Following the start of the rainy season in Sudan’s North Darfur region, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said:
“The rainy season is a terrifying prospect for many Sudanese who have fled fighting in North Darfur between armed groups. Internally displaced persons and refugees have told Amnesty International that they fear the coming rains will heighten the risk of diseases and make already dire conditions in their areas even worse. They are desperate for food, including seeds to plant ahead of the rains, water and medical services. Adequate shelter also remains a major concern. One 90-year-old woman told us that she didn’t have any proper shelter and was living under the trees. Others are in similar situations.
“Sudan is the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crisis, yet the humanitarian response for 2025 is grossly underfunded. This will go down in history as an abject failure unless Sudan’s international partners rise to the occasion and increase emergency funding for the humanitarian response in Sudan, as well as for Sudanese refugees.
“To stop this humanitarian emergency from spiraling further, parties to the armed conflict must facilitate rapid, unconditional and safe access to humanitarian aid, and end all attacks on humanitarian objects and personnel.
“Sudan is the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crisis, yet the humanitarian response for 2025 is grossly underfunded. This will go down in history as an abject failure unless Sudan’s international partners rise to the occasion and increase emergency funding for the humanitarian response in Sudan, as well as for Sudanese refugees. More must be done to save lives. The international community cannot afford to look away.”
Background
Since the latest armed conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, over 11 million people have fled their homes. Displaced persons live in dire conditions in Sudan, including in Darfur, one of the regions most severely affected by fighting, as well as other countries. Cases of cholera outbreak are already being reported in North Darfur.
Parties to the conflict continue to impede humanitarian access and attack humanitarian objects and personnel.Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to ensure sufficient humanitarian aid to a suffering population.
The rainy season in Darfur typically lasts from June to September. In April, MSF already warned that the rainy season threatened to worsen the ongoing malnutrition crisis. In August 2024, the UN confirmed famine conditions in Zamzam camp and identified 13 other areas at risk of famine.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $62.13 million emergency grant to support the Sudan Integrated Social Sector Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (SISSIRP). This vital support aims to restore essential health, education, and water services that have been severely disrupted by the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which erupted in 2023.
The funding package, approved on 11 July 2025, comprises $44.57 million from Pillar 1 of the Transition Support Facility and $17.56 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional financing window for low-income countries.
Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises. An estimated 30.6 million people are in urgent need of assistance, including 11.5 million internally displaced persons, 54% of whom are women. The conflict has devastated critical infrastructure and services across the country, leaving healthcare facilities, schools, and water systems destroyed. This breakdown has deepened poverty, widened inequalities, and significantly limited access to basic services, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Commenting on the project, Mary Monyau, the Bank’s Country Manager for Sudan, highlighted the initiative’s importance: “This project is a crucial step towards rebuilding lives and livelihoods. By restoring access to clean water, healthcare, and essential infrastructure, we are not only addressing immediate humanitarian needs but also laying the foundation for long-term resilience and development.”
The two-year project (2025-2027) will focus on four Sudanese states– Aj Jazira, River Nile, Sennar, and White Nile – and is designed to improve the resilience and well-being of the population by rehabilitating and strengthening social sector services. The SISSIRP is structured around three core components:
Strengthening Social Infrastructure and Systems: Rehabilitation of key education, health, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities to ensure continued access to safe drinking water and essential public services.
Capacity Development and Community Engagement: Strengthening the capacities of individuals, institutions, and communities to manage and sustain the delivery of social services and infrastructure.
Governance and Implementation Support: Ensuring transparent, accountable, and effective project implementation with robust monitoring and mechanisms to guarantee equitable access for targeted beneficiaries.
The initiative aligns with the Bank’s extended Country Brief for Sudan. It also supports the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and contributes directly to one of its key “High 5” priorities, “Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.” It further aligns with sub-themes including access to basic drinking water services, coverage of essential health services, and youth inclusion in employment, education, and training.
– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Joyce Mulama
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un don d’urgence de 62,13 millions de dollars pour soutenir le Projet de réhabilitation intégrée des infrastructures du secteur social au Soudan (Sudan Integrated Social Sector Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, SISSIRP).
