37233 `DE BARRAY' Vol. I. Issue 1 April 2005 13A Howe St. Freetown PUBLISHED BY THE WORLD BANK COUNTRY OFFICE IN SIERRA LEONE Sierra Leone H I G H L I G H T S O F M A J O R C O U N T R Y U P D A T E S Towards Resolving The UN Envoys... Senegal, Cote In Spite of War, New Census Border Dispute Between D'Ivoire/SL Meet in Freetown Report Shows A 4.9% Guinea and Sierra Leone DACO, March 11 2005 -- United Nations Population Increase In 10 yrs DACO, February 20 2005 ­ Yenga, a pre- Special Representatives of the Secretary- DACO, March 4 2005 -- the Central war village in Sierra Leone near the Guinea General (SRSGs) of Liberia, Cote D'Ivoire Statistics Office (CSO) ­ now renamed border, and its immediate surroundings, and Senegal met in Freetown with their `Statistics Sierra Leone' has released have for some time continued to dominate Sierra Leone counterpart, Daudi provisional results of a nationwide the front pages of Sierra Leone newspapers Mwagawago. Issues of small arms population and housing census. The following Guinean troops occupation of the trafficking as well as the implications of exercise which took place in December area in 2001 as a result of pursuing cross-border armed group collaboration and 2004 was done to review data from the last retreating rebels from Guinea who passed regional security were high on their agenda. census conducted in 1985, six years before through the mountainous and militarily It was the fourth such rotational meetings the start of the war. The exercise captured strategic town on their way to Liberia. that aim at promoting regional integration, geographic data in terms of location and Until recently, Guinea had not officially co-operation and information sharing. numbers of chiefdoms and wards and acceded to Sierra Leone's right to Yenga. Consultations of this nature have been sections as well as demographic data which Guinean Prime Minister Diallo, deemed as important and timely since a war includes estimated, projected and representing President Lassana Conte in a in one country, if not forestalled, has shown provisional figures, national and district Mono River Union Heads of State meeting to have quickly spilled and spread to its population trends from 1964 - 2004, with the Presidents of Sierra Leone and neighbors. Evidently, the civil war in Liberia household size, sex ratio and population Liberia in Freetown now says Yenga is no which was initiated in 1990 by a group of density. Information on the voting longer an issue as there are clear border rebels of multinational West African population useful for the National Electoral demarcations to which the Guinean backgrounds came from Cote D'Ivoire and Commission was also captured. The government will abide ­ that is, the 1912 spilled over to Sierra Leone in 1991 and exercise was completed after two weeks Franco-British treaty recognized by the again to Guinea in 2001. and was financed by UNFPA, EU and the Organization of Africa Unity (OAU) in Anti-Corruption Strategy GoSL. The provisional results which were 1963. But identifying the actual boundary announced in February 2005 showed a separating the two countries is now Launched 4.9% increase in the estimated 3.5 million difficult due to the fading away of very old DACO, February 15 2005 ­ The Anti- people in the country in 1985. The results beacons. President Kabbah said he and Corruption Commission (ACC) launched its also show that approximately 16% of the President Lansana Conte had earlier agreed National Anti-Corruption Strategy at the country's population are concentrated in to get experts from their two countries to British Council Hall in Freetown. The the Western Area. study the relevant maps and replace those document, which was launched by President beacons that have been lost. President Sierra Leone to Assemble Kabbah, aims at wiping out corruption Kabbah indicated that his government will especially in public institutions. The strategy Tractors with Chinese approach the British High Commissioner and action plans developed will be Assistance and UN Resident Representative for implemented by government in conjunction DACO, April 1 2005 -- The government of assistance in recruiting an independent with other stakeholders like UNDP, World Sierra Leone has finalized arrangements consultant that would assist to install the Bank and the Civil Society. Prior to the with a Chinese company to assemble missing beacons along the boundary. The launching, a two-day national consultative tractors in the country. This arrangement meeting also resulted into the signing of a conference was organized for about 200 will impact positively on the economy, as it communiqué which seeks to strengthen participants across the country to discuss will not only help reduce the cost of previous protocols of the Mano River attitudes, causes and cost of corruption and tractors but also provide employment Union (MRU), Economic Community of to recommend measures to be included in the opportunities for youths as well as enhance West African States (ECOWAS) and strategy. The ceremony was preceded by an agricultural productivity and overall African Union (AU). Amongst other Integrity Retreat between the ACC and development in the country. The Chinese resolutions, it seeks to promote peace and government ministers responsible for the have been steadily progressing with the to expedite the provision of aid for the main areas of reform. The ACC was rehabilitation