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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the meeting between the National Executive and the Northern Cape Provincial Executive Council, Kimberley, Northern Cape

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa,
Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
MECs,
Executive Mayors and members of councils,
Officials,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

Good morning. 

This is the sixth formal engagement that the National Executive is having with a Provincial Executive.

We have previously met with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and most recently, the Eastern Cape. 

We hope to have met with the leadership of the remaining provinces over the next few months. 

Advancing cooperative governance is mandated by our Constitution. As the Government of National Unity, we see this as an important part of building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

One of the driving forces behind the District Development Model that we established in 2019 was to ultimately do away with two persistent challenges that have been holding back our progress as a Government.  

The first challenge is that of working in silos. This has been a particular problem when it comes to the interface between the national, provincial and local spheres of Government.  

The second is what I have termed ‘parachuted development’. This refers to projects and programmes being initiated, scoped and budgeted for at national level without due consideration to the realities of implementation on the ground, or even to whether that particular initiative meets community needs.  

These challenges have been time-consuming and costly. They have also contributed to a widening trust deficit between Government and communities when these ventures fail to take flight or encounter implementation challenges. 

Structured engagements between the national and provincial executives are designed to narrow and ultimately close these gaps. They are meant to help us work together more efficiently, to resolve challenges together and to plan smarter. 

I have said on a number of occasions that the Northern Cape is an economic pioneer and a frontier of innovation. 

Last year, the Pultizer Centre published a profile that characterised the Province as South Africa’s emerging powerhouse – quite literally.

The Northern Cape is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and experiencing a significant surge in power projects, notably solar and green hydrogen. 

The Province’s Green Hydrogen Masterplan is ambitious in both scope and potential benefits – not just for the Northern Cape but for the national economy, for the SADC region, for the continent and globally. 

In recent months I, together with a number of members of the National Executive, have participated in multilateral discussions and business forums where we have been articulating our vision of South Africa being a leader in the renewable energy revolution. 

And, to quote the Pulitzer Centre report, once the energy transition unfolds as envisaged, the Northern Cape could be the new heartbeat of the economy. 

Besides the strides being made in the energy sector, we note that the Northern Cape is working to become an industrial hub.

This is supported by traditional industries like mining, but is being expanded through special economic zone development, industrial park development and major infrastructure developments, notably in port and rail.  

While the economy of the province has been growing and creating jobs, and there has been important progress in areas like education, public infrastructure and basic services, persistent challenges remain.  

The National Treasury’s 2024 provincial socio-economic review points to an increase in the percentage of people living in poverty and to a drop in the number of households with access to basic services like water. 

Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, remains high.

Fiscal constraints are holding back a number of projects particularly at a municipal level, including for disaster response, asbestos eradication, land restitution, rural electrification and public housing.  

With respect to infrastructure development, we will need to find ways to support high impact projects like the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor, the R1 billion housing programme and the Kimberley Big Hole precinct as examples. 

We will also need find creative funding mechanisms for projects like the Boegoebaai harbour. We need an urgent relook at the current delivery model to enable regulatory approval and investment activation.

Integrated planning between national, provincial and local government must involve State-owned enterprises as important stakeholders with significant capabilities. 

The integration of provincial planning into national priority planning must be prioritised through the District Development Model and aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

We are keen to discuss how the Province is addressing the issue of climate change and its state of readiness to respond to natural disasters. 

Another challenge is the increasing municipal debt and what measures are in place to improve revenue collection. 

Furthermore, how can the Province leverage its key tourism attractions?

These are among the issues that we will deliberate on today. 

Allow me to once again thank you all for your attendance. I look forward to our discussions.

I thank you.

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La Sierra Leone et la Banque africaine de développement prennent pour cible les 90 milliards de dollars de flux financiers illicites annuels

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Un séminaire à haut niveau de quatre jours s’est conclu la semaine dernière sur des recommandations concrètes pour lutter contre les quelque 90 milliards de dollars que l’Afrique perd chaque année à cause des flux financiers illicites, alors que le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) et le gouvernement de la Sierra Leone intensifient leurs efforts pour renforcer la gouvernance des ressources naturelles.

