Africa

The country programme approach is used by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and WFP. In most countries where these agencies are present, they support the government and other partners to develop a country programme. The programmes follow a harmonized cycle, in line with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), which is normally 5 years.

Country Programmes are implemented jointly by national partners and agencies, while their ownership rests with the government. The results to be achieved – agency outcomes and outputs - contribute to the achievement of UNDAF outcomes.

These results, including implementation arrangements and a budget, are described in a Country Programme Document (CPD). The CPDs are finalized, following the completion of the UNDAF, and are submitted to the respective Executive Boards in the year before implementation. Approval of the CPD provides the financial resources for implementation.