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Technical assistance is one of the key services provided by the IMF to member countries—particularly lower income countries. It covers a wide set of activities, from technical assistance to support IMF policy advice to longer-term assistance to support countries’ institutional development. This evaluation report examines the relevance and effectiveness of IMF technical assistance, and derives recommendations for both IMF management and the Executive Board.

This Joint Staff Advisory Note reviews the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report for Niger. The lackluster economic performance in 2004 underscores Niger’s vulnerability to exogenous shocks. The progress report suggests that to firmly put the economy on a path of sustained and strong growth, reforms to improve the supply response should be expedited. The report also stresses that the implementation of recently developed growth-enhancing strategies, especially for the rural and infrastructure sectors, should be expedited; and complementary strategies such as for export diversification and tourism development should be defined.

The first progress report of the government of Niger on the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) covers the period January 2002 to June 2003. The implementation of the PRSP has been broadly satisfactory since January 2002, and the report provides a candid review of developments in this regard. The report emphasizes the participatory approach and activities that have been used to reinforce the ownership of the strategy by the population. Real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5.0 percent in 2001–02.

This paper examines Nigeria’s Third Review Under the Policy Support Instrument. Robust growth, lower inflation, a dramatic decline in debt, and an accumulation of significant reserves are among the notable economic achievements. It will be important to consolidate and institutionalize these gains as the foundations for sustained and improved economic performance. Non-oil growth accelerated and its prospects are promising. Inflation remained in line with the single-digit program target owing to a likely increase in confidence and money demand.

"The study also shows that enhancing the efficiency and transparency of public spending is as important as increasing spending for priority sectors. It thoroughly assesses public management systems in Niger and presents an action plan, jointly elaborated by the Government and its main external partners, to address the main challenges in this area. This action plan contains a priority set of measures to improve budget preparation, execution as well as internal and external oversight."--Jacket.