Country Perspectives on Political Economy

1. Country Perspectives on Political Economy Thoughts and Examples from Southern Africa

2. Insufficient Attention… • Projects – slow start-up, slow implementation, counter-part fund problems, policy environment failures… • AAA – little support, no dissemination/discussion, irrelevant outcomes… • Program – maybe non-contentious but… not directed at key issues, limited results • Need to take account of political economy to identify constraints and challenges, and to design meaningful programs PREM Political Economy Course April 2007 -- Michael Baxter

3. Other Political Economies The World Bank (and “HQ”) • Plethora of global/vertical mandates and supply driven programs • Popular country syndrome, or development tourism • Managing managers International interests • Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness • Bi-lateral priorities PREM Political Economy Course April 2007 -- Michael Baxter

4. No Go Zones? • Resource revenues • Land markets • Decision-making on policy • Economic ownership issues • Articles of Agreement PREM Political Economy Course April 2007 -- Michael Baxter

5. Getting Started • Build interest and confidence – use examples of gains, other country experience. Even political advantage. • Distinguish short/medium/long-term goals • Assign ownership – respond to demand, support local initiative • Use a range of tools – personal discussions, skilled teams, workshops, analysis PREM Political Economy Course April 2007 -- Michael Baxter

6. Expectations • Government demand – judicial sector, fiscal regimes, procurement reform, tax administration, corruption survey • Donor expectations – Bank leadership, participation, assignment to core competencies • Civil society – leadership and becoming a proxy • Of Team Leaders and others – be aware, listen, identify outcomes, look for winners/losers, think local, review culture and history, skill-up teams, collaborate PREM Political Economy Course April 2007 -- Michael Baxter