Evaluation Working Paper

Abstract: The Bank Group in December 2005 adopted the Uganda Joint Assistance Strategy (UJAS) as the Bank’s country programming framework for the country. The UJAS was developed by seven donors and replaces the traditional Country Strategy Paper (CSP). This report presents (1) findings on overall UJAS relevance, its bearings on country strategy, the impact on transaction costs, and the Bank effectiveness in the process; (2) risks and challenges for the Bank associated with joint assistance programming; (3) essentials and priorities for moving ahead with the Uganda JAS; and (4) lessons learnt from Uganda for similar harmonization and joint assistance processes in other countries.

Abstract: This review, on Ethiopia, is part of a five-country study of the role of the Bank Group (ADB) in Joint Assistance Strategies (JAS)/harmonization processes (HP) –a request of the Bank Group’s Board of Directors (Board). It aims at generating pertinent information for informing the Board on the JAS/HP and ongoing and future relevant processes in the RMCs. As Ethiopia had no JAS process, the review assesses the role of the ADB in the harmonization process focusing on the Joint Direct Budget Support (JDBS) Process.

Abstract: The harmonization process started in March 2003 when the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) developed with interested donors (Nordic countries, the United Kingdom and the World Bank) a framework for Harmonization in Practice (HIP) but now open to all donors. Many development partners active in Zambia have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) submitted in April 2004 or indicated interest in participating informally in the HIP initiative along with GRZ. The MoU focuses on aid effectiveness and includes a set of actions (e.g. development of aid policy, formulation of a joint assistance strategy for Zambia "JASZ" for division of labour, increased use of direct support and reliance on government systems for procurement, fund management and auditing, etc.) and a monitoring framework for coordination and harmonization.

Abstract: Tanzania experienced a period of difficult relations with Development Partners which ended in the mid 1990s6. A commission of independent advisors, led by Professor G. Helleiner was asked to develop recommendations on how to improve the aid relationship in Tanzania. The recommendations of the "Helleiner Report" which was jointly adopted by the Government and Donors in 1997, promoted GoT ownership and leadership of the development process, along with harmonization of aid by donors. In response to Helleiner Report the Government of Tanzania initiated a series of discussions with development partners.