East AFRITAC operations

Pages354

Page 354

The AFRITAC initiative, which will ultimately establish several regional technical assistance centers, is part of an ambitious IMF-sponsored capacity-building effort in Africa. East AFRITAC is the first of these centers to begin operations.

The AFRITAC concept builds on experience in the Caribbean (CARTAC) and the South Pacific (PFTAC).

These centers have found that a regional approach to identifying and meeting technical assistance needs ensures a greater opportunity for, and a stronger voice from, country officials in setting priorities. And that, in turn, enhances both country ownership and commitment and encourages an efficient use of scarce resources. Placing technical assistance resources directly in the region has the added advantage of increasing staff familiarity with the needs of the area and allowing for a more flexible and rapid response to capacity-building requirements.

East AFRITAC will be staffed by five resident experts and a center coordinator, John Crotty. Their work will be supplemented by short-term specialists. Tanzania generously provides office space and logistical support for the center, with a major part of the financing (more than 60 percent) underwritten by bilateral and multilateral donors, and the...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT