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Ministro Eurico Monteiro preside abertura de Conferência internacional sobre a História Recente de Cabo Verde, destacando a relevância da iniciativa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Modernização do Estado e da Administração Pública, Eurico Monteiro, presidiu, esta quarta-feira, 16 de julho, a Conferência internacional sobre a História Recente de Cabo Verde, promovida pelo Instituto do Arquivo Nacional de Cabo Verde (IANCV), no quadro das celebrações dos 50 anos da Independência de Cabo Verde, destacando a relevância da iniciativa porque, “por um lado, mostra a importância que as autoridades e a sociedade dão à independência do país, e por outro, lança um olhar sob a nossa história recente desde a independência até esta parte”.

“Conhecer este percurso é, seguramente, a melhor forma que nós temos de avaliar com mais precisão o presente, o que também servirá de âncora e motivação para construirmos o futuro”, afirmou o Ministro, para quem compreender o passado é fundamental para projetar o futuro. “Se nós fomos capazes de chegar até aqui, partindo de quase nada, isto nos dá uma garantia acrescida de que é possível ir mais além”, vincou o governante que, não obstante, reconhecer o mérito da iniciativa, revelou-se preocupado com a fraca cultura de leitura no país, o que limita o acesso ao conhecimento histórico.

“Não vai ser muito fácil levar as pessoas, de uma forma geral, a conhecer a história recente de Cabo Verde, mas a iniciativa é meritória e, portanto, vale a pena esse esforço”, afirmou Eurico Monteiro, reiterando que “não há outro caminho que não seja incentivar a leitura.

Ainda durante o seu discurso, Eurico Monteiro lembrou a dureza da realidade vivida antes da independência, na década de 1920, ou referindo-se às grandes fomes da década de 1940, à miséria extrema, à elevada mortalidade e à emigração forçada, nomeadamente para São Tomé e Príncipe. Por outro lado, celebrou os avanços alcançados nas últimas cinco décadas, como o aumento da esperança média de vida, e o crescimento económico, com o Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) multiplicado por 22 e o rendimento per capita por 13.

“Hoje, apesar de todos os constrangimentos ainda existentes, podemos dizer seguramente, que conhecemos o que vivemos, conhecemos por ter vivido o passado e o ano da independência, e tudo aquilo que foi realizado nestes anos por homens e mulheres de coragem oriundos de Cabo-Verde”, sublinhou.

Para o Ministro, para quem iniciativas como está são fundamentais para consolidar o conhecimento coletivo e valorizar o percurso de Cabo Verde enquanto nação soberana, os historiadores são aqui chamados para desempenhar cabalmente o seu papel, com um olhar “mais sereno, mais objetivo, mais cru e mais real sobre aquilo que foi Cabo-Verde” porque, “se pouco conhecemos ainda da história geral de Cabo-Verde, talvez da história recente até conheçamos menos”.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova 17 milhões de dólares para reconstruir o norte de Moçambique afetado por conflitos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou uma subvenção de 17 milhões de dólares para apoiar os esforços de recuperação e resiliência na província de Cabo Delgado, no norte de Moçambique, afetada por conflitos.

O financiamento apoiará o Projeto Investimento Resiliente para o Empoderamento Socioeconómico, Paz e Segurança (RISE-PS), uma nova e arrojada iniciativa para combater as causas profundas da fragilidade através do empoderamento económico direcionado. Criará diretamente 24 mil empregos, com 60% das oportunidades destinadas a jovens entre os 18 e os 35 anos e 50% reservadas para mulheres. No total, espera-se que mais de 100 mil pessoas beneficiem da iniciativa.

Desde 2017, os ataques extremistas violentos em Cabo Delgado mataram pelo menos 4.500 pessoas e deslocaram mais de um milhão. Aproximadamente 4.965 pequenas empresas foram destruídas, deixando as comunidades sem meios de subsistência.

O desemprego juvenil atinge atualmente 25% na província, com 35% das jovens sem emprego e sem estarem matriculados em cursos de educação ou formação. “Trata-se de mais do que uma recuperação económica – trata-se de dar aos jovens uma razão para acreditar no seu futuro”, afirmou Babatunde Omilola, gestor de Capital Humano, Juventude e Desenvolvimento de Competências do Gabinete Regional do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para a África Austral. 

“O projeto enfatiza os jovens como agentes de construção da paz, libertando o seu potencial através do desenvolvimento de competências, do empreendedorismo e de oportunidades de trabalho dignas para impulsionar os esforços de estabilização económica”, acrescentou. 