Plus de 70 parties prenantes issues du gouvernement, de la société civile, du secteur privé et d’organisations internationales se sont réunies à The Place Resort à Tokeh sous le thème « Exploiter la richesse de l’Afrique : Infléchir les flux financiers illicites en faveur d’une croissance et d’un développement résilients ». Les flux financiers illicites comptent parmi les enjeux économiques les plus urgents de l’Afrique.

Les discussions ont débouché sur des recommandations stratégiques, notamment la création de communautés de pratique nationales, la mise en œuvre de réformes institutionnelles et l’amélioration de la transparence autour des prêts adossés à des ressources. Les participants se sont accordés pour reconnaître que ces prêts doivent être considérés comme « une option de dernier recours » et ne doivent être utilisés que s’ils garantissent une transparence maximale et financent des investissements qui contribuent directement à la capacité de remboursement.

« Cette initiative peut nous aider à améliorer les recettes tirées des ressources naturelles en empêchant leur détournement via le commerce illégal et en renforçant la gestion des prêts adossés à ces ressources », a déclaré Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, ministre des Finances de la Sierra Leone.

Les sessions de l’atelier ont porté sur l’identification des flux financiers illicites, la gestion des prêts adossés à des ressources et l’élaboration de mécanismes de gouvernance transparents. Les participants ont examiné les conclusions du Rapport de diagnostic national de la Sierra Leone, consacré au commerce illégal des ressources naturelles et aux insuffisances des capacités institutionnelles.

L’expert international Bernd Schlenter de Rand Sandton Consulting Group a présenté des analyses techniques sur les schémas des flux financiers illicites ainsi que des recommandations stratégiques lors de sessions intensives.

Halima Hashi, responsable du bureau pays de la Banque africaine de développement en Sierra Leone, a souligné que ce projet s’aligne sur la Stratégie décennale 2024-2033 et sur le Plan d’action de gestion et d’investissement en ressources naturelles 2025-2029 de la Banque.

Impact plus large

Le projet GONAT, financé par la Facilité d’appui à la transition de la Banque africaine de développement, repose sur trois piliers : analyse et diagnostic des politiques, renforcement des capacités et dialogue politique à haut niveau. Cette initiative soutient la mission de la Banque africaine de développement d’optimiser les richesses naturelles de l’Afrique en faveur d’une prospérité inclusive.

« Parvenir à une gestion transparente et équitable des ressources naturelles ne relève pas d’un simple exercice technique : c’est un impératif stratégique essentiel pour l’avenir de l’Afrique », a déclaré Eric Ogunleye, directeur de l’Institut africain de développement de la Banque africaine de développement.

Le séminaire a abouti à un projet de communiqué pour adoption nationale, les participants s’engageant à traduire les recommandations stratégiques en réformes concrètes.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Natalie Nkembuh
Section communication et relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

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Benin: African Development Bank Approves Over $30 Million to Protect Farmers from Climate Shocks and Food Insecurity

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group  (www.AfDB.org) has approved $30.25 million in financing for a groundbreaking climate protection and agricultural sector resilience program in Benin. Thanks to this approval, Beninese farmers, particularly those in northern Benin, will no longer have to fear losing their entire harvest during devastating droughts or sudden floods.

This initiative will protect 150,000 smallholder farmers against climate shocks in a country where agriculture employs seven out of ten people but remains at the mercy of an increasingly unpredictable climate. The situation is particularly critical in the departments of Alibori and Atakora, where one in four farmers suffers from food insecurity, well above the national average.

These northern regions face a double burden of climate challenges and spillover effects from Sahel instability, creating additional pressures through forced displacement and border closures with Niger. Climate projections indicate alarming future risks, with cotton production and maize yields expected to drop by 22% and 6.3% respectively, with potential economic losses estimated at approximately 201 billion CFA francs.

