Economics & Development

Ratings of Cross-Border Tourism and Competitiveness Project for Benin were as follows: outcome was satisfactory, Bank performance was satisfactory, and monitoring and evaluation quality was substantial. Some of the lessons learned include: Flexibility in adjusting the project to significant changes such as the COVID-19 pandemic; Strong client ownership is good and important, although close high level involvement can lengthen the timeline for implementation; Stand-alone PIU; and Timing of project preparation and approval relative to election timing.

Bulgaria has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three decades. Despite this transformation and although European Union (EU) membership in 2007 raised expectations of living standards rapidly converging to EU levels, progress on a range of development challenges has been uneven. Bulgaria remains the most unequal country in the EU, with spatial disparities visible across a range of outcomes and inequality of opportunity reducing human capital potential. Economic productivity and social inclusion are hampered by skill shortage and institutional and governance weaknesses. The Country Partnership Framework (CPF) FY25-29 sets a new direction for World Bank Group (WBG) engagement in Bulgaria through a sharpened focus on climate and digital development, while maintaining the emphasis of the previous CPF on institutions and people for enhanced competitiveness and inclusion. It responds to the country’s evolving development opportunities and challenges while building on achievements and lessons from the previous CPF. This CPF is selective and prioritizes two high-level outcomes (HLOs): (i) enhanced competitiveness and social inclusion; and (ii) a low-carbon and more sustainable economy. This CPF employs a knowledge-based approach yet provides Bulgaria with access to the full range of WBG instruments, including financing. The CPF builds on lessons from the previous CPF FY17-22 and the FY23 and FY24 implementation years.

This Factsheet provides an overview of the finance, competitiveness and innovation sector in Central African Republic according to key performance indicators.

This Factsheet provides an overview of the finance, competitiveness and innovation sector in Belarus according to key performance indicators.

This Factsheet provides an overview of the finance, competitiveness and innovation sector in Argentina according to key performance indicators.