Uma pedra angular do projeto RISE-PS é a criação de um Centro de Investimento para a Paz e a Segurança, coordenado pela Agência de Desenvolvimento Integrado do Norte (ADIN) de Moçambique.

“Este centro coordenará o trabalho de desenvolvimento em toda a região e criará oportunidades de investimento para parceiros públicos e privados”, disse Macmillan Anyanwu, responsável interino do Banco para Moçambique. “Ao incluir as comunidades locais no planeamento e na implementação de projetos – permitindo que elas escolham quais infraestruturas serão reconstruídas – garantimos que o desenvolvimento realmente impacta aqueles que mais precisam”, apontou.

Apoio abrangente às populações vulneráveis

· Reabilitação de 150 instalações comunitárias, incluindo 30 escolas, 45 centros juvenis, 14 postos de saúde, 10 mercados rurais e 33 sistemas de abastecimento de água – proporcionando emprego imediato a 4.500 jovens e mulheres vulneráveis;

· Formação para mais de 9.200 pessoas em competências profissionais orientadas para o mercado, com 2.000 mulheres e empresas lideradas por jovens a receberem subsídios para reiniciar negócios destruídos e 5.400 microempresas locais equipadas para expandir ou consolidar as suas operações;

· Construção de um centro de Pequenas e Médias Empresas, inteligente do ponto de vista climático, no Polo Industrial de Afungi, concebida para acolher 100 pequenas e médias empresas com instalações modernas, incluindo armazéns, oficinas e centros de incubação de empresas;

· Parcerias com o setor privado, incluindo a TotalEnergies e a ExxonMobil, para proporcionar a 1.055 jovens estágios de 6 meses, com o objetivo de 70% de colocação em empregos permanentes;

O valor total do projeto é de 28 milhões de dólares, incluindo uma doação de 17 milhões do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento por meio de seu Fundo de Apoio à Transição, 4,2 milhões de dólares do Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD), 2,4 milhões de dólares da Alemanha, 3,1 milhões de dólares em financiamento paralelo de parceiros do setor privado e 1,3 milhão de dólares dados pelo Governo de Moçambique.

A MozParks, promotora nacional de zonas económicas sustentáveis, irá liderar a construção do centro de PME, com base em 23 anos de experiência que atraiu 4 mil milhões de dólares em investimentos e criou mais de 12 mil postos de trabalho em todo o país.

A conceção do projeto, sensível aos conflitos, visa especificamente os fatores que impulsionam o extremismo violento. Estudos revelam que 40% dos jovens do sexo masculino aderem a movimentos rebeldes devido à falta de oportunidades económicas. Ao mesmo tempo, as mulheres enfrentam vulnerabilidades adicionais, incluindo educação limitada e altas taxas de violência de género.

A implementação começa a 1 de setembro de 2025, sob a liderança do Governo, com o PNUD como parceiro de implementação. O projeto vai durar até agosto de 2029.

A ADIN atuará como agência executora, com apoio institucional reforçado para fortalecer o seu papel de coordenação em todo o norte de Moçambique, que abriga 11,6 milhões de pessoas.

As recentes melhorias na segurança e a redução do número de pessoas deslocadas internamente, de mais de um milhão para 635 mil, representam uma oportunidade para investimentos sustentados no desenvolvimento e para renovar a confiança dos investidores.

O projeto RISE-PS está alinhado com a Estratégia Nacional de Desenvolvimento de Moçambique (2025-2044) e com a Agenda 2063 da União Africana, contribuindo para os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS 1 – Erradicação da Pobreza; ODS 4 – Educação de Qualidade; ODS 5 – Igualdade de Género; ODS 8 – Trabalho Digno e Crescimento Económico).

Está também em consonância com a Estratégia do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para Combater a Fragilidade e Reforçar a Resiliência (2022-2026), o Documento de Estratégia Nacional do Banco para Moçambique 2023-2028, a Estratégia Decenal 2024-2033 e muitas outras estratégias ou planos de ação em matéria de emprego, género, competências, desenvolvimento do setor privado e nutrição. Em particular, a estratégia do Banco para o Emprego para os Jovens em África 2016-2025 visa criar 25 milhões de empregos e ter um impacto positivo em 50 milhões de jovens africanos até 2025.

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 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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African Development Bank Approves $17 Million to Rebuild Conflict-Affected Northern Mozambique

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $17 million grant to support recovery and resilient-building efforts in conflict-affected northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.

