Fiscal Policy Implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa

SummaryThis paper investigates economic and institutional constraints to fiscal policy implementation in sub-Saharan Africa. We find that planned fiscal adjustments or expansions are less likely to be implemented the larger they are, the more fragile the rule of law in the country, and the weaker the institutions framing the implementation of the annual fiscal budget. The findings support ongoing efforts in the region to enhance forecasting capacity; adopt realistic fiscal plans; and strengthen governance and public financial management procedures, with a focus on accounting, reporting, and external controls of government’s fiscal accounts.