(Ecofin Agency) - Over the first three months this year, the Ivorian government injected up to XOF544.6 billion in its pro-poor and welfare program. This was reported June 19 by spokesman Sidi Tiémoko Touré following a council of ministers.

This amount is higher 4.73% compared to the XOF520 billion spent the same period last year. It is also up 12.98% compared to the XOF482 billion forecasted for the period.

“Monies spent to fight poverty and reduce social gaps stood at XOF544.6 billion at end March 2019, up XOF62.6 billion compared to what was envisaged,” Mr. Touré said.

Overall spending in Q1 2019 amounted to XOF1,281.9 billion over a forecast of XOF1,325.4 billion, or an implementation rate of 96.7%. Compared to Q1 2018 when they were XOF1,218.2 billion, spending in Q1 2019 are up 5.22%.

According to figures, mobilization of domestic resources at end March 2019 reached XOF1,305.4 billion over a forecast of XOF1,397.5 billion. This makes an implementation rate of 93.4%.

Firmine AIZAN