The funding will support the Resilient Investment for Socio-Economic Empowerment, Peace, and Security (RISE-PS) Project, a bold new initiative to tackle the root causes of fragility through targeted economic empowerment. It will directly create 24,000 jobs, with 60% of opportunities earmarked for young people aged 18 to 35, and 50% reserved for women. Cumulatively, over 100,000 people are expected to benefit from the initiative.

Since 2017, violent extremist attacks in Cabo Delgado have killed at least 4,500 people and displaced more than one million. Approximately 4,965 small businesses have been destroyed, leaving communities without livelihoods. Youth unemployment currently stands at 25% in the province, with 35% of young women neither employed nor enrolled in education or training.

“This is about more than economic recovery – it’s about giving young people a reason to believe in their future,” said Babatunde Omilola, Manager for Human Capital, Youth and Skill Development at the African Development Bank’s Regional Office for Southern Africa. “The project emphasizes  youth as peacebuilding agents, unlocking their potential through skills development, entrepreneurship, and decent work opportunities to drive economic stabilization efforts.”

A cornerstone of the RISE-PS project is the creation of a Peace and Security Investment Hub, coordinated by Mozambique’s Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN).

“This hub will coordinate development work across the region and create investment opportunities for both public and private partners,” said Macmillan Anyanwu, the Bank’s Acting Country Manager for Mozambique. “By including local communities in planning and implementing projects — such as letting them choose which infrastructure gets rebuilt — we ensure development truly serves those who need it most.”

Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable Populations

  • Rehabilitation of 150 community facilities, including 30 schools, 45 youth centers, 14 health posts, 10 rural markets, and 33 water systems — providing immediate employment for 4,500 vulnerable youth and women
  • Training for over 9,200 individuals in market-oriented vocational skills, with 2,000 women and youth-led enterprises receiving grants to restart destroyed businesses, and 5,400 local micro-enterprises equipped to expand or consolidate operations.
  • Construction of a climate-smart SME village in the Afungi Industrial Hub, designed to accommodate 100 small and medium enterprises with modern facilities, including warehouses, workshops, and business incubation centers
  • Private sector partnerships, including TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, to provide 1,055 youth with 6-month internships, targeting 70% permanent job placement

The total value of the project stands at $28 million, including the African Development Bank’s $17 million grant through its Transition Support Facility, $4.2 million from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), $2.4 million from Germany, $3.1 million in parallel financing from private sector partners, and $1.3 million counterpart contribution from the Government of Mozambique.

MozParks, the national developer of sustainable economic zones, will lead the SME village construction, drawing on 23 years of experience that has attracted $4 billion in investments and created over 12,000 jobs nationwide.

The project’s conflict-sensitive design specifically targets the drivers of violent extremism. Research shows that 40% of young men join rebel movements due to a lack of economic opportunities. At the same time, women face additional vulnerabilities, including limited education and high rates of gender-based violence.

Implementation begins on 1 September 2025, under the leadership of the Government, with UNDP as the implementing partner. The project will run until August 2029.

ADIN will serve as the executing agency, with enhanced institutional support to strengthen its coordination role across northern Mozambique, which is home to 11.6 million people.

Recent security improvements, and a reduction in the number of internally displaced persons from over one million to 635,000 present an opportunity for sustained development investments and renewed investor confidence.

The RISE-PS project aligns with Mozambique’s National Development Strategy (2025-2044) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 – No Poverty;  SDG 4 – Quality Education;  SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth).

It also aligns with the African Development Bank’s Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience (2022-2026), the Bank’s Country Strategy Paper 2023-2028 for Mozambique, its Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033, and many other strategies or action plans on jobs, gender, skills, private sector development and nutrition. In particular, the Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa strategy 2016-2025 aims to create 25 million jobs and positively impact 50 million African youth by 2025.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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

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Nigéria : la Banque africaine de développement et ses partenaires lancent un projet d’infrastructure de 263,8 millions de dollars pour transformer le développement urbain dans l’État d’Abia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org), en partenariat avec la Banque islamique de développement, le gouvernement fédéral du Nigéria et l’État d’Abia, a lancé le Projet de développement intégré des infrastructures de l’État d’Abia, une initiative transformationnelle de 263,8 millions de dollars visant à moderniser les infrastructures urbaines, à améliorer la mobilité et à promouvoir un développement inclusif et résilient au climat au cours des cinq prochaines années.

