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Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Chad Hosts a New Stage of the African Development Bank's GONAT Initiative on Natural Resource Governance
The African Development Bank Group ( has successfully concluded the Chad leg of the training and policy dialogue under the GONAT initiative (Governance of Natural Resources in Transition and Fragile States), which focuses on improving natural resource governance in fragile and transitioning countries. Launched in 2023, the GONAT initiative carried out diagnostic studies, prepared training modules, and is now embarking on a series of in-country training sessions and policy dialogues aimed at helping African countries build capacity to tackle illicit financial flows (IFFs) and better manage resource-backed lending. Following previous sessions in the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone, Chad became the third country to host this high-level GONAT policy dialogue, focused on promoting more transparent and accountable management of extractive resources. The next sessions are scheduled for August in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. 'Strengthening overall governance and transparency in the natural resource sector is a necessary step in reforming the design, governance, monitoring, and implementation of IFFs, illegal natural resource trade, and resource-backed lending in Africa. The GONAT initiative is helping address these issues and ensuring that Africa harnesses its natural wealth for resilient growth and development,' said Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre. From 21 to 25 July, around 50 participants — including officials from the ministries of Finance, Economy, Planning, Environment, Mines, and Geology, as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, academia, and local communities — gathered under the theme: 'Unlocking Africa's Wealth: Curbing Illicit Financial Flows for Resilient Growth and Development.' High-level panellists included: Mme Kadidja Hassane Abdoulaye, Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines and Geology; Mr. Ahmat Abderahim Abbo, Secretary General in charge of Economy and Planning at the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation; Dr. Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR), African Development Bank; Dr. Innocent Onah, Chief Natural Resources Officer, ECNR, African Development Bank; Prof. Abdallah Mahamat-Nour, Professor–Researcher, Hydrogeologist, Director of the Hydro-Geosciences and Reservoir Laboratory, and Head of the GeoRes Master's Programme at the University of N'Djamena. 'Natural resource governance cannot succeed in isolation. It requires coordinated action across institutions, informed by data, and grounded in local realities. Through initiatives like GONAT, we aim to equip countries with the tools and partnerships needed to build resilient, accountable systems,' stated Dr. Solomane Koné. Each year, IFFs cost the African continent tens of billions of dollars, undermining efforts to mobilise domestic resources for essential infrastructure and social services. Like many other countries, Chad is not immune to this challenge. "Illicit financial flows are one of the major obstacles to development in Africa. According to the African Development Bank's African Economic Outlook, the continent loses an average of nearly $90 billion annually due to IFFs — about 4% of its GDP," said Eric Ogunleye, Director of the Bank's African Development Institute. Discussions also explored the growing use of resource-backed lending — financing mechanisms secured by future revenues from oil or minerals. While these loans can provide quick access to capital, they carry risks of over-indebtedness and heightened vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations. Jointly organised by the African Development Institute (ADI) and the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR), the workshop combined technical sessions, case studies, group work, and policy dialogue. Topics included: Methods for detecting IFFs, including trade transaction tracking and customs cooperation Legal and fiscal frameworks to safeguard extraction contracts Tools to negotiate more transparent resource-backed loans aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The final day, 25 July, was dedicated to a policy dialogue bringing together decision-makers and key stakeholders. The objective was to share GONAT's findings and recommendations, and to explore how they could be incorporated into national policies, particularly in combatting illicit resource trade and monitoring resource-backed lending. 'The workshop enhanced our understanding of illicit financial flows and underscored the need for an inclusive approach. Achieving sustainable and equitable development requires the meaningful involvement of women at all levels of natural resource governance,' noted Nguema Nakoye Mannta, Field Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Chad. The workshop concluded with a series of recommendations, including: Ensuring that knowledge and research inform decision-making and policy in the natural resource sector Reforming mining sector laws and institutions Enhancing transparency and public disclosure around extractive activities Building technical capacities Establishing multi-stakeholder commissions to audit resource flows and coordinate government action Ratifying and implementing key initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the Yaoundé Declaration, the Kimberley Process, and related agreements. 'Should a second phase of the GONAT initiative be designed, we would strongly encourage it to focus on key strategic areas for Chad's natural resource sector — including geological studies, digital cadastre expansion, revenue management, and capacity building across our institutions. Strengthening national systems and human capital is essential for turning resource wealth into sustainable development,' stated Mme Kadidja Hassane Abdoulaye. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). About the GONAT Project: GONAT is a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank Group. It aims to strengthen governance in natural resource sectors across fragile and transitioning countries. The project currently focuses on six countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. It covers a broad range of sectors, including oil, gas, minerals, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife.
