Background on Country Assistance Strategy

The Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for Tanzania covering 2012 to 2015 was discussed by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors in June 2011. It aligns World Bank Group assistance with Tanzania’s own strategic priorities, primarily as set out in the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (MKUKUTA II) and the Zanzibar Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (MKUZA II). It also reflects the Bank’s Africa Strategy by using partnerships as a means for implementation and building on the core partnership with the government.

The CAS is organized around four objectives:

• Promote Inclusive and Sustainable, Private Sector-led Growth:  The Bank will support the government to improve the conditions for the private sector by strengthening the financial sector and by expanding the broadband network. To improve income in the agriculture sector, Bank support will include construction of agricultural infrastructure and help farmers to adopt more productive agricultural techniques. To make economic growth sustainable the Bank will support the government in protecting and managing its natural resources by financing climate adaptation measures, improving land management practices as well as governance.
• Build Infrastructure and Deliver Services:  Better infrastructure is vital to reduce production costs, to promote investment and to profit from Tanzania’s location. The CAS extends the existing partnership with government in building infrastructure and in delivering services from infrastructure to release constraints to growth. Expected results include more people with access to more reliable electricity, the share of roads in good condition, and more people with access to clean water. Municipal services such as waste collection, street lighting, and urban transport will be improved.
• Strengthened Human Capital and Social Safety Net: The Bank’s support aims at building a healthy and skilled population base that is better prepared for the changing economy, while reducing vulnerability. In education expected results are increased secondary enrolment and completion rates, with particular attention to girls’ schooling. To decrease maternal mortality, expected health care results include a higher percentage of deliveries taking place in health facilities. To protect the most vulnerable the CAS aims to increase the income of targeted beneficiaries.
• Promote Accountability and Governance: The Bank will support selective interventions where it has a comparative advantage that is public financial management, public service reform, and decentralization. Expected result will include and increased share of timely transfers to participating LGAs, improved performance of MDAs and service delivery as well as increased budget transparency at local and central level.

The process leading up to the new CAS was characterized by multi-stakeholder consultations to obtain wide range perspectives on the priorities, challenges and options for the Bank’s activities and role in the country. Stakeholder groups from the government, the private sector, civil society organizations, academia, members of parliament, media, community groups and other donors provided informal review and advice in a series of meetings held over several months.