines.”

Commission Chairman Michael Spence said: " What makes the report so unique is that it was prepared by policymakers, many from developing countries, who have been in the trenches themselves and have learned what works and why. It is these commissioners who are now providing their insights to the next generation of policymakers on ways to improve growth prospects and the quality of life in the poor parts of the globe."

Spence is one of two Nobel Laureates on the 21-member commission comprising leaders from business, government and academia. The Commissioners come from 18 countries that include a broad mix of developing, emerging and developed economies, as well as small island states and populous, large countries.

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To download full report click here:

http://www.growthcommission.org/

World Bank Broadens Transport Agenda

2008-05-21T17:00:00.000Z

Contacts
In Washington:
Roger Morier (202) 473 5675, rmorier@worldbank.org
Anna Piasecka (202) 458 7027, apiasecka@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2008 – The World Bank Group today launched a new transport business strategy for 2008-2012 that will help partner countries establish the governance, strategies, policies and services to deliver transport for development in a way that is economically, financially, environmentally and socially sustainable.

Called Safe, Clean, and Affordable… Transport for Development, the business strategy strengthens the alignment of the transport sector approach with the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2000. At the same time, it widens the directions and deepens the routes that will be taken to meet the evolving development agenda. It gives more attention to emerging trends, such as trade globalization, urbanization of populations; rising concerns about climate change, the increase in traffic congestion; and the recognition of access as a key to both economic opportunity and good governance.

“In striving to achieve its development objectives—and foremost to eradicate poverty—the World Bank Group is mobilizing the transport sector to the fullest possible extent,” said Katherine Sierra, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development. ”To that end, the transport business strategy aligns Bank Group instruments along a few key strategic directions that will pave the way to truly sustainable development, one where transport plays a crucial role.”

“In a world with rising levels of greenhouse gases, poor road safety, and the too-frequent spread of communicable diseases along international routes, transport must be looked at anew. A coherent way forward requires innovative thinking and cooperation among sectors to optimize the role of transport without jeopardizing personal and commercial mobility.”

The Bank Group consulted widely in preparing its new business strategy, seeking contributions from over 75 transport development partners, governments, professional institutions, civil society organizations, multilateral and bilateral donors, and putting an early draft on its external website for four months to elicit public comments.

Safe Transport
Acknowledging the importance of transport for achieving public health outcomes within the Millennium Development Goals, the strategy stresses the need to mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to address safety in all transport modes, especially road transport. It also addresses the safety issue in air transport which, although globally much safer, still shows a safety record significantly affecting growth and investment prospects in some regions, in particular Sub-Saharan Africa. Transport and supply-chain security has also become a major issue in ensuring fair access of developing country exports to developed markets, and needs to be addressed as a new global public good.

“Road crashes kill an estimated 1.2 million people a year and injure 50 million more, disproportionately affecting the poor,” said Anthony Bliss, Lead Road Safety Specialist, Program Coordinator for the World Bank’s Global Road Safety Facility. “We are placing special emphasis on road safety, extending our support to include not only road safety components embedded in road infrastructure projects, but also larger stand-alone projects to formulate national policies and strategies that would improve road safety across the board. We will also pursue cross-sectoral approaches, such as including pre-hospital components in road programs and road safety components in health programs.”

Clean Transport
Urban air pollution, 90 percent of it generated by motor vehicles, kills an estimated 800,000 people each year. Transport now produces approximately 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reflecting the contribution of transport to the wider environmental aims of the Millennium Development Goals, the strategy encompasses the transport-energy-environment nexus, from the energy consumption to the emissions and climate change impact perspectives. Going forward, the World Bank Group will be working to help restrain transport energy consumption. It will be assessing and controlling transport projects emissions, favoring shifts to low carbon modes.

“We are setting guidelines for environmentally effective transport planning and decision making,” said Jamal Saghir, Director, Energy, Transport and Water Department and Chair of the Transport Sector Board. “We are seeking ways to mitigate the effects of transport on the climate—and the effects of climate change on transport asset. We intend to build climate change issues into transport project appraisals where appropriate.”

Affordable Transport
An estimated 1 billion people in low-income countries lack access to an all-weather road. Affordable transport can enhance mobility and inclusion. It can promote social, economic, and political integration, by keeping a country together despite geographic disparities, by overcoming potential disputes over access to resources, and by defusing the seeds of conflict that sometimes arise from feelings of isolation.

Marc Juhel, Sector Manager for Transport stressed the fact that affordability concerns not only the rural and urban poor, but also the whole freight economy, aiming at improving competitiveness to foster stronger economic growth:

“The strategy stresses the need for better knowledge and control of transport costs, for both passengers and freight, on domestic and regional, urban and rural settings. The implementation of an effective urban transport strategy, reaching out to the growing urban poor population, is a key element of this approach. On the freight side, the cooperative work on trade and transport facilitation—in particular on customs and transit issues—will be strengthened.”

World Bank contribution to transport over previous decade
Since the Bank’s 1996 transport strategy, Sustainable Transport, was endorsed by the World Bank’s Board of Directors, the Bank Group has committed around US$42 billion for more than 530 dedicated transport operations and transport components in over 500 non-transport specific projects in more than 100 client countries. Lending in fiscal year 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007) reached over US$5 billion, amounting to 20 percent of World Bank Group new annual commitments.