Zawya
29-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Niger: African Development Bank extends loan of over $144 million to enhance energy access and economic competitiveness
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group ( has approved a loan of $144.27 million to Niger for the first phase of a program that will reform energy sector laws and address the country's critical power shortage. Niger's Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Program is expected to address governance challenges by strengthening public financial management systems, particularly tax revenue mobilization and tax revenue control system. It will also support the clearance of domestic arrears, public-private dialogue, and the adoption of an industrial and commercial policy to bolster support for Nigerien businesses. "This program represents our commitment to supporting Niger's economic recovery and energy independence," said African Development Bank Director General for West Africa Lamin Barrow. "By improving access to energy and strengthening governance frameworks, we are helping to lay the foundations for sustainable growth that will benefit all Nigeriens, particularly the most vulnerable populations." The Bank's support will underpin ambitious energy objectives, including increasing national electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026 while boosting manufacturing's contribution to GDP from 2.5% to 3.8%. A key component focuses on the renewable energy capacity development framework and includes plans to generate 240 MW of solar energy by 2030, with 50 MW coming onstream before December 2026. The program particularly emphasizes social inclusion, with specific measures to support internally displaced persons, women, and youth. With more than 507,000 internally displaced persons nationwide due to security challenges in the Sahel region, targeted interventions will ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from improved economic opportunities. The Nigerien economy has shown remarkable resilience despite challenges, with GDP growth climbing to 8.8% in 2024, and oil production expected to increase from 20,000 to 90,000 barrels per day by 2026. Still, only 22.5% of the population enjoy access to electricity, one of the lowest rates in West Africa. In rural areas, where 80% of Nigeriens live, only 4.5% have access to electricity, forcing families to rely on biomass for 94% for their energy needs. Niger's strategic energy compact, formally adopted by decree, provides the framework to attract $527 million in private sector investment by 2030. The project will establish high-level coordination mechanisms and update national energy policies to create an enabling environment for private participation in mini-grid developments crucial for rural electrification. The program positions Niger to capitalize on its vast renewable energy potential while building governance systems that support inclusive and sustainable development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media Contact: Natalie Nkembuh Communication and External Relations Department media@ 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:
Zawya
25-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Benin: African Development Bank Approves Over $30 Million to Protect Farmers from Climate Shocks and Food Insecurity
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group ( 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@ 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:
Zawya
25-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Gambia: African Development Fund Approves $19.93 Million Grant to Tackle Fragility and Expand Opportunities for Rural Youth and Women
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group ( has approved $19.93 million grant funding for the Resilience Building - Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project, designed to improve access to basic social services for underserved communities in The Gambia. The initiative seeks to address the root causes of poverty and irregular migration by creating sustainable livelihoods and tackling early signs of fragility and preventing structural drivers of conflict and instability in the targeted region. It forms part of the Bank's scaled-up prevention agenda under the Prevention Envelope of the Transition Support Facility (TSF), which emphasizes early response to fragility risks and systematic drivers of conflict. The Gambia faces severe economic challenges, with 53.4% of the population living below the poverty line. Poverty is particularly severe in rural areas, affecting 76 percent of residents, compared to 34 percent in urban areas. Youth unemployment stands at 38.6%, with women disproportionately impacted -- 1.3 unemployed women for every unemployed man. These socio-economic disparities, coupled with limited access to services, are major push factors fuelling irregular migration and social instability. Although the country has achieved robust electricity access nationwide, glaring regional inequalities persist. In areas such as Kuntaur and Janjanbureh, fewer than one in four people have access to electricity, compared to 95 percent in the capital. Additionally, one in four children suffers from malnutrition. By targeting these gaps, the project aims to renew the social contract and foster community resilience. 