“This investment represents our commitment to strengthening climate resilience in Benin’s agricultural sector while responding to the urgent needs of vulnerable farming communities,” said Robert Masumbuko, African Development Bank Country Representative in Benin. “By introducing innovative risk management tools and strengthening local capacities, we are helping farmers adapt to climate change while preventing conflicts and promoting social cohesion in fragile border areas.”

The project strengthens the Beninese government’s efforts to establish agricultural insurance, whose pilot phase is managed by Benin’s National Fund for Agricultural Development (FNDA).

It introduces innovative climate risk transfer mechanisms, including sovereign insurance coverage against droughts and floods via the African Risk Capacity, and agricultural micro- insurance for smallholders. These tools will improve farmers’ risk profiles with financial institutions, facilitating better access to credit and investment opportunities.

Beyond insurance mechanisms, the initiative will strengthen institutional capacities for climate disaster management, deploy early warning systems with agrometeorological equipment, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. The program specifically targets 30% youth participation and ensures 30% female representation among the 150,000 direct beneficiaries. Furthermore, special attention is given to social cohesion activities to support peaceful integration of displaced populations in host communities.

The financing comes from multiple sources: $20 million from the “prevention” envelope of the Transition Support Facility, $5 million from the African Development Fund, $3 million from the ADRiFi multi-donor trust fund, and approximately $2.44 million in national counterpart contributions for insurance premiums.

The project aligns with Benin’s National Development Plan 2018-2025 and its National Adaptation Plan 2022-2027, supporting the country’s agricultural transformation objectives while strengthening climate change resilience through innovative instruments such as insurance. Strategic partnerships with the World Food Programme, the World Bank, and bilateral donors such as Swiss and Luxembourg cooperations ensure comprehensive support for sustainable agricultural development, including the establishment of agricultural insurance in Benin.

For Benin’s farming families, this financing represents hope for protected harvests, stable incomes, and a safer future for their children. For northern Benin communities, this project is a guarantee of stability and social cohesion in a strategic region of West Africa, and finally, for the Beninese state, the project ensures financial resilience against increasingly recurrent disaster risks.

The African Development Bank Group remains committed to supporting Africa’s agricultural transformation through innovative climate adaptation solutions that protect vulnerable communities while promoting sustainable development and regional stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Natalie Nkembuh
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Hlabisa to lead third roundtable with business on local government review

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will lead the third CoGTA–National Business Initiative (NBI) Roundtable on the review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government.

According to the department, Hlabisa will be joined by Deputy Minister Dr Namane Dickson Masemola at the East London International Convention Centre in East London on Wednesday, 30 July 2025.

The roundtable, themed ‘Every Municipality Must Work – A Call to Collective Action’, is part of an inclusive policy reform process aimed at shaping a modern and effective local government system.

This engagement will allow the business sector to reflect on the legacy and limitations of the 1998 White Paper and identify policy priorities for a renewed local government framework. 

The platform will also offer practical recommendations from business and provincial perspectives and strengthen partnerships to improve governance and infrastructure delivery.

“Efficient local government is critical to economic growth and business sustainability. Poor service delivery increases operational costs, disrupts business, and threatens jobs. 

“This roundtable offers business leaders a platform to influence policies that reduce investment risk and foster a conducive business environment,” the advisory read. 

Attendees will include business leaders, key economic institutions, Buffalo City Metro executive leadership, NBI, local business chambers in the Eastern Cape, and other private sector stakeholders. 

In April this year, Hlabisa officially published a discussion document on the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. 

This represents a significant and necessary step towards creating a reimagined and results-oriented local government system in South Africa.

This document, published under Notice No. 6118 (Gazette: 52498), initiates a national discussion aimed at producing a revised White Paper on Local Government by March 2026.

According to the department, the review aims to incite fresh thinking, honest reflection, and decisive action toward building a fit-for-purpose local government system that truly serves the people of South Africa. 

