Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Singapore’s Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 24, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thaniآ met Wenesday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.
The meeting took place on the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Both sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation, as well as a variety of regional and global issues of shared concern.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launches media training in The Gambia to promote democracy, information integrity and combat misinformation, disinformation in west Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Communication, has launched a two-day capacity-building workshop for Gambian journalists on information integrity and tackling misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and anti-democratic narratives.

Organised by ECOWAS in partnership with Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Government of Germany, the training, which held from 22–23 September 2025, aimed to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL) by equipping journalists and media practitioners with requisite skills and  tools to identify misinformation networks, strengthen conflict-sensitive reporting, and advance democracy, peace, and good governance in West Africa.

Over the past two days, 40 Gambian journalists drawn  from print, broadcast and online media platforms engaged in interactive sessions, expert presentations and practical exercises, covering advanced fact-checking and OSINT techniques, the use of AI to identify disinformation patterns, conflict-sensitive and human-rights reporting, and media information literacy to empower citizens to discern credible news.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of ECOWAS President H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in the Gambia, H.E. Ambassador Miatta Lily FRENCH, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting Member States and media practitioners through partnerships and innovation to ensure accuracy, fairness and integrity in the region’s information space. She underscored the importance of the ECOWAS media training on misinformation and disinformation as a cornerstone for democratic stability and social cohesion.

“This workshop is more than a training exercise; it is a crucial step in strengthening the fabric of our democracies, reinforcing peace and security, and empowering journalists to counter the pervasive threats of misinformation and disinformation that undermine the stability of our region,” Ambassador Miatta Lily FRENCH said.

She highlighted that ECOWAS Vision 2050 prioritises a peaceful, secure and inclusive region—an aspiration that depends on a resilient media and a well-informed public.

“A free, ethical and informed press is not only the lifeblood of democracy but also a cornerstone of peace and security. Together, we can counter harmful narratives, reinforce democratic values, and contribute to the vision of a prosperous and integrated West Africa.”

In her goodwill message, Ms. Barbara KIRSCH, representing GIZ on behalf of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), underscored their shared vision with ECOWAS of a peaceful, stable, and cooperative region where strong and independent media play a central role.

She reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening democracy and peace through support to independent and ethical journalism. Drawing on an African proverb, she reminded participants that “the path of a liar is very short,” stressing the vital role of fact-checking and media information literacy in protecting democratic values.

“We share with ECOWAS the vision of a region marked by peace, stability, and cooperation—and we believe that a strong and independent media is central to that vision. The training was an opportunity to strengthen the ability of journalists to identify, counter, and prevent harmful narratives before they take root. Ms. Kirsch said.

Participants – including journalists, media and communications experts in the Gambia – expressed their satisfaction and commended ECOWAS for organising the training describing the workshop as timely, highly beneficial and impactful.

President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), Isatou KEITA, said “The training was very significant and timely, given the currently day and age of social media where there is increased in misinformation and disinformation which have contributed in eroding public trust in the media. Journalists at the frontline of truth and accountability need to be armed to be able to debunk as well as fact check news and information for the greater good of the society.”

Alagie Cherno SUWAREH, a reporter with Star TV, The Gambia, said, “I learnt from the ECOWAS training that we must embrace the best journalism practice to promote freedom of expression, peace, accountability, democracy and good governance in West Africa. As journalists, we should not spread misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and fake news because of their negative consequences on our country and region”  

Abdoulie GASSAMA, a Communication and Media Expert and Lecture at the School of Journalism and Digital Media, University of The Gambiasaid, “The two day training workshop was crucial for The Gambian Journalists and the media fraternity as it has equipped them with the skills to identify and combat disinformation, misinformation, and malformation, ultimately promoting quality journalism and trustworthy information dissemination. By understanding the strategies to address fake news and propaganda, Gambian Journalists can better navigate the complex media landscape, ensuring the public receives accurate and unbiased information”

The workshop reinforces ECOWAS’ ongoing efforts and commitment towards tackling the growing menace of disinformation, misinformation, fake news and anti-democratic narratives in West Africa.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) to Headline The Africa Debate – United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai

Source: APO – Report:

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Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), a leading pan-African trade and investment platform, today announced Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and ARISE IIP as Headline Partners for The Africa Debate – UAE, taking place in Dubai on 30 September 2025 in partnership with the UAE Government.

