Sectoral Strategies

Abstract: The Governance Strategic Directions and Action Plan (GAP) for 2008-2012 is the African Development Bank’s guide for the Bank’s support to regional member countries’ efforts to improve governance and fight corruption. Today the linkages between good governance and growth are better understood; as the GAP makes clear, “good governance is crucial for inclusive and sustained economic growth.” Research findings indicate that countries that improve their governance receive a 300 percent dividend – three times more income per capita in the long term. That is a huge return on investment and one we work to help countries capitalize on. The Governance Strategic Directions and Action Plan for 2008-2012 is based on the Bank Policy on Good Governance of 2000 and the lessons learned as captured in the Bank Review of Governance Activities of 2006. It also takes account of recent developments in aid policies and of guidance by Member States on future directions of the Bank’s work in governance, most notably through the Eleventh Replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-11). It also reflects the recommendations of the independent High Level Panel (HLP) of January 2008. Lastly, it is informed by inputs received in internal and external consultations, and by global debates on development results, aid effectiveness and donor harmonization. The Governance Strategic Directions and Action Plan will strengthen the implementation of the Bank’s governance work by providing the basis for greater strategic selectivity, defining guiding principles for delivering results and achieving impact. The ambition of the Bank is to become a partner of choice for RMCs to strengthen economic and financial governance by 2012. The criteria for the Bank’s focus in governance are: (i) selectivity and results based on the Bank’s mandate, track record, and internal capacity; (ii) country focus and ownership, tailoring Bank’s support to countries’ governance challenges, reform priorities and potential for progress, (iii) synergy and relevance, based on the need to create positive interactions with the rest of the Bank’s portfolio; and (iv) complementarity and partnership, based on the Bank’s comparative advantage and its ability to complement other donors.