Concept Note
The attached concept note sets out the objectives, expected outputs, analytical framework and proposed methodology for the work of the Operational Task Force.
Effective States and Engaged Societies: Capacity Development for Growth, Service Delivery, and Empowerment in Africa
A Concept Note Prepared by: A World Bank Operational Taskforce on Capacity Development in Africa
For nearly three decades, African countries and their development partners have acknowledged that problems of poverty and weak institutional capacity are inextricably linked. The lack of state capacity to carry out basic public management functions means that large segments of the population do not have access to basic social services. Weak state institutions impose costs on entrepreneurs, exacerbate their risks, and help perpetuate barriers to competition (for example, by failing to enforce a robust legal and regulatory framework), thereby stunting economic growth. By the same token, entrepreneurs often lack the know-how to take advantage of opportunities to enter and effectively compete in nascent and emerging markets. Community and civil society groups also lack the capacity to organize themselves to influence government planning and budgeting processes and contributing to the delivery of basic services. Institutions of higher learning and think-tanks lack the personnel, resources, and incentives to undertake relevant applied research, and support knowledge sharing between public, private, and civil society sectors. Overall, developing the capacity to undertake collective action and embark on private initiatives is a high priority for African countries that aim to secure the economic and social fundamentals of sustainable development.
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