In addition, the document aims to assess and revise outdated assumptions of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government and strengthen cooperative governance among the three spheres of government. 

The initiative aims to align reforms with related efforts, including amendments to the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), the Municipal Structures Act, and the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA). 

It also seeks to enhance integration with traditional leadership, improve community participation, and address systemic challenges, such as municipal financial sustainability, over-politicisation, climate risk, and spatial inequality. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA signs US$474.6 million loan for Just Energy Transition

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 25, 2025

South Africa and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a US$474.6 million loan agreement aimed at supporting the implementation of the Just Energy Transition (JET).

The loan agreement with the AfDB follows the first policy loan concluded in 2023 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. 

“This new agreement highlights the importance of South Africa’s partnership with the AfDB in advancing South Africa’s development agenda. It strengthens efforts to improve energy security measures, accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy, and enhance the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation,” National Treasury said on Thursday.

This loan is part of the third Development Policy Operation which includes participation from the World Bank, KFW Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) to support structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.

It offers favourable concessional financial terms at a nominal value of US$474.6 million with a maturity of 15 years and a 3-year grace period at an interest rate of a daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.22%.

“The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the AfDB for its continued partnership and support of South Africa’s development objectives. 

“This includes efforts to implement critical reforms in the energy and transport sectors, while also advancing the country’s Just Energy Transition goals and meeting foreign currency commitments at lower interest rates.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Western Cape works to enhance road safety

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape is working to enhance efforts aimed at preventing road incidents, particularly those involving pedestrians.

This as the Western Cape Mobility Department is working closely with law enforcement, municipalities, and Joint Traffic Control Centres (JTCCs) in this undertaking.

According to the provincial department, pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, accounting for the majority of lives lost on the province’s roads this month.

Of the 72 road fatalities recorded across the province from 1 to 22 July 2025, pedestrians account for the most deaths, highlighting the need for focused interventions.

READ | Western Cape concerned at 23 deaths on province’s roads in one week 

The department said many of these incidents occurred in high-density municipal areas, with Khayelitsha, Milnerton, Paarl, and Kuilsriver repeatedly emerging as hotspots for multiple pedestrian deaths.

In addition, the R300 corridor, a provincial route, also recorded several fatalities. 

Meanwhile, outside the primary hotspots, there were over 20 individual pedestrian deaths spread across the province, from metro suburbs to smaller rural towns. 

“This wide distribution highlights that no community is immune and underscores the need for a province-wide safety response. Recent statistics reveal that pedestrian fatalities occur mostly at night, along highways, and on poorly lit roads,” the statement read. 

Contributing factors include jaywalking, alcohol use by both pedestrians and drivers, speeding, and non-utilisation of pedestrian infrastructure.

The department stated that it was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to prevent road incidents involving road users. 
In the meantime, the province has conducted 442 vehicle checkpoint operations in the first three weeks of July, including 219 drunk driving operations, 84 public transport checks, and targeted operations focusing on seatbelt use, vehicle fitness, learner and farm worker transport.

The team is deploying road safety ambassadors in high-risk areas to educate communities on safe road use and is launching awareness campaigns supported by schools, neighbourhood watches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other community groups.

They are also enhancing law enforcement visibility on highways and provincial routes, with improved monitoring.

Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, said the loss of pedestrian lives is not just a statistic; it represents families torn apart and communities left in mourning. 

“We urge both motorists and pedestrians to take responsibility. Motorists must slow down and remain vigilant, while pedestrians should always use designated crossings, wear visible clothing at night, and avoid walking under the influence of alcohol,” Sileku said.

Meanwhile, the department is also preparing to roll out new pedestrian safety infrastructure and interventions in identified high-risk zones in the coming months, as part of its ongoing strategy to reduce road deaths.

“Road safety is a collective effort. By working together, as government, drivers, and pedestrians, we can turn the tide on these preventable deaths,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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2026 Gauteng School admission process garners over 213 000 applications 

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane has announced that more than 213 000 online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners were successfully processed by 1pm when the 2026 online admissions process officially opened. 

