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The In March 2007, the World Bank’s Executive Directors discussed an assessment of the first 18 months of implementing the Africa Action Plan. Progress was rated broadly satisfactory, with results appearing faster than expected in developing the private sector, closing the infrastructure gap, and addressing HIV/AIDS and malaria, areas in which the Bank Group has also increased its support. Despite the plan’s general success, however, its impact would have been even greater if it had aimed to achieve fewer objectives and had focused more sharply on results. Going forward, the Bank will therefore concentrate on eight key “flagship” business lines: strengthening the private sector, increasing the economic empowerment of women, building skills for increased competitiveness, raising agricultural productivity, improving access to and the reliability of clean energy, expanding and upgrading road networks and transit corridors, increasing access to safe water and sanitation, and strengthening health systems to prevent and treat malaria and HIV/AIDS. The country-based model that guides IDA partnership efforts and country strategies will be strengthened. Three cross-cutting areas will support this effort: building more capable and accountable governments, improving environmental management, and strengthening the development partnership. |
© 2007 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank