Publication

This Briefing Paper outlines the findings of a recent study by the World Bank and ODI, which sheds new light on public financial management (PFM) reforms in fragile states. It suggests that even though fragile states may perform less well than non-fragile states overall, substantial progress is still possible. More surprising is the evidence that, of the different dimensions of PFM, the most progress has been made on budget execution. However, there are critical gaps in our knowledge of the relationship between PFM, statehood and development progress.