and conversion of the reconstruction of their localities. It also established in 2000 to address corruption as National Workshop at Cline town into an called for the re-establishment pre-war the country's greatest single obstacle to industrial zone. Official opening for the international markets. economic growth and human development. outfit is being planned to coincide with a trade fair and exhibition in May. (`De Barray' is a typical gathering point in Sierra Leone where critical issues are discussed to inform decisions. To know more about us visit www.worldbank.org/sierraleone OR telephone (+232) 227555 OR fax: +232 228555) `DE BARRAY' The place to meet, inform, discuss and decide - F R O M T H E B A N K ' S N E W S A R C H I V E - Public Consultation Outcome on the Country World Bank and Japan Assist Sierra Leone to Assistance Strategy (CAS) in Sierra Leone Build Social Capital Through Block Grants -- The public was informed on January 12 2005 that the World Bank European Union Joins Group was initiating nationwide consultations with various The World Bank Group and the Government of Sierra Leone segments of the Sierra Leone society as part of preparing its announced on February 21 2005 the Government of Japan's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) to support the country's acceptance of the `Capacity Development to Strengthen Social development efforts. When the consultations were completed, the Capital' project by which the grant amount of US$1,888,700 public was again informed on February 25 2005 of the financed by the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) and recommendations from the civil society, youth and local councils administered by the World Bank was being made available for 30 that poor public sector governance was deemed as the most months as pilot initiative that empowers villages and wards to important poverty issue under the Governance Pillar of the design and implement development plans on their own and to country's PRSP. Also, unemployment, food insecurity and unstable devise means for decision makers to be transparent and economic growth were ranked first, second, and third in terms of accountable. Pilot activities of the project would be implemented in priority under the Growth Pillar. For the Human Development Bombali and Bonthe districts, occurring in approximately 10 wards Pillar, education, health, water, sanitation and housing were ranked and 60 villages per district over a 30-month period. These districts first, second, third and fourth. In the private sector and NGO were selected based on the objective analysis of data related to discussions, support to rebuilding collapsed institutions, long-term rural poverty, donor activity coverage and accessibility. The private sector financing, institutionalized micro-financing, selection was approved by stakeholders from government and civil vocational skills training, human capital development and society mandated with operational and policy decisions affecting supportive infrastructure were the areas proposed for the Bank's the project. According to the Project's Task Team Leader, Dan attention. Developing income-earning and micro-enterprise skills Owen, the pilot project would assist villages and wards to articulate for youths, combating HIV/AIDS and protecting the environment a vision of their future and begin putting such plans into action were considered as cross-cutting issues. through the provision of block grants. Through such a process, communities would work together to tackle development Shared Growth Among Priorities For Africa challenges in an inclusive and accountable manner. In building on The public was informed on April 22 that World Bank officials the progress made so far by this project within the overall have identified improving health outcomes for women and children, framework of the Institutional Reforms and Capacity Building combating HIV/AIDS and ensuring that countries achieve "shared Project (IRCBP), the European Union also plans to contribute growth." as the competing but complementary priorities for Africa. additional block grants through a recently signed memorandum of The Bank's Chief Economist for the Africa Region, John Page, said understanding with the World Bank. `shared growth' must be an important objective of public policy in Africa aimed at ensuring that "the poor are able to contribute to World Bank Endorses the Tony Blair and benefit from growth to the maximum extent possible." He Commission for Africa Report pointed out that although growth rates across Africa are currently an average of 3.5%, they need not only to be raised to about 7% or The World Bank on March 11 2005 welcomed the release of the around 4 to 5% in per capita terms, but also governments need to Commission for Africa Report and expressed the hope that the ensure that growth benefits the poor, in order to achieve the global community will work to advance its principal Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Families need disposable recommendations. The Bank shares the hope expressed in the incomes to procure mosquito bed nets or drugs and they must report that the unacceptable trends of impoverishment and recognize an economic value in sending their children, notably marginalization in the world's poorest region can be reversed and daughters, to school, if they are to do so. On how to kick-start that African governments can build on progress