Ce soutien vital vise à rétablir les services essentiels de santé, d’éducation et d’approvisionnement en eau, gravement perturbés par la guerre civile qui sévit dans le pays depuis 2023.
Le financement, approuvé le 11 juillet 2025, comprend 44,57 millions de dollars provenant du Pilier 1 de la Facilité d’appui à la transition et 17,56 millions de dollars du Fonds africain de développement, le guichet de financement concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement.
Le Soudan est actuellement confronté à l’une des crises humanitaires les plus graves au monde. On estime que 30,6 millions de personnes ont un besoin urgent d’aide, dont 11,5 millions de personnes déplacées internes, 54 % d’entre elles étant des femmes. Le conflit a dévasté des infrastructures et des services essentiels dans tout le pays, détruisant des établissements de santé, des écoles et des systèmes d’approvisionnement en eau. Cette dégradation a aggravé la pauvreté, creusé les inégalités et considérablement limité l’accès aux services de base, en particulier dans les zones touchées par le conflit.
Commentant le projet, Mary Monyau, cheffe du bureau pays de la Banque au Soudan, a souligné l’importance de l’initiative : « Ce projet est une étape cruciale vers la reconstruction des vies et des moyens de subsistance. En rétablissant l’accès à l’eau potable, aux soins de santé et aux infrastructures essentielles, nous répondons non seulement aux besoins humanitaires immédiats, mais nous posons également les bases d’une résilience et d’un développement à long terme. »
Ce projet qui s’étale sur deux ans (2025-2027) se concentrera sur quatre États soudanais : Aj Jazira, Nil, Sennar et Nil Blanc. Il vise à améliorer la résilience et le bien-être de la population en réhabilitant et en renforçant les services sociaux. Il s’articule autour de trois composantes principales :
Renforcement des infrastructures et systèmes sociaux : réhabilitation des infrastructures clés d’éducation, de santé et de WASH (eau, assainissement et hygiène) afin de garantir un accès continu à l’eau potable et aux services publics essentiels.
Développement des capacités et engagement communautaire : renforcement des capacités des individus, des institutions et des communautés à gérer et à pérenniser la fourniture des services sociaux et des infrastructures.
Gouvernance et soutien à la mise en œuvre : garantie d’une mise en œuvre transparente, responsable et efficace des projets, avec un suivi et des mécanismes rigoureux pour garantir un accès équitable aux bénéficiaires ciblés.
L’initiative s’aligne dans la Note de synthèse pays prorogée de la Banque pour le Soudan. Elle soutient également la Stratégie décennale 2024-2033 de la Banque et contribue directement à l’une des cinq priorités opérationnelles de la Banque, les « High 5 », à savoir la priorité « Améliorer la qualité de vie des populations en Afrique ». Elle s’aligne également sur des sous-thèmes, tels que l’accès aux services d’eau potable de base, la couverture des services de santé essentiels et l’inclusion des jeunes dans l’emploi, l’éducation et la formation.
Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact médias :
Joyce Mulama
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures media@afdb.org
O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou uma subvenção de emergência de 62,13 milhões de dólares para apoiar o Projeto Integrado de Reabilitação da Infraestrutura do Setor Social do Sudão (SISSIRP). Este apoio vital visa restaurar os serviços essenciais de saúde, educação e água que foram gravemente afetados pelo conflito civil em curso no Sudão, que eclodiu em 2023.
O pacote de financiamento, aprovado a 11 de julho, engloba 44,57 milhões de dólares do Pilar 1 do Mecanismo de Apoio à Transição e 17,56 milhões de dólares do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, a janela de financiamento concessional do Banco para países de baixo rendimento.
O Sudão enfrenta atualmente uma das crises humanitárias mais graves do mundo. Estima-se que 30,6 milhões de pessoas necessitem de assistência urgente, incluindo 11,5 milhões de pessoas deslocadas internamente, 54% das quais são mulheres. O conflito devastou infraestruturas e serviços essenciais em todo o país, deixando destruídas instalações de saúde, escolas e sistemas de abastecimento de água. Esta situação agravou a pobreza, aumentou as desigualdades e limitou significativamente o acesso a serviços básicos, especialmente nas zonas afetadas pelo conflito.