Le projet s’attaque aux lacunes critiques en matière d’infrastructures dans les transports urbains, la lutte contre l’érosion et la gestion des déchets, qui ont longtemps limité la mobilité, la santé publique et la productivité économique dans les villes d’Umuahia et d’Aba dans l’État d’Abia.

La Banque africaine de développement contribue à hauteur de 115 millions de dollars au projet, dont 100 millions de dollars provenant du guichet commercial de la Banque et 15 millions de dollars provenant du Fonds climatique Canada – Banque africaine de développement (CACF). La Banque islamique de développement cofinance le projet à hauteur de 125 millions de dollars, tandis que le gouvernement fédéral du Nigéria apporte 23,8 millions de dollars en contrepartie.

Le projet permettra de réhabiliter plus de 248 kilomètres de routes dans les villes d’Umuahia et d’Aba, de restaurer deux sites en érosion et de catalyser les investissements du secteur privé dans la gestion des déchets solides par le biais de partenariats public-privé.

L’État d’Abia, comme de nombreuses régions à croissance rapide, a été confronté à des défis croissants en matière d’infrastructures, en raison de l’expansion urbaine, des pressions environnementales et d’investissements limités au fil du temps. Des villes comme Umuahia et Aba sont aux prises avec des routes vieillissantes, des menaces d’érosion et des systèmes de traitement des déchets à bout de souffle. Ce projet marque une évolution décisive vers un développement urbain intégré et résilient au climat, qui favorise la croissance inclusive et la durabilité à long terme.

S’exprimant lors du lancement du projet, Alex C. Otti, gouverneur de l’État d’Abia, a déclaré que l’initiative marquait un moment déterminant dans le programme de renouvellement des infrastructures de l’État. « Les fruits du développement sont plus riches lorsqu’ils sont soutenus par des partenaires qui croient en votre vision. Nous nous concentrons sur l’amélioration du niveau de vie, l’élargissement de l’accès à l’éducation et aux soins de santé, et la stimulation de la productivité économique. La confiance des investisseurs augmente, l’optimisme du public est en hausse, et Abia apparaît comme une destination de choix en matière d’opportunités et d’impact. »

Le projet devrait générer plus de 3 000 emplois temporaires pendant la phase de construction, dont 30 % réservés aux femmes, et environ 1 000 emplois permanents pendant la phase d’exploitation. L’un des principaux atouts du projet est l’accent mis sur l’emploi des jeunes et le développement des compétences : 50 % des postes permanents seront attribués à des jeunes, formés par le State Youth Road Maintenance Corps, un groupe d’ingénieurs locaux issus des 17 zones de gouvernement local de l’État d’Abia.

Akande Oyebola, directeur adjoint au Département des relations économiques internationales au ministère fédéral des Finances, a réaffirmé le soutien du gouvernement au projet : « Cette initiative représente une étape importante dans notre effort collectif pour stimuler la croissance économique, renforcer les infrastructures et améliorer la qualité de vie des habitants de l’État d’Abia. »

Abdul Kamara, directeur général du Département pays du Nigéria à la Banque africaine de développement, a salué le leadership du gouvernement fédéral et du gouvernement de l’État. « Ce projet est ancré dans le partenariat, l’ambition et l’impact à long terme, a-t-il déclaré. Au cœur de ce projet, il y a des vies, il s’agit de réduire de moitié le temps de trajet, d’accroître les revenus, d’améliorer l’accès aux écoles et aux hôpitaux, et de créer un espace pour que les entrepreneurs, en particulier les femmes et les jeunes, puissent s’épanouir. »

Au-delà des infrastructures physiques, le projet intègre des mesures de protection sociale et environnementale complètes. Celles-ci comprennent notamment la formation des femmes et des jeunes entrepreneurs, l’aide à la réinstallation, des campagnes de sensibilisation au VIH/Sida et aux infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST), ainsi que le renforcement des systèmes d’approvisionnement et de gestion financière.

Otumchere Oti, commissaire aux travaux publics de l’État d’Abia, a réaffirmé l’engagement de l’État en faveur d’une mise en œuvre responsable du projet.

« Aujourd’hui, nous rassurons toutes les parties prenantes, nos partenaires au développement, nos entrepreneurs, les communautés et les institutions gouvernementales, que la mise en œuvre sera guidée par la diligence, la transparence et la responsabilité. Nos mécanismes de suivi sont solides et notre détermination est inébranlable. Il s’agit d’un moment décisif pour l’État d’Abia, et nous serons à la hauteur en faisant preuve de détermination et d’unité », a-t-il déclaré.