already evident in growth in Africa, Mr. Page said Africa's marginalization from the a number of countries that have reduced conflict, are addressing world economy had to stop and its share of global exports ­ now corruption and developing national strategies to generate economic smaller than 30 years ago ­ had to grow through both domestic growth and cut poverty levels. The Bank admonished the policy changes and investments that make exports cheaper, more international community, for its part, to deliver on promises for attractive, and more diversified. Direct foreign investments, he said, substantial increases in aid and debt reduction as well as improved needed to go beyond the minerals sector where it is currently market access. The Commission for Africa Report calls for a concentrated. He stressed the need to invest more on agriculture doubling of aid to Sub-Saharan Africa, including an investment of and groom the private sector to create jobs. African leaders, Mr. $150 billion in infrastructure over the next decade. Investing in Page said, need to expand intra-Africa trade and link subsistence assets such as rural roads, safe water, ports, a transport network and and isolated farmers within and beyond the continent. power generation, in addition to health and education, can lead to growth and job creation, helping Africa make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. A newsletter of the World Bank Group, Sierra Leone Country Office,13A Howe Street, Freetown Page 2 of 4 `DE BARRAY' The place to meet, inform, discuss and decide INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD BANK GROUP Conceived in 1944 to reconstruct war-torn Europe, the World Bank Group has evolved into one of the world's largest sources of development assistance, with a mission to fight poverty with passion by helping people help themselves. The World Bank Group consists of five closely associated institutions whose member countries carry ultimate decision-making power. I. THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (IBRD) Established 1945 184 Members Cumulative lending: $394 billion Fiscal 2004 lending: $11 billion for 87 new operations in 33 countries IBRD aims to reduce poverty in middle-income and creditworthy poorer countries by promoting sustainable development through loans, guarantees, and (nonlending) analytical and advisory services. The income that IBRD has generated over the years has allowed it to fund several developmental activities and to ensure its financial strength, which enables it to borrow in capital markets at low cost and offer clients good borrowing terms. IBRD's 24-member Board is made up of 5 appointed and 19 elected Executive Directors, who represent its 184 member countries. II. THE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (IDA) Established 1960 165 Members Cumulative commitments: $151 billion Fiscal 2004 commitments: $9 billion for 158 new operations in 62 countries Contributions to IDA enable the World Bank to provide approximately $6 billion to $9 billion a year in highly concessional financing to the world's 81 poorest countries (home to 2.5 billion people). IDA's interest-free credits and grants are vital because these countries have little or no capacity to borrow on market terms. IDA's resources help support country-led poverty reduction strategies in key policy areas. III. THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (IFC) Established 1956 176 Members Committed portfolio: $23.5 billion (includes $5.5 billion in syndicated loans) Fiscal 2004 commitments: $4.8 billion for 217 projects in 65 countries IFC promotes economic development through the private sector. Working with business partners, it invests in sustainable private enterprises in developing countries without accepting government guarantees. It provides equity, long-term loans, structured finance and risk management products, and advisory services to its clients. IFC seeks to reach businesses in regions and countries that have limited access to capital. It provides finance in markets deemed too risky by commercial investors in the absence of IFC participation and adds value to the projects it finances through its corporate governance, environmental, and social expertise. IV. THE MULTILATERAL INVESTMENT GUARANTY AGENCY (MIGA) Established 1988 164 Members Cumulative guarantees issued: $13.5 billion (Amounts include funds leveraged through the Cooperative Underwriting Program) Fiscal 2004 guarantees issued: $1.1 billion MIGA helps promote foreign direct investment in developing countries by providing guarantees to investors against noncommercial risks, such as expropriation, currency inconvertibility and transfer restrictions, war and civil disturbance, and breach of contract. MIGA's capacity to serve as an objective intermediary and to influence the resolution of potential disputes enhances investors' confidence that they will be protected against these risks. In addition, MIGA provides technical assistance and advisory services to help countries attract and retain foreign investment and to disseminate information on investment opportunities to the international business community. V. THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF INVESTMENT DISPUTES (ICSID) Established 1966 140 Members Total cases registered: 159 Fiscal 2004 cases registered: 30 ICSID helps encourage foreign investment by providing international facilities for conciliation