The Challenges of the Compilation of National Accounts in the Framework of the International Comparison Program for Africa (ICP-Africa) Conference on International Outreach and Coordination in National Accounts for Sustainable Growth and Development Luxembourg, 6-8 May 2008 Michel MOUYELO-KATOULA Manager, Statistical Capacity Building Division African Development Bank Group (ADB)
Outline Context Capacity Building AfDB’s Approach The Way Forward Other Strategic Aspects
Cross-country comparison of real GDPs Context Cross-country comparison of real GDPs 2 – Expenditure Weights 3 - Measuring the impact of economic competition 1 – Price Data
AfDB’s Approach to Country Support A 5-step capacity building exercise Phase 1: Diagnosis Phase 2: Classification & Guidelines Phase 3: Regional Workshops Phase 4: Technical Assistance Phase 5: Medium to Long-term Goals Statistics Output Oriented Workshops (SOoW) Clinic approach Cross-fertilization Work on computers Multilateral review of GDP statistics Compilation of Metadata
A Capacity Building Exercise Help countries produce required expenditure weight data Assess country capacity Develop a general framework Step-by-step guidelines Increased reliability of national accounts Consistency with official estimates Great detail of expenditures 200 basic categories Broad base partnership Country level Sub-regional & regional support International partnership Long-term quality improvement objectives Meta data questionnaire; Exchange of best practices; Participatory process
The Way Forward (1) Strategic Principles Joint development of methodologies; ICP as a validation framework; Regular follow up of recommendations No additional recommendations; ICP dimension in statistical training; Update metadata questionnaire; Cross-country review of metadata. The African Group on National Accounts (AGNA) Established under the StatCom-Africa; First meeting in Lusaka, April 2008; ToRs include preparation of a strategy
The Way Forward (2) Strategy for Implementation of SNA 1993 in Africa Conceptualization phase Period: 2009-2011 16 strategic items Leverage on existing activities Include NPISH surveys. AGNA Recommendations To countries To SROs To AfDB To AfDB, ECA & AU
The Way Forward (3) – Main Recommendations To countries Provide 2007 GDP estimates; Advocate for support; Complete surveys on NPISHs; Private sector accounts To AfDB Next meeting 02-04 July, 2008, Tunis Technical assistance to countries; Liaise with SROs To AfDB, ECA, AU Jointly coordinate regional program
Other Strategic Aspects AfDB/IMF/AfDB Collaborative Strategy ? 1. Convergence role of SNA; 2. Improved basic data sets; 3. Streamline National Accounts; 4. Consolidate N.A. processes; 5. No externalized estimates; 6. Multidisciplinarity; 7. N.A. in NSDSs; 8. Coordinate international support; 9. Facilitate N.A. review processes; 10. Support sub-regional organiz; 11. Metadata system; 12. Unify GDDS & SNA metadata; 13. Provide support to N.A. forecast; 14. Support Statistical Training.
Thank You