Country Assistance Strategy (CAS)

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 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 goverment 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.

Status of the Country Assistance Strategy for the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2008 - 2011

The World Bank Board of Directors on Dec. 18 discussed DRC's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), which will be aligned with the country’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy Paper. This CAS builds on two Transitional Support Strategies (2001 – 2003 and 2004 – 2006) which contributed to the political and economic stabilization of the country.

The objective of the CAS is to lay the foundation for a medium-term poverty reduction effort – strengthening infrastructure, institutions, and policies – and will reflect the five pillars of the PRGSP. It will support efforts to:

	Promote good governance and consolidate peace.
	Consolidate macroeconomic stability and economic growth.
	Improve access to social services and reduce vulnerability.
	Fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
	Promote community dynamics.

The CAS also includes an increase in the reach and impact of IFC, MIGA and the WBI. It was finalized following consultations with key stakeholders and the Government and is aligned with the Comprehensive Assistance Framework (CAF), designed with the input and support of 17 development partners. The CAF consists of joint documents detailing joint programming and a joint results matrix. This will inform the respective donors’ strategies.

The CAF is the common strategic approach for economic assistance adopted by donors (such as, the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations system, and bilaterals such as Belgium, Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom).

This coordination between partners is viewed as imperative in ensuring that donors work in their area of comparative advantage, that duplication of effort is avoided, and that funds are used in the most efficient manner.

Download
Transitional Support Strategy (PDF), January 2004