and arbitration of investment disputes, thereby helping foster an atmosphere of mutual confidence between states and foreign investors. Many international agreements concerning investment refer to ICSID's arbitration facilities. ICSID also issues publications on dispute settlement and foreign investment law. The term "World Bank Group" encompasses all five institutions. The term "World Bank" refers specifically to two of the five, IBRD and IDA. A newsletter of the World Bank Group, Sierra Leone Country Office,13A Howe Street, Freetown Page 3 of 4 `DE BARRAY' The place to meet, inform, discuss and decide Do You Know? MALARIA: NEW SENSE OF URGENCY FROM THE BANK ...that malaria is a dangerous Building on lessons learned, the Bank's Africa region has taken on a new sense of urgency and purpose. The region has set up a team which is now finalizing proposals to ask the disease which kills more than 3,000 Bank's Board of Directors to approve a very substantial increase in funding by the Bank. people a day in Sub-Saharan Africa, The Bank Africa Region Vice President, Gobind Nankini, says the aim is to assist African ... that at least 85 percent of deaths countries to do much better in their fight against malaria (see Eritrea experience here). from malaria occur in Africa, eight "The Bank recognizes the important contributions made by African countries themselves, percent in Southeast Asia, five by our partner agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and percent in the eastern Malaria, and the Roll-Back-Malaria partnership (RBM), as well as several bilateral Mediterranean region, and one agencies, foundations, NGOs, individuals and OECD countries, but it is not enough by a percent in the Western Pacific, long shot," Nankani says. Reflecting on the crushing burden of malaria, he notes the disease has "devastating ... that there are more malaria- consequences for economic growth of African countries, perpetuates their poverty cycles induced deaths in Sierra Leone than and serious undermines their investments in human capital and their efforts to meet the deaths induced by any other single MDGs." medical cause, "For the region, the Booster Program will become a catalytic funding and prompt those who have so far hesitated to contribute in a bigger way to follow the Bank's example and ... that malaria is the most join us to "boost" their funding to address malaria in Africa and beyond," says Nankani. frequently threatening opportunistic disease that accelerates the process "If sufficient new partners from both the private sector and the public sector join the Bank of acquiring AIDS by HIV positive and those already active in this field, to increase funding for effective and performance- patients, based programs, the large financing gap in most African countries will be reduced. That, together with concurrent improvements in management and implementation capacity, will make a difference in curbing this terrible disease." ...that progress in combating malaria has been too slow and The expectation is the Bank's enhanced effort will boost and redouble the action by the uneven ­ with over 500 million new international community to agree on ways to provide African families with enough of the cases emerging in the world each right anti-malarial drugs, especially the new and effective ACT drugs. Another key issue is investing in malaria research to ensure more effective prevention and treatment, including year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, new and cost-effective vector control interventions, new drugs to which the malaria parasites will have no resistance and, hopefully, an effective malaria vaccine. ...that the World Bank There is a new sense of possibilities and commitment to the fight against malaria. Nankani Group has developed a new summed it up: "I am confident that our renewed efforts, vigorously pursued with African global strategy released on countries and their people and together with all the other RBM partners, can result in all of us jointly meeting the Millennium Development Goals for malaria control ten years from April 24 2005 to mark now." Africa Malaria Day. And Olusoji Adeyi led the Malaria Task Force, a Bank-wide team drawn from corporate units, that the strategy will be networks, operational vice presidential units (VPUs), and IFC. The Task Force considered supported by a booster the negative effects of malaria on development, strong demand from clients, effective technologies, and the Bank's potential to do more and better. "Our conclusion is program to make funding straightforward: it is time for a strong and sustained Bank effort," he says. available to countries to "The economic and human disaster of malaria is an immense barrier to attaining the enhance programs to MDGS," says Dr. Alexander Soucy, National Coordinator of RESULTS Canada, a non- combat the disease? governmental organization based in Canada. "It is with great hope that I see that the World Bank starting to address malaria as no less an emergency than AIDS. With cheap and (see dedicated website). effective interventions available, there is no excuse for delaying any longer." This newsletter seeks to provide public information on the World Bank Group activities in Sierra Leone and to relay feedback from Sierra Leone on its global strategies, policies and programs. Newsletter of the World Bank Group, Sierra Leone Country Office,13A Howe Street, Freetown (April 2005) 4