La Banque africaine de développement fournira un soutien technique, un renforcement des capacités et une supervision étroite de la mise en œuvre par l’intermédiaire de son département pays du Nigéria et de ses équipes sectorielles.

 Le lancement du projet marque une étape clé dans l’engagement de la Banque à faire progresser les priorités de développement du Nigéria grâce à des investissements dans des infrastructures inclusives et durables.

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

Contact :
Nkiruka Henrietta Ugoh
Département pays du Nigéria
Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution de financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 États membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations : www.AfDB.org

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East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alan Hirsch, Senior Research Fellow New South Institute, Emeritus Professor at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town

It’s not uncommon to find a Ugandan taxi driver in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, just as one regularly meets Zimbabwean Uber drivers in South Africa. But there is a big difference. A Ugandan working in Rwanda most likely has a secure legal right to be there, whereas Zimbabweans working in South Africa are often uncertain of their current or future legality.

East Africa has made greater strides towards the free flow of people crossing borders and seeking work than most of Africa. Only the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is in the same league.

While the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons protocol has faltered at a continental level, some of the regional economic communities have made progress. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) allows visa-free travel across almost all its borders.

Ecowas and the East African Community (EAC) have driven ambitiously towards regional common markets including the freeing up of job-seeking, residential settlement and business development across the borders of member states.

The New South Institute, a think-tank focused on governance reforms in the global south, is nearing the end of a research programme on migration governance reform in Africa. Our new report is on East Africa.

We have found that unlike much of the global north, the African continent is moving towards more open borders for people. In some of the global south the promise of economic growth outweighs political fears. Yet progress is slow, and not coordinated. Mostly migration reform happens in regions and between neighbours.

The progress in the East African Community is particularly notable compared with other African regional communities. We identify a number of reasons for this, including strong leadership and co-operation between state and non-state actors.

The commitment to free movement

The East African Community adopted its Common Market Protocol in 2010. The bloc is made up of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia.

The regional body’s common market pact includes the movement of goods, services, capital and people. It gives people the right – on paper at least – to find employment across borders, the right to reside and the right to establish a business. There is also a commitment to the harmonisation and mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications and labour policies to ease mobility.

Even before the common market protocol, the regional bloc began to establish one-stop border posts on many of its internal borders to facilitate the flow of goods and people. Though they don’t all operate the same way or equally well, they have been successful at easing movement.

Uneven outcomes

The common market’s impact on the movement of people has been uneven within the region. Most integrated are Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, which allow the cross-border movement of citizens with standardised identity documents – they do not need passports.

It is also relatively easy to get jobs across these borders.

Tanzania and Burundi are close to the inner circle but still require passports, though no visas. The three states which joined more recently, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia, are all fragile states with governance systems that do not always meet the standards needed for acceptance into all the privileges of the regional bloc.

In practice there is differential treatment. Generally, it is more difficult for citizens of the three latecomers to get regular access and jobs in their regional partners.

Another limitation when it comes to the mobility of people is that little progress has been made in the formal harmonisation of education, health and social welfare systems between member states. This inhibits job seeking across borders.

In addition, national labour laws, which tend to require permits for foreigners, still apply to varying degrees in the region. Some countries are more permissive. For example, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have a reciprocal no-fee work permit agreement.

Another shortcoming has been that the outcomes of court processes in enforcing the freedom of movement have been disappointing. This is so even though the regional bloc has an active East African Court of Justice. Its legal mandate includes the enforcement of the bloc’s treaty and its protocols.

In some cases the court has found that national actions inhibiting the movement of persons were trumped by the regional protocol. It has instructed the errant governments to comply. But its ability to enforce the decisions is minimal.

Reasons for success

Leadership has been important. The fact that the strongest economy in the region, Kenya, has been part of the leading echelon is significant.

Rwanda and Uganda have led by example too. Rwanda was one of the first countries on the continent to offer visa-free entry to all other African countries. For its part, Uganda is widely admired for its refugee inclusion programmes.

Another factor outlined in our report has been the opportunity for collaboration fostered by relationships between formal institutions, such as governments, and non-state actors such as the International Organisation for Migration. Interactions between these various players have created opportunities for officials and policymakers from states of the region to meet, discuss issues of concern, and develop relationships of trust and understanding.

Another non-state donor-funded actor, TradeMark Africa, which was established in 2010 to support in the implementation of the common market in east Africa, provided considerable support. For example it supported the implementation of the regional One-Stop Border Post programme..

Way forward

Based on our report we identified changes that could make a positive difference.

