Directorate of Economic Policy and Research
Mission Statement
The Directorate of Economic Policy and Research is responsible for the coordination, formulation and monitoring of macroeconomic policies and programmes. The Directorate is the main entity that provides expert advice and assistance in the formulation of economic policy particularly in relation to macroeconomic conditions, forecasting, public finances, etc. As part of its work programme the Directorate is responsible for maintaining its short-term forecasting model and producing annual economic forecasts. The macroeconomic forecasts provide the basis for economically sensitive fiscal projections which are submitted to the Directorate of Budget in preparation for the annual budgetary processes. The Directorate acts as the main interface between the Ministry for Finance and Economic Affairs and the country Development Partners (AfDB, WB, IMF, EU, IsDB, ECOWAS, etc.).
Role and Responsibilities
- Policy and planning of macroeconomic management of the country through the coordination of medium-term macroeconomic framework;
- Undertake fiscal policy analysis and coordinate the preparation of medium term fiscal framework;
- Conduct research on relevant macroeconomic issues affecting the economy;
- Provide advice and recommendations on economic and fiscal related matters;
- Provide reliable forecasts on key economic variables;
- Carry-out macroeconomic surveillance and prescribe appropriate strategies to overcome potential structural and policy risks;
- Coordinate macroeconomic multilateral surveillance missions of development partners and regional bodies such as the AfDB, WB, IMF, EU, ECOWAS, WAMA and WAMI;
- Liaise, coordinate and participate at national, regional and international level on economic issues;
- Prepare relevant reports on the economy;
- Prepare robust fiscal risks analysis;
- Coordinate negotiations with the African Development Bank, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other development partners on budget support, poverty reduction and growth programmes; and
- Serve as secretariat to Macroeconomic Framework Coordination Committee