What have been the accomplishments of GEMAP so far?

The GEMAP program, combined with the government's strong pro-reform agenda, has made many contributions to better economic governance in Liberia. There have been improvements in financial management and accountability, budgeting and expenditure management, procurement and concessions practices, control of corruption, capacity development, and donor coordination. Among other things, government revenues have increased two-fold due to tax administration reforms; State Owned Enterprises now have better and continuously improving financial controls and practices; there is better coordination between the Bureau of the Budget and the Ministry of Finance; there is progress in the development of an anti-corruption policy, capacity building programs are gaining momentum; and public procurement and concessions are increasingly being scrutinized and conducted according to current laws.

How does GEMAP affect me?

Although GEMAP is not directly responsible for repairing roads, building schools, or creating jobs, GEMAP affects everyone by helping the government implement these programs. By fixing broken systems and building capacity, GEMAP has enabled the government to improve economic governance, control corruption, increase the money the government raises and improve how it is spent. With these improvements, the government can increase investment in roads, schools, jobs, salaries, health care, electricity, water systems, and other public goods and services. GEMAP has also helped businesses by making customs fees, tax policies, and government procurement policies more transparent and fair. And improved governance will also improve the investment climate, which will attract more businesses and provide more jobs.

Who pays for GEMAP?

As of now, all GEMAP advisors and associated contributions are financed by international partners, so that every penny of Liberian taxpayer dollars can be channeled into reconstruction and meeting the needs of Liberian citizens.

What will constitute the success of GEMAP?

GEMAP was originally designed with the long term goal of assisting the government in obtaining relief on over $3 billion dollars of debt. Securing debt relief will require significant improvements in economic governance and successful completion of a debt relief agreement is therefore a key indicator of GEMAP success. Other measures of success are: dramatically increased government revenue; publication of government and public corporation financial information; implementation of an anti-corruption strategy; compliance with the procurement law and execution of a national budget.

How long will GEMAP last?

GEMAP will be reviewed periodically to assess progress against benchmarks, results, and resource needs. Based on reviews, modifications will be made as necessary. GEMAP will terminate when Liberia reaches the Completion Point under the Enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.