Firstly, the development of reliable, harmonised systems in the region to collect and manage data on population mobility and employment. This would build confidence that policy was being made on the basis of reliable information.

Secondly, reducing friction in cross-border monetary transactions, including migrants’ remittances. This would make it easier for migrants to send some of their income to their countries of origin.

Thirdly, improvements to population registers, identity documents, passports and cross-border migration management systems. Improvements would build mutual trust in the integrity of systems and pave the way for further commitments to lowering migration barriers.

Fourth, cooperation on cross-border access to social services such as health and education. This is one of the most important intermediate steps towards freeing up mobility for the citizens of the region.

Fifth, reconsidering some of the amendments made to weaken the East African Court of Justice in 2007. This would strengthen the de jure powers of the court, adding considerably to the entrenchment of cross-border rights in the region.

Ultimately, the key constraint in the region is political and security instability, which holds back social and economic development. Nevertheless, incremental progress on mobility is possible despite issues in the fragile states, even though it may result in asymmetric progress within the East African Community.

– East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go
– https://theconversation.com/east-african-countries-and-open-borders-great-strides-but-still-a-long-way-to-go-261021

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Qatar announces the success of a new stage of its mediation mission to reunite children with their families in Ukraine and Russia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – July 17, 2025

The State of Qatar announces the success of its mediation efforts to reunite children with their families who were separated as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine — this July, as part of its ongoing efforts to reunite families, new reunifications have taken place.

 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that, as part of the new stage of the humanitarian mission, 11 children have been reunited with their relatives in Ukraine, and 3 children have returned to their relatives in Russia, bringing the total number of children reunited with their families since the commencement of Qatar’s mediation efforts to 100 children.

In this context, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to reunite children with their families in Ukraine and Russia represent an extension of its approach to mediation and conflict resolution through peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of international law. He also emphasized that these efforts also reflect Qatar’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity.

His Excellency also expressed the State of Qatar’s appreciation to Her Excellency Ms. Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights to the President of the Russian Federation, and His Excellency Mr. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, for their tireless efforts that contributed to the success of the endeavors aimed at reuniting separated families.

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US State Department Senior Advisor for Africa

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 17, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Thursday with HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the US Department of State Massad Boulos, who is currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and discussed ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed joint efforts to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with a number of issues of mutual interest.

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e parceiros lançam projeto de infraestruturas de 63,8 milhões de dólares para transformar o desenvolvimento urbano no Estado de Abia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), em parceria com o Banco Islâmico de Desenvolvimento, o Governo Federal da Nigéria e o Estado de Abia, lançou o Projeto de Desenvolvimento Integrado de Infraestruturas do Estado de Abia, uma iniciativa transformadora de 263,8 milhões de dólares para modernizar as infraestruturas urbanas, melhorar a mobilidade e promover um desenvolvimento inclusivo e resiliente às alterações climáticas nos próximos cinco anos.

O projeto aborda lacunas críticas em infraestruturas de transporte urbano, controlo da erosão e gestão de resíduos, que há muito limitam a mobilidade, a saúde pública e a produtividade económica nas cidades de Umuahia e Aba, no estado de Abia.

O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento está a contribuir com 115 milhões de dólares para o projeto, incluindo 100 milhões de dólares da sua janela de financiamento comercial (ADB) e 15 milhões de dólares do Fundo Climático Canadá-AfDB (CACF). O Banco Islâmico de Desenvolvimento está a cofinanciar o projeto com 125 milhões de dólares, enquanto o Governo Federal da Nigéria está a fornecer 23,8 milhões de dólares em financiamento de contrapartida. 

O projeto irá reabilitar mais de 248 quilómetros de estradas nas cidades de Umuahia e Aba, restaurar dois locais de erosão e catalisar o investimento do setor privado na gestão de resíduos sólidos através de parcerias público-privadas.

O estado de Abia, como muitas regiões em rápido crescimento, tem enfrentado desafios crescentes em matéria de infraestruturas, impulsionados pela expansão urbana, pressões ambientais e investimento limitado ao longo do tempo. Cidades como Umuahia e Aba estão a lidar com estradas envelhecidas, ameaças de erosão e sistemas de resíduos sobrecarregados. Este projeto sinaliza uma mudança decisiva em direção a um desenvolvimento urbano integrado e resiliente ao clima, que apoia o crescimento inclusivo e a sustentabilidade a longo prazo.

