World Bank Document

 

KEY LESSONS LEARNED 

 

46. 

The WBG is the development partner of choice for the government in carrying out 

investments in the agriculture, transport and energy sectors, as well as the development of the 

private sector, as shown by the 2013 World Bank Client Survey and analysis of the CPS FY12-15. 

The WBG must build on this experience while continuing to engage with the Government focusing 

on the areas where it can have the greatest leverage pursuing its goals of reducing poverty and 

boosting shared prosperity. The following key lessons should be taken into consideration in the 

design of the upcoming CPF. 

 

 

Close alignment with government objectives, as well as continued intensive dialogue was 

important for the success of the WBG program. It enabled to maximize its leverage, especially in 

infrastructure sectors. High-level policy dialogue was crucial for achieving a number of outcomes, 

particularly in the areas of agriculture and labor reform. The WBG should continue using its 

convening power to help the government coordinate development assistance and therefore, 

leverage the use of IBRD and IDA funds. Stronger collaboration among the Bank, IFC, and MIGA 

is warranted in order to maximize the development impact of the WBG given the limited financial 

resources and leverage. 

 

 

The WBG needs more information and statistical data in order to be able to maintain its 

strategic focus on inclusion and sharing the fruits of economic growth. Despite a number of 

encouraging results, it is not known to what extent economic growth has resulted in improvements 

in living conditions and how any improvements were distributed. Reliable data related to poverty 

levels and the dynamics of poverty is largely unavailable. 

 

 

Misalignment of government and Bank project preparation cycles affected timely project 

launch and delayed implementation, thereby narrowing the space for effective IDA/IBRD 

implementation. 

 

 

Taking a strong WBG position on child and forced labor in the cotton sector, emphasizing 

both the need for mitigation and modernization of the sector, in collaboration with other 

development partners, although quite challenging, has been effective in creating a significant 

change process that is achieving positive results. 

 

 

Detailed assessment of social risks, carried out following the Inspection Panel complaint, 

allowed the Bank to have more informed, nuanced and strategic approach to the issue of child and 

forced labor. This approach went beyond comprehensive risk mitigation strategy, to addressing 

systemic issues through long-term development approach. Partnership with standard setting 

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Completion and Learning Review 

 

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organization, such as ILO, as well as close coordination with other donors, enabled the Bank to 

use its leverage to facilitate the policy change process.  

 

 

The upcoming CPF should focus on fewer outcomes, and monitored by observable 

indicators. Though later effectively reduced in the CPS Progress Report, the initial excessive 

number of indicators of the original CPS made its Results Framework hard to use as practical 

management tool. 

 

 

Client surveys revealed limited knowledge of the World Bank program at local level. 

Commitments to engage citizens/beneficiaries in monitoring and feedback need to be 

operationalized, and efforts are need to ensure that planned citizen engagement elements are 

implemented. These engagements need to include women and youth. 

 

 

 

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Completion and Learning Review 

 

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