This year’s forum comes as Africa and the Gulf prepare for COP30, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) moves from negotiation to implementation, and global capital continues to tilt towards the Global South. Designed around real transactions, real actors and real strategy, the programme will examine where the next UAE–Africa opportunities are emerging, what sustained partnership looks like beyond one-off deals, and how to unlock the next frontiers for investment, collaboration and innovation across the corridor.

Confirmed speakers include: H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates; H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, United Arab Emirates; H.E. João Jorge Matlombe, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Republic of Mozambique; H.E. Dr. José de Lima Massano, Minister of State for Economic Coordination, Republic of Angola; H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, President of the Republic of Somaliland; Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO, ARISE IIP; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World; Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Co-Founder and Chairman, Infinity Power; and Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank, among other senior leaders.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO, ARISE IIP, said: “We are thrilled to be a Headline Partner of The Africa Debate – UAE. The UAE–Africa partnership sits at the heart of ARISE IIP’s growth strategy, linking Gulf capital and logistics expertise with Africa’s industrial momentum to localise value, create jobs and build competitive exports. This forum is the right platform to bring governments, investors and operators together, align policies and finance, and convert strong pipelines into bankable, large-scale projects spanning ports, logistics zones and export manufacturing.”

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation, said: “AFC’s mandate is to mobilise long-term capital and execution capacity for Africa’s infrastructure and industrialisation. The UAE–Africa corridor is central to that mission, bringing together patient capital, ports and logistics expertise, and technology partnerships to deliver projects at scale. The Africa Debate – UAE provides the right platform to align incentives and move projects to bankability – advancing a pipeline across climate-aligned energy, efficient transport and competitive industrial zones with public and private partners.”

Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Africa, commented: “The Africa Debate – UAE provides the right platform to align incentives and move projects to bankability – we are advancing a pipeline across climate-aligned energy, efficient transport and competitive industrial zones with public and private partners. Under ‘Shared Markets, Shared Future’, the agenda stays practical—ports and logistics, industrial zones, renewables and agri-value chains—grounded in clear market insight and targeted matchmaking. My thanks to our Headline Partners AFC and ARISE IIP, to our strategic partners Afreximbank and Standard Chartered, and to our supporting partners and speakers whose expertise will help move high-quality projects from discussion to delivery.”

Participating organisations include: UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade; ARISE IIP; Absa; Afreximbank; Africa Finance Corporation; A2MP – Africa Minerals and Metals Processing Platform; Control Risks; DLA Piper; DP World; Gemcorp Capital; Infinity Power; Lagos Free Zone; Moody’s Ratings; Oyo State Government; Plantations et Huileries du Congo; Premier Invest; S-RM; Spiro; Standard Bank; and Standard Chartered.

View the full programme and apply for accreditation: https://TheAfricaDebate.com/uae. Please note that registration is subject to approval.

– on behalf of Invest Africa.

Media enquiries:
Pippa van Breda
Marketing & Communications Manager, Invest Africa
T: +44 20 3730 5035
E: pippa.vanbreda@investafrica.com
W: www.InvestAfrica.com

About The Africa Debate – UAE:
The Africa Debate – UAE is a high-level investment forum hosted by Invest Africa in partnership with the UAE Government. The event brings together public and private sector leaders from across the UAE, Africa, and the global investment community to shape the next generation of UAE–Africa economic partnerships. The forum will focus on real strategy, real transactions, and cross-sector collaboration in infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, digital innovation, and climate finance.

https://TheAfricaDebate.com/uae

About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform, connecting global capital with African opportunity. With more than sixty years of experience and a network of over 400 member companies, Invest Africa provides trusted market insight, bespoke support, and curated events across its chapters in the UK, UAE, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States.

https://www.InvestAfrica.com/

Qatar Engages in 18th Global Governance Group Meeting at UN General Assembly

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 24, 2025

Qatar took part in the 18th ministerial meeting of the Global Governance Group (3G), held today on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Representing Qatar at the meeting was HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.

In his address, HE Dr. Al Khulaifi emphasized that recent years have demonstrated that the effectiveness of the international system fundamentally depends on collective commitment to renewing the foundations of global governance, making it more inclusive, equitable, and resilient.

His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s full support for efforts to reform the multilateral system, ensuring the inclusiveness and transparency of global governance, and enhancing the capacity of international institutions to effectively respond to the evolving needs of member states, especially developing countries.

Highlighting Qatar’s national progress, Dr. Al Khulaifi noted the country’s significant strides in promoting good governance through legislative and administrative reforms aimed at transparency and accountability. He underscored Qatar’s investments in digital transformation and information technology to boost government efficiency, alongside fostering partnerships with civil society and the private sector in public policy formulation. Additionally, Qatar has launched specialized initiatives and centers focused on governance, anti-corruption, and integrity.

On the international front, Qatar continues to play an active humanitarian and developmental role by providing development and relief aid, contributing to mediation and peace efforts, and promoting intercultural and international dialogue.

HE Dr. Al Khulaifi called for a comprehensive review and modernization of global governance structures and mechanisms to guarantee fair and equitable representation for developing countries in decision-making and policy-setting processes. He stressed the importance of reinforcing the interconnection between security, development, and human rights as essential pillars for a fairer, more sustainable, and effective global order.

He also highlighted the urgent need to address financial and technological gaps that hinder many countries from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Empowering youth and women to actively participate in decision-making processes was identified as critical to advancing good governance.

Reiterating Qatar’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter, His Excellency stated that complex global challenges require collective solutions, sincere cooperation, and strong political will. He described the Global Governance Group as a promising platform to rebuild trust in the international system, strengthen North-South solidarity, and ensure no one is left behind.

In conclusion, Qatar reaffirmed its unwavering support for the 3G’s objectives and its readiness to collaborate with all partners to foster a more just, responsive, and inclusive international system.

Joint Statement by Arab League and OIC Leaders at Multilateral Summit with US President

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 24, 2025

A multilateral summit of the leaders of the United States and eight states representing the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was convened at the United Nations Headquarters, on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting was convened at the initiative of HE President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump. It was co-hosted by HE President Trump and HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The summit was attended by HM King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; HE President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan; HE President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto; HE Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif; HE Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Moustafa Kamal Madbouly; HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and HH Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

During the meeting, the leaders of Arab/OIC states thanked President Trump for calling for this important meeting. They highlighted the unbearable situation in the Gaza Strip, including the humanitarian catastrophe and high human toll, as well as its serious consequences for the region and impact on the Muslim world as a whole. They reiterated the common position rejecting forced-displacement and the need to allow the return of those who left.

The leaders emphasized the need to end the war and achieve an immediate ceasefire that would ensure releasing the hostages and allowing the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid as the first step toward a just and lasting peace.

They reiterated their commitment to cooperate with President Trump, and stressed the importance of his leadership to end the war and open horizons for a just and lasting peace.

  They emphasized the need to work out details of a plan for stabilization, while ensuring stability in the West Bank and Jerusalem’s Holy Sites. They supported Palestinian Authority reform efforts.

Participants affirmed the need to ensure a comprehensive plan for reconstruction in Gaza, based on the Arab and OIC plan, as well as security arrangements, with international assistance supporting the Palestinian leadership, and expressed commitment to work together to ensure the success of plans and to rebuild the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.

