Knowledge Management and Development

In 2009, the Bank enhanced its visibility and mainstreamed intellectual capacity into its operations  within the framework of the Knowledge Management and Development (KMD) Strategy (2008-2012).  During the year, the Bank continued to play an active role in the Committee of Ten Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors (the C-10), which had been set up to monitor the impact of the global  financial crisis and to coordinate Africa’s response at various levels. The principles of selectivity, relevance, value added, partnership, and cost effectiveness continued to guide the Bank’s knowledge activities. The operational experience in the Bank also contributed to knowledge generation through closer interaction across all departments and units, and through lessons learned from Economic and Sector Work (ESW) and Project Completion Reports (PCRs).

Capacity Development and Training: The final draft of the Capacity Development Strategy was  discussed in December 2009 at the CODE meeting, pending approval by the Boards in January 2010. In  2009, the Bank organized a series of workshops in order to enhance development impact in Bank-funded projects. These included 16 Development Management Training Workshops for 745 RMC  policymakers in different key areas, namely: Public Financial Management, Good Governance, Trade Negotiation and Regulation, Performance-Based Allocation, Public–Private Partnerships, and the Global Financial Crisis.

Eminent Speakers: Four renowned personalities were invited under the Eminent Speakers’ Program to  share their knowledge and experiences on the development challenges facing the continent. Professor Ha-Joon Chang of Cambridge University spoke on the “Economic History of the Developed Worlds:  Lessons for Africa”; Professor Jacques Attali, President of PlaNet Finance, made a presentation on  “Financial Crisis and the Role of Microfinance”; Dr. Sadako Ogata, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), spoke on “Peace and Development in Africa: Upholding the Conditions”; and  the fourth speaker, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wangari Maathai, made a presentation on “Natural  Resource Management and Poverty Reduction: Strengthening the Links.”

Statistical Support Activities: The Bank’s statistical support to RMCs in 2009 focused on the following  areas: (i) improving operational effectiveness and financial services; (ii) strengthening statistical  capacity and systems in RMCs; and (iii) enhancing the development, management, and dissemination of development statistics on Africa through statistical publications and the online data access portal. The  statistical support to RMCs is guided by the Bank’s commitment to the Results Agenda for Operational  Effectiveness.