Ao discursar no lançamento, o Dr. Alex C. Otti, governador do estado de Abia, disse que a iniciativa marcou um momento decisivo na agenda de renovação das infraestruturas do Estado: “Os frutos do desenvolvimento são mais ricos quando são apoiados por parceiros que acreditam na nossa visão. Estamos focados em elevar os padrões de vida, expandir o acesso à educação e à saúde e impulsionar a produtividade económica. A confiança dos investidores está a crescer, o otimismo público está a aumentar e Abia está a emergir como um destino de escolha para oportunidades com impacto”.

O projeto deverá gerar mais de 3 mil empregos temporários durante a fase de construção, com 30% reservados para mulheres, e aproximadamente mil empregos permanentes durante a fase operacional. Uma característica fundamental do projeto é o seu foco no emprego e no desenvolvimento de competências dos jovens: 50% dos cargos permanentes serão destinados a jovens, que serão formados através do Corpo Estadual de Manutenção Rodoviária Juvenil, um grupo de engenheiros locais provenientes de todas as 17 áreas governamentais locais do Estado de Abia.

O Dr. Akande Oyebola, Diretor Adjunto do Departamento de Relações Económicas Internacionais do Ministério Federal das Finanças, reafirmou o apoio do Governo: “Esta iniciativa representa um marco significativo no nosso esforço coletivo para impulsionar o crescimento económico, reforçar as infraestruturas e melhorar a qualidade de vida da população do Estado de Abia”.

O Diretor-Geral do Departamento Nacional da Nigéria do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Dr. Abdul Kamara, elogiou a liderança dos governos federal e estadual. “Este projeto está enraizado na parceria, na ambição e no impacto a longo prazo”, afirmou. “Na sua essência, este projeto trata de vidas, trata de reduzir o tempo de viagem pela metade, aumentar os rendimentos, melhorar o acesso a escolas e hospitais e criar espaço para que os empreendedores, especialmente mulheres e jovens, prosperem”, acrescentou.

Para além da infraestrutura física, o projeto incorpora salvaguardas sociais e ambientais abrangentes, que incluem formação para mulheres e jovens empreendedores, apoio à reinstalação, campanhas de sensibilização para o VIH/SIDA e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) e reforço dos sistemas de aquisição e gestão financeira.

Otumchere Oti, Comissário para as Obras do Estado de Abia, reafirmou o compromisso do Estado com a prestação responsável. “Hoje, garantimos a todas as partes interessadas, aos nossos parceiros de desenvolvimento, empreiteiros, comunidades e instituições governamentais que a implementação será guiada pela diligência, transparência e responsabilidade. Os nossos mecanismos de monitorização são robustos e a nossa determinação é forte. Este é um momento decisivo para o “stado de Abia, e vamos enfrentá-lo com determinação e unidade”, afirmou.

O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento prestará apoio técnico, capacitação e supervisão rigorosa da implementação através do seu Departamento Nacional da Nigéria e das equipas setoriais.

O lançamento do Projeto de Desenvolvimento Integrado de Infraestruturas do Estado de Abia éum marco importante no compromisso do Banco em promover as prioridades de desenvolvimento da Nigéria através de investimentos em infraestruturas inclusivas e sustentáveis. 

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

Contacto para os media: 
Nkiruka Henrietta Ugoh
Departamento Nacional da Nigéria
media@afdb.org

Sobre o 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

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African Development Bank and Partners Launch a $263.8 Million Infrastructure Project to Transform Urban Development in Abia State

Source: APO

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria’s Federal Government and the Abia State, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, a transformative $263.8 million initiative to modernize urban infrastructure, enhance mobility, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient development over the next five years.

The project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in urban transport, erosion control and waste management which have long constrained mobility, public health and economic productivity in the cities of Umuahia and Aba in Abia State.

The African Development Bank is contributing $115 million to the project, including $100 million from its ADB window and $15 million from the Canada-AfDB Climate Fund (CACF). The Islamic Development Bank is co-financing with $125 million, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is providing $23.8 million in counterpart funding.

The project will rehabilitate more than 248 kilometers of roads in the cities of Umuahia and Aba, restore two erosion sites, and catalyze private sector investment in solid waste management through public-private partnerships.

Abia State, like many rapidly growing regions, has faced mounting infrastructure challenges driven by urban expansion, environmental pressures and limited investment over time. Cities such as Umuahia and Aba are contending with aging roads, erosion threats, and strained waste systems. This project signals a decisive shift toward integrated, climate-resilient urban development that supports inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Alex C. Otti, Governor of Abia State, said the initiative marked a defining moment in the State’s infrastructure renewal agenda: “The fruits of development are richer when supported by partners who believe in your vision. We are focused on raising living standards, expanding access to education and healthcare, and driving economic productivity. Investor confidence is growing, public optimism is rising, and Abia is emerging as a destination of choice for opportunity and impact.”

