Abidjan: The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in collaboration with regional technical assistance centers and with financial backing from the Governments of Japan and Germany, has conducted a series of Interregional Seminars on Public Investment Management (SEIGIP) in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa. These seminars, held across 2022, 2023, and 2025, have brought together senior officials from 21 nations in the region, facilitating a deeper understanding of public investment management (PIM) amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to International Monetary Fund, the first SEIGIP concentrated on addressing PIM challenges within the pandemic context, emphasizing the necessity of robust legal and institutional frameworks. Additionally, the seminar tackled climate change by identifying and supporting climate-sensitive public investments. These discussions laid the groundwork for subsequent seminars, which continued to refine PIM strategies.
The second SEIGIP, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in mid-2023, expanded the focus to include various PIM reforms. Key issues included project appraisal and selection, budgeting, execution, asset management, and fiscal risks. The discussions highlighted the importance of multiyear budgetary authorizations coupled with annual payment appropriations, stressing their role in improving the quality of project execution.
In 2025, the third SEIGIP took place in Libreville, Gabon, delving into the upstream phases of the PIM cycle. The seminar emphasized the need for ex-ante evaluation to enhance project selection and shared best practices for project selection, including criteria for public-private partnerships. Additionally, PIM digitalization was discussed, aligning macro-processes and information systems with budgetary requirements.
The successive SEIGIPs have underscored the value of long-term collaboration between technical assistance providers and national experts. Participants have shown an increasing mastery of complex subjects due to ongoing technical assistance from the IMF and regional centers. Country experiences have proven to be a strong participative lever, sparking debates and fostering professional connections among participants.
Group practical exercises have also emerged as an effective tool, enhancing consensus and encouraging a collective dynamic. The seminars’ format has been well-received, with 97.7% of participants in SEIGIP3 confident in applying their acquired knowledge. The positive response is further reflected in the 95.6% overall satisfaction rate and the high appreciation for the tutorials.
Looking to the future, there is a recognized need to build on the momentum achieved. Areas for improvement have been identified, including extending the seminar duration and disseminating best practices. SEIGIP 4 is scheduled for January 2026 in Nouakchott, Mauritania, promising to continue the advancement of public investment management in the region.