The Country Engagement Strategy (CES) sets out the strategic direction for the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) engagement with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica over the period 2020˗2024. The CES is guided by the overarching objectives of the high-level National Resilience Development Strategy – Dominica 2030, for delivering inclusive and sustainable growth, and proposes a sectoral level programme of assistance that aligns with the priorities articulated in its accompanying Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan 2020-2030 (CRRP) to build resilience against multidimensional shocks. The CRRP aims to translate the country’s strategic vision to “build the first climate resilient nation in the world” into a concrete set of actions. Attaining a “Climate Resilient Dominica” is an ambitious goal that implies a major shift in the approach to economic development, and will require significantly reducing the impact of, and time to recover from, climatic and other natural shocks, as well as improving the overall socioeconomic development trajectory of the country. The CES seeks to help strengthen the framework for delivering on this long-term goal, as well as addressing the urgent need arising from the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The CES rests on three strategic pillars: (a) enhancing economic outcomes through resilient infrastructure; (b) strengthening human capital and competitiveness; and (c) crisis response and improving economic and environmental resilience. The programme of assistance, which includes policy-based support, is designed to achieve the following outcomes: (i) improved and climate resilient water supply and wastewater infrastructure; (ii) increased efficiency, improved resilience and safety in the road sector; (iii) improved quality, relevance, and effectiveness of the education system; (iv) improved managerial and operational capacity of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises; (v) a more transparent and effective public financial management system; (vi) increased resilience to climate change and disaster risks and impacts; and (vii) effective response and recovery from COVID-19. Gender equality, environmental sustainability, good governance, and digital transformation will be mainstreamed in CDB’s interventions. An indicative resource envelope of one hundred and five million, six hundred thousand United States dollars (USD105.6 mn) has been estimated to support the programme of assistance over the CES period 2020˗2024.

The proposed strategy is aligned with CDB’s Strategic Objectives of building social, economic, and environmental resilience. The Strategy was formulated through a broad consultative process, is results oriented, and incorporates lessons learned to ensure development effectiveness. The CES also aligns with the proposed overarching goal and agreed operational themes under the tenth replenishment of the Special Development Fund.