The online admissions application period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in Gauteng officially commenced on Thursday at 8am and within the first hour alone, the system had recorded a total of 78 645 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications.

The department said this translates to 32 584 Grade 1 applications and 46 061 Grade 8 applications recorded within the first hour. By 1pm, this number had risen to 213 654 successfully processed applications, including 93 042 Grade 1 and 120 612 Grade 8 applications. 

As part of the start of the much-anticipated application period, MEC Chiloane led the official Switch-On at the YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa on Thursday morning, where he assisted parents and guardians in navigating the online application process. 

“Significantly, over 40 000 users were already attempting to access the system even before the official opening time of 8am, with some starting as early as 5am. This early surge caused temporary delays for some users, who had to refresh the page before gaining access once the system went live. 

“We therefore urge parents and guardians in future to refrain from trying to log in before the official start time, to avoid unnecessary access issues. The 2026 Online Admissions application window will remain open until 29 August 2025,” the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said. 

READ | 2026 Gauteng School admission process begins

Parents and guardians can apply by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. Required documents must be uploaded on the system or submitted directly to the schools applied to, within seven school days of applying. 

Parents requiring help can visit their nearest District Office or one of the 81 Decentralised Walk-in Centres across Gauteng. The GDE Call Centre is also available at 0800 000 789, or via WhatsApp at 060 891 0361. 

“We are proud of this monumental achievement, processing such a high number of applications on the first day. This success reflects the improvements made to the system, which operated smoothly overall, despite a brief delay experienced by users who tried accessing the site before it officially opened.

“We encourage parents not to panic. The system will remain open until 29 August, giving ample time to apply,” said the MEC. – SAnews.gov.za

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Benim: Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova mais de 30 milhões de dólares para proteger os agricultores dos choques climáticos e da insegurança alimentar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento  (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um financiamento de 30,25 milhões de dólares para um programa inovador de proteção climática e resiliência do setor agrícola no Benim. Graças a esta aprovação, os agricultores beninenses, especialmente os do norte do país, não terão mais de temer perder toda a sua colheita durante secas devastadoras ou inundações repentinas. 

Esta iniciativa irá proteger 150 mil pequenos agricultores contra choques climáticos num país onde a agricultura emprega sete em cada dez pessoas, mas continua à mercê de um clima cada vez mais imprevisível. A situação é particularmente crítica nas regiões de Alibori e Atakora, onde um em cada quatro agricultores sofre de insegurança alimentar, muito acima da média nacional.

Estas regiões do norte enfrentam um duplo fardo de desafios climáticos e efeitos colaterais da instabilidade no Sahel, criando pressões adicionais através de deslocações forçadas e encerramento das fronteiras com o Níger. As projeções climáticas indicam riscos alarmantes para o futuro, com a produção de algodão e o rendimento do milho a deverem cair 22% e 6,3%, respetivamente, com perdas económicas potenciais estimadas em mais de 200 mil milhões de francos CFA.

“Este investimento representa o nosso compromisso com o reforço da resiliência climática no setor agrícola do Benim, respondendo simultaneamente às necessidades urgentes das comunidades agrícolas vulneráveis”, afirmou Robert Masumbuko, representante do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento no Benim. “Ao introduzir ferramentas inovadoras de gestão de riscos e reforçar as capacidades locais, estamos a ajudar os agricultores a adaptar-se às alterações climáticas, prevenindo conflitos e promovendo a coesão social em zonas fronteiriças frágeis”, acrescentou.

O projeto reforça os esforços do governo do Benim para estabelecer um seguro agrícola, cuja fase piloto é gerida pelo Fundo Nacional para o Desenvolvimento Agrícola (FNDA) do país.