'This project represents our commitment to tackling the foundational causes of fragility, poverty, exclusion, and lack of opportunity, by investing in people and systems that build community resilience and hope,' said Dr. Joseph Ribeiro, African Development Bank Deputy Director General for West Africa, and Country Manager for The Gambia. 'Through the TSF Prevention Envelope, we are acting early to prevent conflict and youth migration by fostering inclusive growth, gender equality, and institutional stability, while building foundations for sustainable livelihoods that will keep families and communities together.' The project will directly create 1,500 jobs, enhance productivity for 5,000 existing positions, and provide annual skills training to 500 youth in high-demand sectors such as agriculture, engineering, ICT, and renewable energy. In addition, support will be extended to 500 women-led micro and small enterprises and 50 women's cooperatives. Key investments in health infrastructure will include rehabilitating four primary health facilities vulnerable regions, including Basse, Kuntaur, and Janjanbureh, where maternal mortality and child malnutrition rates exceed national averages. Enhanced nutrition surveillance systems will enable early detection for 22,000 children and facilitate treatment for 1,000 children requiring specialized care. Food insecurity has surged, rising from 13.4 percent in 2021 to 29 percent in 2023, with peaks of 61 percent in areas such as Kuntaur. The project will address this crisis by promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening local values chains to improve food security and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks. Financial inclusion is a core pillar of the intervention. With 77 percent of Gambian youth currently excluded from formal financial services, the project will establish dedicated credit lines and provide business development support to unlock entrepreneurship, particularly for women who face systemic barriers to accessing capital and markets. The initiative also includes scaling up efforts to tackle gender-based violence and inequality, and capacity-building for government institutions to enhance data-driven policymaking and long-term monitoring of fragility trends. Civil society organisations, including the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO), will be central to ensuring the project is inclusive, participatory, and aligned with national priorities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media Contact: Natalie Nkembuh, Communication and Media Relations Department media@
Ya Biladi
30-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
AfDB approves over 300 million euros to boost entrepreneurship and climate resilience in Morocco
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved over 300 million euros to fund the Entrepreneurship Support and Job Creation Financing Program (PAFE-emplois) and the second phase of the Economic Governance and Climate Change Resilience Support Program (PGRCC II). With a budget of 181.8 million euros, PGRCC II aims to boost the Moroccan economy and strengthen its resilience to external shocks, particularly those linked to climate change, according to an AfDB statement. The program will enhance competitiveness, private investment, and economic resilience by modernizing key sectors such as water and energy. The statement adds that the program will also contribute to consolidating Morocco's new development model, notably through the promotion of investment driven by the new Investment Charter. PAFE-emplois, with funding of 119 million euros, is designed to promote job creation by supporting entrepreneurship and the growth of very small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the AfDB notes. The program will help establish a results-oriented culture, especially regarding employment outcomes. It aims to strengthen public support mechanisms for entrepreneurs, finance inclusive entrepreneurship, enhance incentives for SMEs, and promote innovative approaches to employment, the statement adds. The project is expected to support the new employment roadmap encouraging professional integration and entrepreneurship. For over half a century, the AfDB Group has mobilized nearly 15 billion euros to finance more than 150 projects and programs in Morocco. Its interventions span strategic sectors such as transport, social protection, water and sanitation, energy, agriculture, governance, and the financial sector.
