Transparency

1.6 Objectives of the study 20. The paper assesses the extent to which fiscal transparency principles are being adopted by a representative sample of 15 African countries. It aims to provoke a debate that could lead to the adoption of good budget transparency principles continent-wide, thus giving a sound basis for the ultimate achievement of the MDG of reducing poverty in Africa. Furthermore, this paper focuses on transparency in public financial management on the premise that a government is the key custodian of the welfare of the citizens; it has primary responsibility for ensuring that the benefits of national resources are shared equitably among the wider population, including its poorer and most vulnerable sections.

21. ECA contribution to the process of promoting fiscal transparency is manifold. Various studies have been carried out by the Commission and an effort is made here to present in one comprehensive document a number of separate studies, thereby enabling an overview of progress. Moreover, ECA, through its convening power and advocacy and outreach activities, is able to assemble a number of players from member States, to share best practices and experiences and find solutions to problems.

22. Section II reviews the international and regional guidelines on budget and fiscal transparency and the differences among them. Relying on secondary research, the main part of the paper, Section III, ascertains the extent to which a selected number of African countries meet fiscal transparency principles. Section IV draws lessons, makes recommendations and concludes the paper.