Comentando o projeto, Mary Monyau, gestora do Banco para o Sudão, destacou a importância da iniciativa: “Este projeto é um passo crucial para reconstruir vidas e meios de subsistência. Ao restaurar o acesso à água potável, aos cuidados de saúde e às infraestruturas essenciais, não estamos apenas a responder às necessidades humanitárias imediatas, mas também a lançar as bases para a resiliência e o desenvolvimento a longo prazo”.
O projeto de dois anos (2025-2027) vai concentrar-se em quatro estados sudaneses – Aj Jazira, Rio Nilo, Sennar e Nilo Branco – e foi concebido para melhorar a resiliência e o bem-estar da população através da reabilitação e do fortalecimento dos serviços do setor social. O SISSIRP está estruturado em torno de três componentes principais:
1. Reforço das infraestruturas e dos sistemas sociais: reabilitação de instalações essenciais nos domínios da educação, saúde e WASH (água, saneamento e higiene) para garantir o acesso contínuo a água potável e serviços públicos essenciais.
2. Desenvolvimento de capacitação e envolvimento da comunidade: reforço da capacitação dos habitantes, das instituições e das comunidades para gerir e manter a prestação de serviços sociais e infraestruturas.
3. Governação e apoio à implementação: Garantir a implementação transparente, responsável e eficaz do projeto, com monitorização e mecanismos robustos para garantir o acesso equitativo aos beneficiários visados.
A iniciativa está alinhada com o Relatório Nacional Alargado do Banco para o Sudão. Também apoia a Estratégia Decenal do Banco (2024-2033) e contribui diretamente para uma das suas cinco prioridades estratégicas, conhecidas como ‘High 5’, Melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas em África. Além disso, está alinhada com subtemas que incluem o acesso a serviços básicos de água potável, cobertura de serviços essenciais de saúde e inclusão dos jovens no emprego, na educação e na formação.
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contacto para os media:
Joyce Mulama
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org
Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt
Présidant la revue conjointe annuelle du secteur éducation-formation, le 14 juillet 2025 à Abidjan, le Premier Ministre, Robert Beugré Mambé, a souligné une occasion pour les parties prenantes de renouveler leur engagement en faveur de la co-construction d’une école ivoirienne de qualité.
« La présente revue conjointe illustre le nécessaire esprit de coordination entre vos ministères. Elle met en lumière les enjeux et les défis liés à l’institutionnalisation de la concertation sectorielle en offrant l’occasion à toutes les parties prenantes de renouveler leur engagement en faveur de la co-construction d’une école ivoirienne de qualité », a indiqué Robert Beugré Mambé.
Pour le Chef du gouvernement cette revue conjointe présente également l’opportunité d’explorer les solutions structurantes comme la contractualisation des performances, l’optimisation des ressources disponibles, le partenariat public-privé, la diversification des sources de financement et la digitalisation de la gestion.
A l’en croire, le thème retenu pour l’édition 2025, notamment, le financement des établissements scolaires et de formation, met en évidence une problématique qui se pose avec acuité à l’ensemble des structures publiques d’éducation et de formation. Chose qui a un impact sur la qualité et l’efficacité des interventions étatiques.
Le Premier Ministre a présenté le rôle de l’école dans la société, assurant que l’école est la promesse d’une société plus juste, plus résilience et plus innovante. Elle est le foyer de l’incubation du développement intégral du citoyen.
Pour ce faire, il a fait savoir que le gouvernement a multiplié par deux ou par trois les principales infrastructures dans le secteur éducation-formation. Et de rappeler les investissements massifs intervenus dans ce secteur sur la période 2011-2025.
Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.
As the African continent continues to grapple with limited resources to finance its development agenda and ambitions, the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Hon. Veronica M. Nduva, has called for a unified, continent-wide resource mobilization strategy to replace fragmented and duplicative efforts and to strengthen Africa’s resource coalition.