They also emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to ensure that this meeting is the beginning of a process on the right path to a future of peace and regional cooperation. 

Bunia : la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) appuie la digitalisation des données judiciaires militaires

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


« Nous nous limitions depuis longtemps au système classique, avec des dossiers en papier. À Goma, nous en avions perdu plusieurs lors de la prise de la ville par les rebelles du M23, et cela compliquait la poursuite des procédures. Avec la digitalisation, nous pourrons désormais assurer la continuité de notre travail et éviter de nouvelles pertes. »

Ces mots de l’auditeur supérieur près la Cour militaire de l’Ituri, le colonel Joseph Makelele, résonnent comme un tournant pour la justice militaire dans la province. Ce mercredi 24 septembre 2025, dans la salle d’audience de la Cour militaire de Bunia, la MONUSCO, à travers sa Section d’Appui à la Justice, a remis du matériel informatique destiné à lancer la numérisation progressive des dossiers judiciaires.

Un partenariat pour sécuriser les données

Fidèle à son mandat d’appui aux institutions congolaises, la MONUSCO a travaillé avec la justice militaire pour mettre en place un projet de gestion électronique des archives, afin de moderniser et de sécuriser les dossiers judiciaires et les protéger face aux aléas du contexte local. L’initiative, financée par les fonds programmatiques de la Mission, prévoit une unité centrale de numérisation et trois antennes locales : Kinshasa, Beni et Bunia.

Après Kinshasa et Beni, Bunia a accueilli sa propre unité, composée de deux ordinateurs tout-en-un, de deux imprimantes et de logiciels modernes dédiés à la numérisation et à la sécurisation des archives. Deux informaticiens locaux seront formés par des experts venus de Kinshasa, avec l’appui régulier de l’équipe de la Section d’Appui à la Justice de Bunia. Les dossiers numérisés seront ensuite centralisés sur un serveur sécurisé à Kinshasa, garantissant un accès permanent, même en période de crise.

Pour le Coordonnateur régional de la section d’appui à la justice, Jean-Georges Nyame, cette étape s’inscrit pleinement dans la mission de la MONUSCO :
« Cette opération a pour but de renforcer les capacités techniques et opérationnelles de la justice. En numérisant les dossiers, nous sécurisons les données judiciaires et nous permettons à la hiérarchie militaire d’y avoir accès à tout moment, même si les documents physiques venaient à disparaître. »

Vers une justice plus moderne et plus efficace

L’Auditeur militaire a conclu en soulignant que cette remise n’est qu’une étape :
« Avec l’appui de la MONUSCO, nous avançons vers un laboratoire numérique pour la justice militaire. Nous avons déjà des informaticiens formés sur place et des formations supplémentaires sont prévues. Nous nous mettons progressivement à jour, et cette remise contribue déjà à l’efficacité de notre administration. »

Pour rappel, la Mission a lancé il y a quelques mois, à Bunia, la construction d’une salle de formation destinée aux acteurs judiciaires, afin de renforcer leurs capacités et accompagner la modernisation du système judiciaire.

Ces initiatives témoignent de la volonté conjointe de la MONUSCO et des autorités congolaises de rendre la justice militaire plus moderne, transparente et résiliente, au service des populations locales, même dans un contexte de perturbations et d’insécurité.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Qatar Participates in Joint Ministerial Meeting of GCC Foreign Ministers with UK

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 24, 2025

The State of Qatar took part on Wednesday in the joint ministerial meeting between the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and the United Kingdom, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. 

West Africa Regional Preparatory Workshop for the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) on Climate Change Opens in Dakar

Source: APO – Report:

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From September 23 to 25, 2025, Senegal will host a preparatory workshop for the West African region for the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dakar.

This regional workshop, jointly organized by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, will be led by thematic coordinators of the West African region engaged in international negotiations through the analysis of the results of the 62nd session of the subsidiary bodies (SB62) and other key international meetings held in preparation for COP30.

