Officials Trained on public investment management

Public Investment Management (PIM) Units have been established across the region in recent years. These units, which are at different stages of maturity, are intended to improve the appraisal, selection and implementation of capital projects. This has become important due to increased infrastructure spending and alternative actors in service provision such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), State-Owned Enterprises and non-concessional financing.

To undertake this role effectively, PIM units require cross-dimensional skills which include planning, appraisal, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation.  These functions cut across different stages of the Public Financial Management cycle. The units also require close coordination with more standard ministry departments such as macro, budget, cash planning and the accountant general. Close coordination is also required for departments that are responsible for externally financed projects, PPPs and SOE oversight.

In view of this, MEFMI, in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) AFRITAC South (AFS), IMF AFRITAC East (AFE) and IMF AFRITAC West 2 (AFW2) conducted a virtual seminar on PIM. The seminar, which was conducted from 2 to 6 November, 2020 focused on strengthening understanding on the five (5) thematic areas of (i) PIM reform in the region – common challenges and potential solutions; (ii) public investment during the COVID-19 crisis and for recovery (iii) links between project appraisal, selection and the budget process (iv) the location of PIM units in the planning and budgeting space and (v) PIM reform strategies. Good practices in PIM, drawing on international and regional experiences were also discussed. Countries presented a reform action plan, which identified their most pressing capacity needs over the short and medium-term. They also identified their position on a broader PIM roadmap. Participants are expected to use knowledge and skills from the seminar to better manage and improve PIM in their respective countries.

The seminar was attended by 80 participants from 21 African countries. These participants were selected from PIM units, Ministries of Finance, Planning and PPP units. The participants were guided by the resource team which comprised of Mr. Imran Aziz (AFE); Mr. Robert Clifton (AFS); Mr. Kubai Khasiani (AFW2) and Mr. Eduardo Aldunate; Mr. Martin Darcy and Ms. Onintsoa Harilala (all from the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department).

Prepared by Sayed Timuno