Country Assistance Strategy

The Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) is the most important World Bank country document. It is tailored to the needs and circumstances of each country and lays down the World Bank Group's development priorities, as well as the level and type of assistance the Bank will provide for a period of three years.

The CAS preparation is a participatory process. Before its adoption, key elements of the strategy are discussed with government representatives; and to ensure the widest possible involvement, public dialogues are also held, with Internet-based discussions taking place in many countries.

However, the CAS is not a negotiated document. Any differences between the country's own agenda and the Bank's strategy are highlighted in the CAS document. A progress report is issued in the intervening year.

Profile of Country Assistance Strategy for Benin

This Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) derives directly from the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) of Benin (PDF).

The Interim Country Assistance Strategy for Benin, developed in June 2000, laid the groundwork for gradually moving away from traditional adjustment lending, coupled with project lending, toward consolidated programatic lending. The key components of the 12 to 18-month interim assistance strategy were:

• Address the weaknesses of the interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) so as to help it complete a strong PRSP;
• Build the foundations for a progressive shift to consolidated program support, based on a number of specific criteria;
• Prepare three investment projects; and
• Strengthen current portfolio management.

In 2003 the Benin government defined an overall Country Assistance Strategy based on the following pillars:

• Strengthen the macroeconomic framework over the medium term
• Develop human capital and environmental management
• Improve governance and institutional reforms
• Promote employment or income-generating opportunities for the poor and strengthen their capacity to participate in decision making and production processes.

These priorities emerge from a diagnosis of the economic and poverty situation in Benin. They constitute the sectoral objectives and actions that the government considers for achieving the poverty reduction goals. These measures and actions have been given priority in budget formulation and resource allocation.

Downloads:

Benin Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper  June 26, 2000 (53 KB, PDF File)
Benin Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper  2003 – 2005, March 6, 2003  (Full Report, 4.56 MB, PDF File)

Print Version:

The print version of the document is publicly available at the Public Information Center.