The project is expected to generate over 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with 30 percent reserved for women, and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase. A key feature of the project is its focus on youth employment and skills development: 50 percent of the permanent roles will go to young people, who will be trained through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps—a cadre of local engineers drawn from all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.

Dr. Akande Oyebola, Assistant Director at the International Economic Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, reaffirmed the Government’s support: “This initiative represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to drive economic growth, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for the people of Abia State.”

Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department, commended the leadership of the federal and state governments. “This project is rooted in partnership, ambition and long-term impact,” he said.  “At its core, this project is about lives, it is about reducing travel time by half, increasing incomes, improving access to schools and hospitals, and creating space for entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to thrive.”

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project incorporates comprehensive social and environmental safeguards. These include training for women and youth entrepreneurs, resettlement support, HIV/AIDS and STI awareness campaigns, and strengthened systems for procurement and financial management.

Otumchere Oti, Abia State Commissioner for Works, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to accountable delivery.

“Today we reassure all stakeholders, our development partners, contractors, communities, and government institutions, that implementation will be guided by diligence, transparency, and accountability. Our monitoring mechanisms are robust, and our resolve is strong. This is a defining moment for Abia State, and we shall rise to it with determination and unity,” he said.

The African Development Bank will provide technical support, capacity building, and close implementation supervision through its Nigeria Country Department and sector teams.

The launch of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project marks a key milestone in the Bank’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s development priorities through inclusive, sustainable infrastructure investment.

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

Contact:
Nkiruka Henrietta Ugoh
Nigeria Country Department
media@afdb.org

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

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Benin Can Mobilize More Domestic Resources to Drive Inclusive Growth and Equity

Source: APO


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More inclusive growth path, taxation and spending adapted to vulnerable populations could further accelerate efforts to reduce poverty and inequality, notes the latest edition of the Benin Economic Outlook report.

The first part of the report, Raising Domestic Revenue Mobilization while Protecting the Poor, analyzes recent economic developments and presents the country’s medium-term prospects. In 2024, Benin’s economic growth reached 7.5%, its highest level since 1990, thanks to the strong performance of the services and industrial sectors. Poverty fell by 2.2 percentage points, from 33.2% in 2023 to 31% in 2024.

Continued fiscal consolidation helped achieve the West African Economic Monetary Union –WAEMU– fiscal deficit target of 3% in 2024 and reduce the debt, thereby helping to improve the country’s debt profile. Benin is on the verge of integrating into global value chains with the development of the Glo-Djigbé industrial zone (GDIZ). Despite heightened global trade uncertainties and volatile trade relations with neighboring countries, economic growth is projected to average 7.1% over 2025-2027. The dynamism of economic activity added to the moderation in inflation should support a decline in poverty to 22.3% in 2027.

“Continued efforts to mobilize domestic resources and a rebalancing of the composition of debt in favor of domestic debt, in line with medium-term revenue mobilization and debt strategies, should enable Benin to maintain its macroeconomic stability, which is critical for attracting private investment and supporting the ongoing economic transformation.” says Mamadou Tanou Baldé, World Bank Economist and Lead author of the report.

The second part of the report focuses on domestic revenue mobilization while protecting the poor. The simplification of tax policy and the digitization of tax collection processes have improved the quality of services and secured revenue collection. Revenue mobilization in Benin has steadily increased since 2016 and has demonstrated resilience in the face of various shocks, including border closures with some neighboring countries, the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cost of living in 2022, and insecurity. Tax revenue, the main driver of revenue growth, increased from 9.2% of GDP in 2016 to 13.2% in 2024, an increase of 4% over the period. Despite this progress, the gap with its peers remains and Benin needs to increase domestic revenue mobilization to finance its development plan. While Benin’s fiscal system reduces inequality by 3 Gini points, an improvement in the fiscal system, including a mix of more targeted taxes and transfers, could lift more than 100,000 people out of poverty each year while continuing to mobilize more resources.

“To improve the situation, Benin should strengthen social safety nets, implement more progressive taxation and increase social spending more targeted at the poorest to improve the redistributive impact of its fiscal policies,” adds Arthur Alik-Lagrange, World Bank Lead Economist and co-author of the report.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.