By Fred Ruhakana

The objective of writing this data validation manual is to assist debt recording functions in MEFMI member countries in identifying causes of external debt data inconsistencies. It recommends possible approaches to rectifying such validation inconsistencies and errors with an ultimate goal of producing accurate consistent and timely data.
This hand book does not claim to be a prescription for all debt data validation aspects for all MEFMI member countries since each country or debt unit within the country may have its own peculiar problems and approaches to external debt management. However the book may trigger action to those debt offices or debtor countries who have hitherto considered debt data validation a difficult or unimportant task. Subsequent versions of this handbook will incorporate views ideas and corrections from its readers and users. You are therefore requested to make constructive comments on the content and style of this presentation which I will be glad to use the hand book for the benefit of MEFMI member countries.

The scope of his handbook is limited to medium and long term public and publicly guaranteed external debt. As I have already mentioned, it particularly written for MEFMI member countries whose debt management structures and institutional arrangements are quite similar.