The main objective of the workshop is to ensure that countries take ownership of the latest developments of SB62 and to formulate regional priorities for advocacy during the COP30 negotiations.

During this meeting in Dakar, West African climate negotiators will have the opportunity to identify gaps in the implementation of previous COP decisions and to make concrete proposals to be taken to the level of the African Group of Climate Negotiators and in the negotiations that will take place at COP30.

It will also be an opportunity to discuss the acquisition of a West African pavilion to present regional projects that have helped reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation projects coordinated by the various ECOWAS Directorates and specialized Agencies as well as certain specialized sub-regional institutions.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Gueye, Director of Cabinet representing the Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition of the Republic of Senegal. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Amadou TCHAMBOU, Resident Representative of the UEMOA Commission in Senegal, and Mr. Yao Bernard KOFFI, the Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources of ECOWAS.

In addition to representatives of ECOWAS and UEMOA member states, several partners including UNFCCC, IOM, UNICEF, WASCAL, the AGRHYMET Regional Centre, the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centre, and thematic coordinators are taking part in the regional workshop.

As a reminder, COP30, the United Nations Climate Summit, will be held this year in Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025. The challenges of this Summit are, among other things, (i) to find financing solutions to gradually abandon fossil fuels; (ii) the adoption of the operationalization arrangements for the Loss and Damage Fund; (iii) the definition of a global objective for adaptation; (iv) the definition of a new collective quantified objective for financing climate action; and (v) the implementation of the Glasgow-Sharm El Sheikh work programme on the global objective on adaptation.

Participants in this preparatory workshop are the focal points of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and experts in charge of NDCs in ECOWAS Member States, representatives of the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, CILSS/AGRHYMET, WASCAL, CRC/UNFCCC, IOM, UNICEF and the coordinators of the thematic groups.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Global Economy, UN General Assembly, New York

Source: President of South Africa –

Excellencies, 
Distinguished Delegates,

It is an honour to address this Biennial Summit.

We gather at a moment when the 2030 Agenda is in peril.

It is estimated that we need to close a financing gap of $4 trillion annually if we are to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. 

A succession of crises has exposed the fragility of our interconnected economies and revealed deep inequities in our capacity to respond.

While some nations are able to mobilise trillions to shield their citizens and economies from pandemics and other emergencies, others are left constrained by debt and denied fair access to global capital. 

We should use this Summit to push for the full implementation of commitments made across various forums – from the Financing for Development process to the G20 and Climate Change COP. 

We must strengthen coordination between the UN, the African Union, the G20, international financial institutions and other global financial actors, embedding inclusivity at the heart of global economic governance.

To close the SDG financing gap, we need to undertake the following bold measures:

Firstly, we need debt relief and restructuring that is faster, fairer and more comprehensive.

Secondly, we need to mobilise affordable, accessible financing from a wide range of sources.

Thirdly, we need to rechannel unused Special Drawing Rights to countries in need.

Fourthly, we must scale up concessional finance through development banks.

Lastly, we must reform global tax rules to curb illicit financial flows

Beyond financial instruments, we need confidence that commitments will be honoured and that global rules will be shaped by all members, not just a few.

Let us forge a new compact for financing sustainable development rooted in solidarity, equity and mutual accountability. 

South Africa stands ready to ensure this Summit becomes a turning point in our collective effort to build a sustainable, inclusive and resilient global economy.

I thank you.
 

Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova nova estratégia para impulsionar a diversificação económica e o crescimento inclusivo liderado pelo setor privado no Lesoto

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um novo Documento de Estratégia Nacional (CSP) no valor de 209 milhões de dólares para o Lesoto, estabelecendo um roteiro para acelerar a transição do país para a diversificação económica, resiliência e crescimento inclusivo nos próximos cinco anos.

