World Bank Approves $60 Million to Strengthen Local Government

The World Bank approved a $60 million International Development Association (IDA)* grant to Burkina Faso for the Local Government Support Project (Programme d’appui aux collectivités territoriales–PACT). The grant is an additional financing of the original project, which seeks to strengthen the national capacity for decentralization, the institutional capacities of communes in all regions and to increase citizen participation in local governance.

PACT responds to government priorities to reform public institutions. It will help increase opportunities for improving the quality of service delivery at the local government level. The project contributes to decentralized service delivery and improved local governance, which serve as a critical pathway to improving services to citizens in Burkina Faso.

“This additional financing would support the government’s objectives for decentralization by improving the enabling environment and operational effectiveness of local governments, so that decentralization can be rolled out more effectively, in line with the objectives of the national economic and social development plan – PNDES – especially the third strategic objective on decentralization and good local governance. The additional resources will support not only an enhanced delivery of public services, but will also promote inclusive development outcomes in Burkina Faso,” said Cheick Kanté, World Bank Country Manager for Burkina Faso.

* The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 75 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.5 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $18 billion over the last three years, with about 54 percent going to Africa.