Policy Documents

Abstract: The Energy Sector Policy of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) provides a general framework for the Bank’s operations in the energy sector. The Policy is still under preparation and has built on the Bank Group’s experience, extensive internal and external consultations and analysis of the key issues of concern in the African energy sector. The new Energy Sector Policy replaces the 1994 Energy Policy and constitutes the Bank’s response to the challenge of low access to modern energy services in Africa. It also better reconciles access and sustainability objectives, namely by addressing the emerging energy-related challenges posed by climate change. Consequently, the policy framework advances a dual objective: * support RMCs in their efforts to provide all their populations and productive sectors with access to modern, affordable and reliable energy services; and * assist RMCs in developing their energy sector in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

Abstract: The Bank Group Policy on Program-Based Operations (PBOs), also known as budget support, was approved on March 14, 2012. The Bank’s vision is to use PBOs, where appropriate, as part of an instrument mix tailored to country circumstances, focusing on support to RMC expenditure and policy reform to improve service delivery, thereby supporting poverty reduction through strong, sustained and shared growth. The Policy is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Bank’s PBOs, which would invariably help to deliver better results in support of priority sectors in Regional Member Countries (RMCs). The primary objective of the Bank’s PBOs is to provide resources to the national budget, subject to specific country needs and context; to address diverse issues, including sustaining growth, reducing poverty, strengthening country Public Financial Management (PFM) systems and economic management policies, and contributing to recovery, state building and arrears clearance of post-conflict countries, inter-alia. In this regard, the PBO Policy articulates new provisions which will position the Bank to strategically respond to the rapidly evolving needs and requirements of RMCs. Some of these include a move towards programmatic approaches, a multi-sectoral approach to PBOs and an enhanced approach to policy dialogue.

Abstract: The Revised Guidelines aim to improve the cancellation process and its governance framework, as well as ensure optimal utilization of Bank resources. They provide staff in the Operations and Finance Complexes with standard procedures for cancellation of approved loans, grants and guarantees. They provide criteria for Regional Member Countries and regional economic communities (RECs) for initiating cancellation of approved loans, grants and guarantees. They further facilitate improved coordination and communication within the Bank and between the Bank and co-financiers (multilateral and bilateral) on cancellation issues. They are aligned with the Delegation of Authority Matrix (DAM), the organizational structure and the General Conditions approved by the Boards in 2008. They are complemented by the following Bank documents: “The Loan or Protocol Agreement”, “The Disbursement Handbook”, “Bank Group Policy on Portfolio Review and Restructuring”, “Bank Group Policy on Utilization of Loans Savings”, and “The Presidential Directive on the Continuity of Operations and Engagement with De Facto Governments in Regional Member Countries”.