The core elements of the MEM program is to conduct technical analyses and initiate public discussion of government budgets, monetary policies and fiscal plans, and examine issues such as revenue management and sectoral priorities for poverty alleviation. The initial focus is on Nigeria, with the coverage gradually expanding to include other African countries. The specific outputs of this program include periodic reports on macroeconomic performance.
CSEA has built considerable expertise in the analysis of budgets and fiscal policies, with the aim of providing an independent assessment of budgetary trends, realism of budgetary numbers and programs, budget execution and other related issues to national governments, the legislature, strategic policy-makers, the media and civil society.
In this regard, CSEA regularly publishes reports on the annual budget proposals of the federal government of Nigeria that examine the underlying fiscal assumptions, analyze the macroeconomic impact and assesses the prioritization of social sectors.