International Development Grant

West Africa Regional Market Development

Project Number: CA-3-A032183001

Status: Closed

Country/Region: Unknown

Regional Focus:

South of Sahara 100%

Maximum Contribution: $3,100,000.00

Start Date: March 18, 2005

End Date: June 29, 2012

Duration: 7.3 years

Project Description

The goal of the project is to help reduce poverty and to contribute to sustainable economic and monetary growth within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Its purpose is to increase the WAEMU market's credibility and performance by mobilizing more public savings in an environment conducive to the transparency security and integrity of transactions. This US$ 408 million program was developed with the support of the West African Development Bank (WADB) and the World Bank. The bulk of this funding is allocated for regional infrastructure (paving of dirt roads repairing roads hydro and irrigation dams). This comprehensive program has three components: technical assistance and institutional support development loans and a guarantee facility. Canada's support focused on technical assistance and institutional support.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of the end of the project (January 2012): A) For the “Conseil Régional de l’Épargne Publique et des Marchés Financiers” [regional council on public savings and financial markets] – Reforms of the securities system and the introduction of the regional financial market reporting system have been completed. Taxation of securities in the WAEMU zone has been harmonized. The establishment of an appropriate legal framework for the mortgage market in the WAEMU zone has been completed. The review of statutory instruments for the regional financial market has been completed. The review of market rate setting has been completed to improve competitiveness. These results have allowed greater efficiency for regional market institutions more effective control of market activities and improved operation of market institutions which was deemed satisfactory according to the latest assessment by the International Association of Securities Commission. B) For the West African Development Bank (WADB) – The Bank’s financial risk management meets international standards. The Bank has modernized its rules and procedures for procuring goods and services. A savings protection fund has been established. The WADB has increased its capital level and improved its shareholder structure.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
World Bank

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
WGM Africa

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Financial policy and administrative management 25%
Monetary institutions 15%
Formal sector financial intermediaries 15%
Informal/semi-formal financial intermediaries 15%
Education/training in banking and financial services 15%
Business support services and institutions 15%

Aid Type: Contributions to specific-purpose programmes and funds managed by implementing partners

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Pre-APP

Policy Markers
Level 1 Participatory development and good governance
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2004-04-01 to 2005-03-31 $3,100,000 CAD
Geographic Information
600
Project Number: CA-3-A032183001