Introduz mecanismos inovadores de transferência de riscos climáticos, incluindo cobertura de seguro soberano contra secas e inundações através da Capacidade Africana de Risco, e micro-seguros agrícolas para pequenos agricultores. Estas ferramentas irão melhorar os perfis de risco dos agricultores junto das instituições financeiras, facilitando o acesso ao crédito e às oportunidades de investimento. 

Para além dos mecanismos de seguro, a iniciativa reforçará as capacidades institucionais para a gestão de catástrofes climáticas, implementará sistemas de alerta precoce com equipamento agrometeorológico e promoverá práticas agrícolas inteligentes em termos climáticos. O programa visa especificamente uma participação de 30% dos jovens e garante uma representação feminina de 30% entre os 150 mil beneficiários diretos. Além disso, é dada especial atenção às atividades de coesão social para apoiar a integração pacífica das populações deslocadas nas comunidades de acolhimento.

O financiamento provém de várias fontes: 20 milhões de dólares da dotação ‘prevenção’ do Mecanismo de Apoio à Transição, 5 milhões de dólares do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, 3 milhões de dólares do fundo fiduciário multidoadores ADRiFi e aproximadamente 2,44 milhões de dólares em contribuições nacionais de contrapartida para prémios de seguro.

O projeto está em consonância com o Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento 2018-2025 do Benim e o seu Plano Nacional de Adaptação 2022-2027, apoiando os objetivos de transformação agrícola do país e reforçando a resiliência às alterações climáticas através de instrumentos inovadores, como os seguros. As parcerias estratégicas com o Programa Alimentar Mundial, o Banco Mundial e doadores bilaterais, como as cooperações suíça e luxemburguesa, garantem um apoio abrangente ao desenvolvimento agrícola sustentável, incluindo a criação de seguros agrícolas no Benim.

Para as famílias agrícolas do Benim, este financiamento representa a esperança de colheitas protegidas, rendimentos estáveis e um futuro mais seguro para os seus filhos. Para as comunidades do norte do Benim, este projeto é uma garantia de estabilidade e coesão social numa região estratégica da África Ocidental e, finalmente, para o Estado beninense, o projeto assegura a resiliência financeira contra riscos de catástrofes cada vez mais recorrentes.

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento continua empenhado em apoiar a transformação agrícola de África através de soluções inovadoras de adaptação às alterações climáticas que protejam as comunidades vulneráveis, promovendo simultaneamente o desenvolvimento sustentável e a estabilidade regional.

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

Contacto para os media: 
Natalie Nkembuh
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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Gâmbia: Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova subvenção de 19,93 milhões de dólares para combater a fragilidade e ampliar as oportunidades para jovens e mulheres rurais

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou uma subvenção de 19,93 milhões de dólares para o Projeto de Resiliência – Apoio a Jovens e Mulheres Vulneráveis, destinado a melhorar o acesso a serviços sociais básicos para comunidades carentes na Gâmbia.

A iniciativa visa combater as causas profundas da pobreza e da migração irregular, criando meios de subsistência sustentáveis, abordando os primeiros sinais de fragilidade e prevenindo os fatores estruturais que conduzem ao conflito e à instabilidade na região visada. Faz parte da agenda de prevenção reforçada do Banco no âmbito da Dotação para a Prevenção do Mecanismo de Apoio à Transição (TSF), que enfatiza a resposta precoce aos riscos de fragilidade e aos fatores sistemáticos que conduzem ao conflito.

A Gâmbia enfrenta graves desafios económicos, com 53,4% da população a viver abaixo do limiar da pobreza. A pobreza é particularmente grave nas zonas rurais, afetando 76% dos residentes, em comparação com 34% nas zonas urbanas. O desemprego juvenil situa-se em 38,6%, com as mulheres a serem desproporcionalmente afetadas – 1,3 mulheres desempregadas por cada homem desempregado. Estas disparidades socioeconómicas, aliadas ao acesso limitado aos serviços, são os principais fatores que alimentam a migração irregular e a instabilidade social.

