{
  "title": "Macro-Fiscal Management Practices in Eastern and Southern Africa",
  "publication": "IMF Working Papers, February 5, 2021",
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  "summary": "This paper examines the institutional arrangements of the macro-fiscal function in 16 African countries. Most ministries of finance (MoFs) have established a macro-fiscal department or unit, but their functions, size, structure and outputs vary considerably.",
  "sections": [
    {
      "heading": "Overview and scope",
      "content": "- Examines the institutional arrangements of the macro-fiscal function in 16 African countries.\n- Most ministries of finance (MoFs) have established a macro-fiscal department or unit, but their functions, size, structure and outputs vary considerably.\n- Based on a survey, presents data on staff size, functional scope and the forecasting performance of macro-fiscal departments and identifies common challenges in the countries reviewed.\n- Some MoFs perform many macro-fiscal functions, but actions of various kinds are needed to strengthen their macro-fiscal departments.\n- Provides guidance for policy-makers in the region for enhancing the quality and scope of macro-fiscal outputs."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Key findings (from the paper)",
      "content": "- Existence and variation:\n  - Most MoFs have a macro-fiscal department or unit.\n  - Functions, size, structure and outputs of these departments vary considerably across the 16 countries.\n- Survey-based evidence:\n  - Data presented on staff size, functional scope and forecasting performance of macro-fiscal departments.\n- Common challenges identified across countries reviewed:\n  - Variability in capacity and outputs of macro-fiscal units.\n  - Need for strengthening to improve forecasting performance and broaden functional scope.\n- Role and outputs:\n  - Some MoFs perform many macro-fiscal functions, suggesting heterogeneity in responsibilities and capabilities across the region."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Policy guidance and recommendations",
      "content": "- Strengthen macro-fiscal departments through a range of actions (paper provides guidance for policy-makers).\n- Enhance the quality and scope of macro-fiscal outputs, including:\n  - Improving staff capacity and functional coverage.\n  - Strengthening forecasting performance and methodological approaches.\n  - Addressing institutional and organizational differences to promote consistent macro-fiscal practices.\n\n---\n\n Content in this bundle\n\n- Working Paper\n  - Working Paper (Markdown version){rel=\"alternate\" type=\"text/markdown\"}\n  - Working Paper (PDF){rel=\"external\" type=\"application/pdf\"}\n\n---\n\nSource: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2021/02/06/macro-fiscal-management-practices-in-eastern-and-southern-africa-50042"
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    "Authors: Ian Lienert",
    "Published: February 5, 2021",
    "Series: IMF Working Papers",
    "DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781513567730.001",
    "Examines the institutional arrangements of the macro-fiscal function in 16 African countries.",
    "Most ministries of finance (MoFs) have established a macro-fiscal department or unit, but their functions, size, structure and outputs vary considerably.",
    "Based on a survey, presents data on staff size, functional scope and the forecasting performance of macro-fiscal departments and identifies common challenges in the countries reviewed.",
    "Some MoFs perform many macro-fiscal functions, but actions of various kinds are needed to strengthen their macro-fiscal departments.",
    "Provides guidance for policy-makers in the region for enhancing the quality and scope of macro-fiscal outputs.",
    "Existence and variation:",
    "Survey-based evidence:",
    "Common challenges identified across countries reviewed:",
    "Role and outputs:",
    "Strengthen macro-fiscal departments through a range of actions (paper provides guidance for policy-makers).",
    "Enhance the quality and scope of macro-fiscal outputs, including:",
    "**Working Paper**"
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