There is a global trend toward greater openness in government finances. Transparent budgetary practices can ensure funds raised by the state for public purposes will be spent as promised, while maximizing the benefits.

Since 2009, African Public Accounts Committees (PACs) and the Southern African Development Community Organization of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) and Eastern African Association of Public Accounts Committees (EAAPAC) regional networks have made strides in improving the benefits of national budgets for citizens.

In four years, parliaments in African countries engaged in the WBI program have made progress in enhancing how their countries’ national budgets respond to reform needs and how public officials are held accountable for implementing government programs. This case highlights a few examples of the outcomes achieved by the SADCOPAC and EAAPAC regional network members.