Embora o país tenha alcançado um acesso robusto à eletricidade em todo o território nacional, persistem desigualdades regionais gritantes. Em áreas como Kuntaur e Janjanbureh, menos de uma em cada quatro pessoas tem acesso à eletricidade, em comparação com 95% na capital.

Além disso, uma em cada quatro crianças sofre de desnutrição. Ao abordar estas lacunas, o projeto visa renovar o contrato social e promover a resiliência da comunidade. “Este projeto representa o nosso compromisso em combater as causas fundamentais da fragilidade, pobreza, exclusão e falta de oportunidades, investindo nas pessoas e nos sistemas que constroem a resiliência e a esperança da comunidade”, afirmou Joseph Ribeiro, Diretor-Geral Adjunto do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para a África Ocidental e Gestor Nacional para a Gâmbia.

“Através do Envelope de Prevenção do TSF, estamos a agir precocemente para prevenir conflitos e a migração dos jovens, promovendo o crescimento inclusivo, a igualdade de género e a estabilidade institucional, ao mesmo tempo que construímos as bases para meios de subsistência sustentáveis que manterão as famílias e as comunidades unidas”, acrescentou.

O projeto criará diretamente 1.500 empregos, aumentará a produtividade de 5 mil postos de trabalho existentes e proporcionará formação profissional anual a 500 jovens em setores de elevada procura, como agricultura, engenharia, TIC e energias renováveis. Além disso, o apoio será alargado a 500 micro e pequenas empresas lideradas por mulheres e a 50 cooperativas de mulheres.

Os principais investimentos em infraestruturas de saúde incluirão a reabilitação de quatro unidades de saúde primárias em regiões vulneráveis, incluindo Basse, Kuntaur e Janjanbureh, onde as taxas de mortalidade materna e de desnutrição infantil excedem as médias nacionais. Sistemas de vigilância nutricional reforçados permitirão a deteção precoce de 22 mil crianças e facilitarão o tratamento de mil crianças que necessitam de cuidados especializados.

A insegurança alimentar aumentou, passando de 13,4% em 2021 para 29% em 2023, com picos de 61% em áreas como Kuntaur. O projeto irá abordar esta crise promovendo uma agricultura inteligente em termos climáticos e reforçando as cadeias de valor locais para melhorar a segurança alimentar e reduzir a vulnerabilidade aos choques climáticos.

A inclusão financeira é um pilar fundamental da intervenção. Com 77% dos jovens gambianos atualmente excluídos dos serviços financeiros formais, o projeto estabelecerá linhas de crédito dedicadas e fornecerá apoio ao desenvolvimento empresarial para desbloquear o empreendedorismo, especialmente para mulheres que enfrentam barreiras sistémicas ao acesso ao capital e aos mercados.

A iniciativa também inclui a intensificação dos esforços para combater a violência e a desigualdade de género e o reforço das capacidades das instituições governamentais para melhorar a elaboração de políticas baseadas em dados e a monitorização de longo prazo das tendências de fragilidade.

As organizações da sociedade civil, incluindo a Associação de Organizações Não Governamentais (TANGO), serão fundamentais para garantir que o projeto seja inclusivo, participativo e alinhado com as prioridades nacionais.

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

Contato para os media:
Natalie Nkembuh,
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

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Bénin : la Banque africaine de développement approuve plus de 30 millions de dollars pour protéger les agriculteurs des chocs climatiques et de l’insécurité alimentaire

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement  (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un financement de 30,25 millions de dollars pour un programme révolutionnaire de protection climatique et de résilience du secteur agricole au Bénin. Grâce à l’approbation, les agriculteurs béninois, particulièrement ceux du nord du Bénin n’auront plus à craindre de perdre toute leur récolte lors des sécheresses dévastatrices ou des inondations soudaines.

Cette initiative protégera 150 000 petits agriculteurs contre les chocs climatiques dans un pays où l’agriculture emploie sept personnes sur dix mais reste à la merci d’un climat de plus en plus imprévisible. La situation est particulièrement critique dans les départements de l’Alibori et de l’Atakora, où un agriculteur sur quatre souffre d’insécurité alimentaire, bien au-dessus de la moyenne nationale.

