The 1993 System of National Accounts (SNA) selected issues regarding its implementation in the African region

Abstract

During the last two decades, the application of the 1970 SNA (French version) in African countries has not produced more than a few basic tables such as the national consolidated accounts, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by branch of economic activity and the uses of GDP, State consumption expenditure, the composition of gross fixed capital formation and, sometimes, an input-output table for a given year. The document comprises four sections. The first gives an overview of the main characteristics of the 1993 SNA, particularly stressing the flexibility and harmonization of the system with international statistical standards. The second examines the priorities in terms of analytical requirements and policies and improvements to be made in the national accounting systems of African countries, gradually over the long-term. Section 3 deals with the setting up and the development of statistical systems which are the foundation of national accounts. Finally, Section IV, the last section, proposes some backstopping activities which might be provided in the form of technical assistance to help along the implementation of the 1993 SNA in African countries.