The world Bank is currently preparing a Continent-wide Regional Assistance Strategy (RAS). This will provide a framework for national Country Assistance Strategies (CASs) preparation, indicating strategic priorities in the region and pointing to areas where regional approaches can leverage national programs. The RAS will also establish outcome indicators and an M&E framework for regional engagements within the Bank’s country-based programs. The Bank is also developing operational strategies within the Country Assistance Strategies (CASs) to help clients achieve impact at the national level through regional approaches. It is having a dialogue around national strategies and regional support with the 48 borrowing member countries. The goal is to:   | Scale up and coordinate initiatives for sound resource allocation decisions at the regional level   | |  | Harmonize regional programs with national programs  | |  | Ensure that donors comparative advantages are taken into account. |
 Through the launch of the African Union of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) over five years ago, Africa leaders are working to bring regional integration into the mainstream of development efforts. The Bank's Regional Integration Department is committed to accelerating the implementation of NEPAD as well as aligning its investments and its programs with the NEPAD Short Term Action Plan (pdf) priorities. The World Bank Africa Action Plan has translated NEPAD priorities in the following areas for its regional programs support: Growth |  | Implementation of customs unions. Harmonized regional customs facilities and systems | |  | Gap-filling in regional infrastructure. Focus on trade corridors, regional power systems and international telecommunications | | Financial sector development and integration. Focus on broadening access to financial services and introduction of trade-related instruments | |  | Agricultural productivity. Regional approaches to enhance agricultural research and technology development. |
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Service Delivery |  | Management of water resources at basin level – water supply, irrigation, flood control, environmental objectives | |  | Improving outcomes in tertiary education, health care through rationalizing facilities regionally | | Combating migratory diseases, malaria, HIV/AIDS, tsetse |
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Support to RECs | Â | Capacity development of the REC closely aligned with near-term capacity needs in view of regional deliverables set by member states | | Â | Strengthening capacity of the REC to select and prepare priority regional investments, including through establishment of multi-donor sub-regional funds. |
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