A aprovação surge num momento crucial para este país sem litoral, que continua a enfrentar grandes desafios de desenvolvimento, incluindo o impacto de uma recente tarifa de 15% imposta pelos EUA sobre as exportações de vestuário, a perda da Ajuda Oficial ao Desenvolvimento após o cancelamento do acordo de 300 milhões de dólares com a Millennium Challenge Corporation e a sua dependência do desempenho económico regional. Quase metade da população do Lesoto vive na pobreza e o desemprego dos jovens continua próximo dos 39%. A nova estratégia visa abordar estas vulnerabilidades, desbloqueando o crescimento do setor privado, criando emprego sustentável e construindo instituições mais fortes.

“O Lesoto encontra-se num momento crítico”, afirmou Moono Mupotola, Diretora-Geral Adjunta do Grupo Banco para a África Austral e representante no Lesoto. “Esta estratégia abrangente aproveita os abundantes recursos hídricos do país, a sua localização estratégica e o dividendo demográfico para desbloquear novos caminhos para o crescimento inclusivo e a diversificação económica”, explicou.

A estratégia centra-se em duas prioridades: construir infraestruturas sustentáveis para impulsionar a industrialização e reforçar a capacitação institucional e humana para aumentar a competitividade. Os principais objetivos incluem alcançar o acesso universal à eletricidade até 2030 através do programa Mission 300, reduzir os custos da banda larga para promover um ecossistema próspero de start-ups tecnológicas e expandir o acesso a água potável a mais milhares de famílias.

O Banco também apoiará infraestruturas hídricas e agrícolas para aumentar a produtividade, ao mesmo tempo que ajudará o governo a modernizar os sistemas de cobrança de impostos e a fortalecer a capacidade de gestão do setor público com novos programas de formação para funcionários públicos.

Catalisar o crescimento do setor privado

O Banco apoiará reformas políticas e investimentos em infraestruturas que reduzam o custo de fazer negócios, expandam o financiamento para a inovação digital e promovam o empreendedorismo. O apoio será direcionado a startups e pequenas empresas, incluindo empresas lideradas por mulheres e jovens, enquanto os programas de desenvolvimento de competências deverão equipar 20 mil jovens – 40% dos quais mulheres – com as competências digitais necessárias para a economia moderna.

Com o Lesoto altamente vulnerável a choques climáticos, a Estratégia incorpora medidas para ampliar a agricultura climaticamente inteligente, fortalecer a gestão de riscos de desastres e expandir os investimentos em energia renovável e infraestruturas hídricas. Estas iniciativas foram concebidas não só para salvaguardar os meios de subsistência, mas também para abordar questões sociais prementes, como a redução do atraso no crescimento infantil, que afeta mais de um terço das crianças com menos de cinco anos.

Foco na integração regional

O Banco ajudará a posicionar o Lesoto para beneficiar da integração com mercados maiores, apoiando as ligações transfronteiriças de infraestruturas com a África do Sul, a facilitação do comércio no âmbito da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (AfCFTA) e a participação na cadeia de valor regional, particularmente na agroindústria. Ao melhorar a conectividade e reduzir o isolamento económico, a estratégia visa expandir as oportunidades para as empresas e os trabalhadores do Lesoto para além das suas fronteiras.

O novo Documento de Estratégia Nacional baseia-se nas lições aprendidas com as operações anteriores do Banco no Lesoto e enfatiza abordagens integradas e multissetoriais, garantindo uma maior capacidade de implementação e uma gestão proativa da carteira. Está alinhado com o Plano Estratégico Nacional de Desenvolvimento II do Lesoto (2018-2028), a Estratégia Decenal do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (2024-2033), a Agenda 2063 (https://apo-opa.co/46za6PF) da União Africana e os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável das Nações Unidas. Para obter resultados, o Banco recorrerá a várias janelas de financiamento, incluindo o seu Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, que dá financiamento concessional, a Janela de Operações Regionais e a Janela de Ação Climática, trabalhando em estreita parceria com outras instituições de desenvolvimento.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Emeka Anuforo
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo 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

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