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View the transport business strategy—Safe, Clean, and Affordable… Transport for Development at: http://www.worldbank.org/transport

The project Burundi Second Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Project has changed to Active

2008-05-15T04:00:00.000Z

The project Burundi Second Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Second Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Project for Burundi development objective is to increase the utilization of a selected set of preventive services, among groups highly vulnerable to, or affected by HIV/AIDS. The project will achieve goals by contributing to: (i) capacity-building and service delivery for service providers with a focus on prevention activities in high risk groups; (ii) existing and new treatment services on the basis of performance; (iii) small grants for highly vulnerable groups and HIV affected families; and, (iv) capacity building for local authorities and key ministries to implement and monitor HIV/AIDS control activities, and operational costs for managing the National Program including improving the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system. The four project components are as follows: the first component is preventive services targeted to high risk groups. Interventions supported by this component fall under the first axis (or operational Program) of National HIV/AIDS Strategy and Plan (NHAS) 2007-2011, and aim at reducing HIV transmission among high risk groups through behavior change and increased access to preventative services. Second component is performance-based curative services. This component will support the geographic extension of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and opportunistic infection prophylaxis and treatment to HIV+ people in the whole country. Third component is decentralized financing of small grants to families living with HIVIAIDS and high risk groups. This component aims at providing limited economic and legal support to the most vulnerable families affected by HIV/AIDS. Finally, capacity building for local authorities and key ministries to implement HIV/AIDS Activities, and National Program Management. The objectives of this component are to build capacity to implement and monitor HIV/AIDS activities in key ministries and local governments; contribute to ensure adequate operation of the Secre'tariat Executive du Conseil National de Lutte contre le SIDA (SEP/CNLS); increase the SEP/CNLS capacity to manage the M&E system; and implement that national waste management plan.

Burundi: Multisectoral HIV/ AIDS Project

2008-05-13T22:10:25.000Z

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2008- The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IDA Grant: US$15 million

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project aims to increase the coverage and /or utilization of a selected set of preventive and treatment services, among groups highly vulnerable to or affected by HIV/AIDS. The National strategy includes specific indicators for each of these objectives, and a few have been selected for the Project Preparation Facility (PPF) request. A final agreement on key indicators including the scorecard indicators adopted by the Africa region will be agreed upon before appraisal.

For more information, please call Herbert Boh at (202) 473-3548 or email hboh@worldbank.org

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Burundi: Multisectoral Water and Electricity Infrastructure Project

2008-05-13T22:09:20.000Z

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2008- The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IDA Grant: US$50 million

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project supports the Government of Burundi’s efforts to (a) increase access to water supply services in peri-urban areas of Bujumbura; (b) increase the reliability and quality of electricity services; (c) increase the quality and reliability of water supply services, with primary focus on Bujumbura; and (d) strengthen the State Company responsible for Urban Water and Electricity Services’ (REGIDESO) financial sustainability.

For more information, please call Herbert Boh at (202) 473-3548 or email hboh@worldbank.org

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Burundi Receives Urgent Support for Power and Water Supply

2008-05-13T20:35:48.000Z

Contacts

In Washington: Herbert Boh (202) 473-3548;

hboh@worldbank.org

In Bujumbura: Marie-Claire Nzeyimana (257-22) 20 6200

mnzeyimana@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2008 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a US$50 million equivalent (SDR30.4 million) International Development Association (IDA) grant to the Government of Burundi for urgently needed power and water supply.

The Multi-Sectoral Water and Electricity Infrastructure Project will increase people’s access to water in peri-urban areas of Bujumbura and improve the quality and reliability of water services in the Bujumbura region. The project will also increase reliability and quality of electricity services and strengthen the operational and financial condition of REGIDESO, the combined water and electricity utility.

“The project has been designed to provide a balance between immediate needs and medium- to long-term planning,” said World Bank Lead Water and Sanitation SpecialistVentura Bengoechea. “It addresses the urgent need to fill the current gaps between supply and demand in both electricity and water supply, while supporting strategic planning activities, and strengthening the technical, operational and financial capacity of the utility and key sector institutions.”

Burundi faces severe constraints in electricity supply. The impact of the ensuing power cuts is one of the country’s major hurdles to economic growth. The project will assist in the rehabilitation of Burundi’s primary power grid and the establishments of a number of demand management measures aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing losses. The project will also finance feasibility studies for small hydro power plants and will partially finance on a declining basis the operation and maintenance of the existing thermal generation plant.

Burundi’s water sector infrastructure suffered much destruction during the years of civil conflict. Water supply and distribution facilities and networks were targeted by acts of sabotage in several urban centers and particularly in Bujumbura. The project will expand the water treatment capacity and reinforce the primary distribution network in the northern part of Bujumbura. This will allow for the extension of the secondary distribution networks to provide access to water to over 100,000 people in peri-urban zones located north and east of Bujumbura – Buterere, Kamenge, Kinama, Gihosha, and Musaga – areas characterized by deep poverty and a high proportion of displaced and resettled people. The project will also provide technical assistance for the reduction of technical and commercial losses in the system, which will benefit other areas of Bujumbura as well.

The project was prepared in coordination with the African Development Bank, which is implementing complementary programs in both the electricity and water sectors, and with other donors that include the German Government in the water sector and the Governments of China and the Netherlands in the electricity sector.

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For more information, please visit

For more information on the World Bank’s activities in sub-Saharan Africa visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/afr

For more information on the World Bank’s activities in Burundi visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/burundi

For more information about this project visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=343751&menuPK=343785&Projectid=P097974

The project Burundi - Statistical Capacity Building is now in the pipeline.

2007-12-13T05:00:00.000Z

The project Burundi - Statistical Capacity Building is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Burundi AID Coordination Project (MDTF) is now in the pipeline.

2007-12-13T05:00:00.000Z

The project Burundi AID Coordination Project (MDTF) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database