The Secretary General observed that while the region has held various forums deliberating on strategies to pool resources for the continent, there is need for a harmonized and streamlined approach to deliver a common strategy. She emphasized the importance of coordinated action to unlock large-scale financing capable of advancing the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Hon. Nduva was speaking at a high-level roundtable convened by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on the sidelines of the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms.
The meeting brought together the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, heads of African Union institutions, Regional Economic Communities, African Union Member States’ representatives, development partners, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on how to fast-track the realization of Agenda 2063 through more effective and African-led resource mobilization.
The Secretary General advocated for blended financing that leverages public, private, and philanthropic capital. She urged greater involvement of African philanthropists and the private sector in defining and deepening their contributions.
“It is also critical that we consider the adoption of austerity measures to ensure that resources allocated for projects deliver the intended outcomes,” she stated.
Hon. Nduva further underscored the importance of integrating technology into all efforts to strengthen planning, coordination, and implementation.
Echoing this call for transformation, the AU Commission Chairperson,H.E. Youssouf stressed the urgency of moving away from donor dependency towards a model anchored in African ownership and alignment with the continent’s priorities.
“As we prepare for the official launch of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement during the 4th Tripartite Summit, it is essential that the key instruments critical to the operationalization of the TFTA are adopted by the next Meeting of the Tripartite Council of Ministers,” he emphasized.
At the same Summit, the EAC took over the Chairmanship of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Task Force (TTF) from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) , for the next one year.The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement officially entered into force on 25 July 2024, having reached the required 14 ratifications by Member and Partner States. Preparations are now underway for its formal launch during the forthcoming 4th Tripartite Summit.
As a key building block of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the TFTA seeks to integrate the economies of the three regional blocs, eliminate trade barriers, ease the movement of goods, services and people and stimulate industrial growth across the region.
Hon. Nduva noted that the EAC will focus on advancing the finalization and exchange of tariff offers, completion and adoption of the rules of origin, ratification of the TFTA Agreement by the remaining Member/Partner States and ratification of the Tripartite Agreement on the movement of business and persons.
“We are committed to prioritizing the operationalization of the agreements made and the revival of the Industrial Development Pillar,” she stated.
Hon. Nduva also underscored the importance of strengthening the institutional framework around the TFTA, including the need for a dedicated Tripartite Secretariat to drive coordination and implementation.
“We see the Tripartite FTA as a strategic lever to deepen integration, enhance competitiveness, unlock intra-African trade and advance inclusive industrialization,” she added.
The meeting also explored options for mobilizing resources to support the TFTA’s operations and activities.
The COMESA-EAC-SADC TFTA was first launched in June 2015 in Egypt by Heads of State and Government from the three blocs. It is anchored on three core pillars: market integration, infrastructure development and industrial development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, received His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, during an official visit to the capital, Lusaka.
H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to H.E. President Hichilema, along with their wishes for further development and prosperity for the government and people of Zambia.
For his part, H.E. President Hichilema, conveyed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with his wishes for further growth and development for the government and people of the UAE.
H.E. President Hichilema welcomed the visit by H.E. Shakhboot bin Nahyan, where they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. Furthermore, the two sides explored mutual efforts to expand and develop cooperation across various fields, for the benefit of both countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a US$513 million Syndicated Murabaha Financing Facility with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, represented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to support the country’s critical energy sector needs.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the agreement was signed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, and Hon. Dr. Kazim Niaz, Federal Secretary for Economic Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.
This milestone facility marks the largest syndicated financing arranged by ITFC for Pakistan over the last three years, reaching US$513 million, which was significantly oversubscribed, with the final amount raised being more than double the initial target, reflecting strong interest and confidence from investors. The proceeds of the financing will be used for the import of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet Pakistan’s energy needs.
This milestone facility stands as the largest syndicated operation led by ITFC for Pakistan in recent years, with the final amount raised being more than double the initial target, underscoring the strong confidence and demand from the market.