Ces régions du nord font face à un double fardeau de défis climatiques et d’effets de contagion de l’instabilité sahélienne, créant des pressions supplémentaires à travers les déplacements forcés et les fermetures de frontière avec le Niger. Les projections climatiques indiquent des risques futurs alarmants, avec une production de coton et des rendements de maïs qui devraient chuter respectivement de 22% et de 6,3%, avec des pertes économiques estimées potentiellement à environ 201 milliards de francs CFA.

« Cet investissement représente notre engagement à renforcer la résilience climatique du secteur agricole béninois tout en répondant aux besoins urgents des communautés agricoles vulnérables – a déclaré Robert Masumbuko , représentant pays de la Banque africaine de développement au Benin – en introduisant des outils innovants de gestion des risques et en renforçant les capacités locales, nous aidons les agriculteurs à s’adapter au changement climatique tout en prévenant les conflits et en promouvant la cohésion sociale dans les zones frontalières fragiles. »

Le projet vient renforcer les efforts du gouvernement béninois pour la mise en place d’une assurance agricole, dont la phase pilote est gérée par le Fonds national pour le développement agricole (FNDA) du Bénin.

Elle introduit des mécanismes novateurs de transfert des risques climatiques, notamment une couverture d’assurance souveraine contre les sécheresses et les inondations via la Mutuelle panafricaine de gestion des risques, et une micro-assurance agricole pour les petits exploitants. Ces outils amélioreront le profil de risque des agriculteurs auprès des institutions financières, facilitant un meilleur accès au crédit et aux opportunités d’investissement.

Au-delà des mécanismes d’assurance, l’initiative renforcera les capacités institutionnelles pour la gestion des catastrophes climatiques, déploiera des systèmes d’alerte précoce avec des équipements agrométéorologiques, et promouvra des pratiques agricoles intelligentes face au climat. Le programme cible spécifiquement 30% de participation des jeunes et assure 30% de représentation féminine parmi les 150 000 bénéficiaires directs. En outre, une attention particulière est accordée aux activités de cohésion sociale pour soutenir l’intégration pacifique des populations déplacées dans les communautés d’accueil.

Le financement provient de sources multiples : 20 millions de dollars de l’enveloppe « prévention » de la Facilité d’appui à la transition, 5 millions de dollars du Fonds africain de développement, 3 millions de dollars du fonds fiduciaire multi-donateur ADRiFi, et environ 2,44 millions de dollars en contributions de contrepartie nationale pour les primes d’assurance.

Le projet s’aligne avec le Plan national de développement du Bénin 2018-2025 et son Plan national d’adaptation 2022-2027, soutenant les objectifs de transformation agricole du pays tout en renforçant la résilience face au changement climatique à travers des instruments innovants tels que l’assurance. Les partenariats stratégiques avec le Programme alimentaire mondial, la Banque mondiale, et les donateurs bilatéraux tels que les coopérations Suisse et Luxembourgeoise assurent un soutien global pour le développement agricole durable, y compris la mise en place de l’assurance agricole au Bénin.

Pour les familles agricoles du Bénin, ce financement représente l’espoir de récoltes protégées, de revenus stables et d’un avenir plus sûr pour leurs enfants. Pour les communautés du nord Bénin, ce projet est gage de stabilité et cohésion sociale dans une région stratégique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest et, enfin, pour l’État béninois, le projet assure une résilience financière face aux risques de catastrophes de plus en plus récurrents. 

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement demeure engagé à soutenir la transformation agricole de l’Afrique par des solutions innovantes d’adaptation climatique qui protègent les communautés vulnérables tout en promouvant le développement durable et la stabilité régionale.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Natalie Nkembuh
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) est la première institution multilatérale de financement dédiée au développement de l’Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). La BAD est présente sur le terrain dans 44 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, et contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux.

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