87941
                                               Africa

            Support for Capacity Development of the African Union Commission
                         and other African Union Organs Project

                                           Chair Summary*

                                             May 6, 2014


      Executive Directors considered the President’s Memorandum and Recommendation and
approved the proposed IDA Grant to the African Union Commission (AUC) in the amount of
SDR 16.15 million (US$25 million equivalent) for the Support for Capacity Development of the
AUC and other African Union Organs Project (IDA/R2014-0105). The Minutes will record that
Ms. Hines, Ms. Aviel and Mr. Heemskerk wished to be recorded as abstaining.

        Directors underscored the importance of an operationally strong AUC for the
advancement of the African development agenda. In particular, they noted its potential to play a
crucial role in promoting African integration and development processes. They welcomed the
project’s objectives to strengthen the AUC’s institutional capacity and to facilitate economic
development results with stakeholders. And in this regard, they urged prioritization of the
capacity building efforts and encouraged strong monitoring to build the necessary efficiency and
capacity to ensure effective implementation of its continental programs.

        With regard to support from IDA, the importance of clarifying the Bank’s rationale and
comparative advantage was highlighted. Moreover, Directors encouraged the Bank to maximize
the alignment of its procedures with those of the AUC. Finally, in order to avoid duplication and
promote synergies, Directors strongly urged the Bank to enhance its coordination with other
development partners supporting the AUC, particularly with regard to institutional capacity
building.




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*This summary is not an approved record.