On this occasion, Eng. Adeeb Y. Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated: “This syndicated financing is a clear vote of confidence by the market in both the ITFC capabilities and Pakistan’s economic trajectory. It demonstrates the growing trust of our financing partners and ITFC’s steadfast commitment to supporting energy security in Pakistan. Since 2008, our strategic partnership with the Government of Pakistan has resulted in the approval of more than US$8.1 billion in trade finance, reflecting our longstanding commitment to the country’s economic growth. This agreement represents a continuation in that partnership, as we remain dedicated to mobilizing Shari’ah-compliant resources that support Pakistan’s development priorities and strengthen its trade resilience.”
Commenting on the signing, Hon. Dr. Kazim Niaz, Federal Secretary for Economic Affairs, added that “This significant financing from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) underscores the growing confidence of international capital markets and development partners in Pakistan’s economic trajectory. We are witnessing positive trends in our macroeconomic indicators, reflecting the resilient efforts towards economic recovery and stability. This facility will further bolster our trade capabilities and contribute to sustained growth. Pakistan remains committed to fostering an environment conducive to robust partnerships and enhanced economic cooperation. The Government of Pakistan is grateful for the continuous support extended by the ITFC”.
This latest financing reflects ITFC’s continued efforts to provide impactful, Shari’ah-compliant trade solutions that address the urgent needs of member countries. By supporting Pakistan’s energy sector, the facility contributes to broader goals of economic stability, sustainable development, and enhanced trade integration across the OIC region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
Almost 70 years after independence was gained across the continent, many African countries continue to face the complex task of managing ethnic diversity and building national cohesion. National cohesion is a broad and often abstract concept. It refers to the extent to which people within a country share a sense of common purpose and belonging. It is often reflected in the strength of national identities and the degree of pride individuals feel in being part of the nation.
The fact that borders in colonial Africa were drawn in the late 19th century to the early 20th century by European powers without regard for ethnic and cultural realities and histories meant that post-colonial African governments had to develop a sense of national consciousness and belonging.
To address this task, many African countries have made efforts to promote a shared national identity which could bridge ethnic and regional divides. Governments have experimented with a diverse range of policies: promoting national languages, establishing civic education, celebrating national holidays, and reforming state institutions. Other measures have included abolishing traditional kingdoms, redistributing land, renaming capital cities, compulsory military service, and national youth service programmes.
Research into the effectiveness of these African initiatives has been limited and inconclusive. In recently published research, researchers at the Centre for Research on Peace and Development at KU Leuven addressed this gap by analysing the impact of Ghana’s National Service Scheme. Our research shows that, under certain conditions, participation in this programme can meaningfully enhance feelings of national belonging.
Ghana’s experience with national service
Established in 1973, Ghana’s National Service Scheme requires university graduates to spend one year serving in diverse roles throughout the country. This sometimes takes them to regions far from their homes.
While Ghana is widely regarded as a model for the peaceful management of ethnic diversity, the establishment of the National Service Scheme in 1973 was necessary. It was partly a response to the deep regional and ethnic divisions that marked the country’s early postcolonial period. Notably, in the years leading up to the scheme’s introduction, political rivalry between Ashanti and Ewe elites played a significant role in the country’s political instability.
Initially designed to counteract such ethnic divisions, the scheme continues to engage very large numbers of graduates each year. Over 100,000 were deployed in 2025. The programme aims not only to strengthen national cohesion, but also to promote manpower development and address key social challenges. These include unemployment, illiteracy and poverty.
Participants are deployed across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and public administration. While the vast majority of participants are assigned to teaching roles in primary or secondary schools or to positions in healthcare institutions, others take on administrative roles within government agencies or the private sector. These deployments are meant to expose them to different communities and foster intergroup contact under conditions that promote social bonding and reduce prejudice.
But can national service also contribute towards fostering stronger feelings of national belonging?
To answer this question, we conducted a large-scale panel survey among almost 3,000 service personnel. They had participated in the scheme between August 2014 and September 2016. The participants were surveyed three times: before their deployment and again within weeks after completing their national service.
The survey was aimed at examining their feelings of national pride before, during, and after their year of national service. Our study provides compelling evidence that national service significantly boosts participants’ feelings of national pride and belonging.
Change in national pride items over time – per cohort. This graph displays the average national pride per cohort and time point (with 95% confidence bars).Authors
We found that the mechanism behind this impact lies in intergroup contact. This is described as positive, meaningful interactions between individuals from diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds. Participants who reported frequent and meaningful interactions, including developing new friendships and gaining deeper knowledge of other cultural groups, showed the most significant increases in their sense of national pride.
Importantly, the greatest improvements were observed among participants who initially identified less strongly with the nation.
We further found that the positive effects of participation were not short-lived. It persisted well beyond the year of service.
Key takeaways for policymakers
Governments aiming to strengthen national identity through youth service programmes should consider four key lessons from Ghana’s experience.
Mandatory participation is crucial. Voluntary schemes tend to attract individuals who are already inclined towards inter-ethnic harmony. This limits their broader societal impact. Ghana’s mandatory approach ensures that a wide and diverse range of participants are included. This enhances the programme’s reach and effectiveness.
Structured interactions must be actively promoted. Simply placing people from different backgrounds together is not enough. Successful programmes, such as Ghana’s, intentionally create opportunities for meaningful engagement. These structured interactions help participants develop lasting relationships and deepen their understanding of other cultures.
Youth should be engaged during formative years. Recent graduates are at a stage in life when attitudes and identities are still forming. National service programmes that target this age group can have a lasting influence. Especially on how young people perceive national unity and their role within it.
Diverse placements are essential. National service programmes should deploy participants in settings that are diverse. The geographical location is of secondary importance. Exposure to diverse settings will challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. It will also foster stronger national bonds across ethnic and regional lines.
Why national service pays off in the long run
National youth service programmes, when well-designed and properly managed, are a promising yet underused tool for promoting national unity in Africa’s ethnically diverse societies. These initiatives can create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage across regional and ethnic lines. This helps to build trust, civic responsibility, and a shared sense of national identity.
Yet, in recent decades, many of these programmes have been scaled back or discontinued across the continent. Examples are Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The main reason? Cost. Governments have often viewed the logistical and financial demands of deploying tens of thousands of graduates each year as unsustainable. But this short-term budget logic misses the bigger picture.
Ghana’s scheme shows what’s possible. In recent years, the scheme’s deployment figures have reached record highs. It is now common for around 100,000 national service personnel to be mobilised in a single service year. The positive outcomes observed in Ghana offer clear, evidence-based lessons for policymakers across the continent. Investing in national service is not just a cost – it’s a commitment to a more united future.
– University graduates in Ghana must serve society for a year – study suggests it’s good for national unity – https://theconversation.com/university-graduates-in-ghana-must-serve-society-for-a-year-study-suggests-its-good-for-national-unity-258743
On July 11, 2024, Minister-Counsellor Fan Xuecheng of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda attended a series of cultural and educational exchange activities at Luyanzi Institute of Technology and Makerere University. The activities were joined by Professor Zhu Hui, Vice Chairperson of the University Council of Zhejiang University; Ms. Wang Lihong, Principal of Luyanzi Institute of Technology; H.E. Judith Nsababera, Consul General of Uganda in Guangzhou; and Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
In his remarks, Minister-Counsellor Fan Xuecheng stated that China and Uganda have long enjoyed friendly relations, and educational and cultural exchanges have built a bridge for enhancing mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples. China will continue to support people-to-people and educational cooperation, injecting fresh impetus into the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
Consul General Nsababera and other participants noted that Uganda is willing to take this opportunity to strengthen cooperation with China and promote Uganda-China relations to a new level.
The Ugandan premieres of two documentaries produced by Zhejiang University — Generation Z’s China-Africa Stories and Along the Silk Road — were successfully held at Luyanzi Institute of Technology and warmly received. Zhejiang University also presented a collection of A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings to Makerere University, showcasing the richness of traditional Chinese culture.
– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Uganda.
