Latest news with #SolomaneKoné
Zawya
06-08-2025
- 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
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cameroon: African Development Bank Group approves €330 million loan to upgrade Ngaoundéré-Garoua road to improve connectivity and strengthen regional integration
The African Development Bank Group ( has given the green light to a loan of €330.48 million to Cameroon to redevelop and widen a key section of the Douala-Ndjamena economic corridor, a vital part of plans promoting strengthened regional integration. The financing agreement for the 246-km-long Ngaoundéré-Garoua section of the Douala-Ndjamena economic corridor, one of the most strategic corridors in Central Africa, comes under part of Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme (PAST4). It was signed on 19 March 2025 in Yaoundé by Solomane Koné, the African Development Bank Group's Acting Director General for Central Africa, and Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development and Governor of the Bank for Cameroon. 'The redevelopment of the Ngaoundéré-Garoua road section is crucial to the competitiveness of our economy, due to improved connectivity and easier movement,' said Mey. '[...] It will also enable us to make better use of the agro-pastoral and commercial potential of the areas it crosses, to the great benefit of local communities.' Koné added: 'Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme, approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank on 13 December 2024, was designed to amplify the impact of the Bank Group's previous actions and to support its leadership and its dynamic cooperation with Cameroon within the transport sector.' The ceremony was attended by Hilarion Etong, Senior Deputy Speaker of Cameroon's National Assembly, and several members of the government, including Jean Ernest Ngallé Bibéhè, Minister of Transport, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, Minister of Public Works, and Ibrahim Talba Malla, Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Public Contracts, as well as local elected representatives and governors of regions such as Adamaoua and the North. The Bank Group will provide 97 per cent of the total cost of Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme, which amounts to €340.7 million. The Government of Cameroon will contribute €9.14 million. The aim of the programme is to modernise a strategic section of Cameroon's road network, which is essential for transporting people and goods between the north and south of the country. To enhance traffic flow, three interchanges are also planned. The programme includes measures to improve transport and support local residents, specifically through the construction of socio-economic infrastructure such as markets, schools and health centres. Bringing this stretch of road up to international standards will have a highly positive impact on the competitiveness of the economy and the dynamics of integration in the sub-region. 'Cameroon's geostrategic position places our country at the core of the integration challenges facing the CEMAC ( (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) region,' explained Mey. 'An improved Ngaoundéré-Garoua section will undoubtedly boost cross-border trade by significantly increasing traffic on the Garoua-Maroua-Kousseri-Ndjamena road (in Chad) and the Garoua-Magada-Yagoua-Bongor-Ndjamena road.' Phase 4 of the Transport Sector Support Programme is in keeping with Cameroon's National Development Strategy for 2020-2030 (SND30) and the Bank Group's priorities in Cameroon's Country Strategy Paper for 2023-2028, which is aligned with the objective of diversifying Cameroon's economy, in particular by facilitating access to markets for agricultural and industrial producers in the north of the country. The African Development Bank Group and Cameroon are strategic partners, particularly in the infrastructure sector, with investments of $1.88 billion in transport infrastructure. The Bank Group's commitment is reflected in major investments in the construction and upgrading of roads, bridges and strategic corridors, thereby facilitating the movement of people and the transport of goods on a national and regional scale. By adopting an integrated and inclusive approach in line with its Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033, the Bank Group is stimulating the structural transformation of the economy and regional integration, with a view to sustainable growth and job creation for the benefit of inhabitants. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media contact: Solange Kamuanga-Tossou Chief Communications and External Relations Officer for Central Africa media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo and the African Development Bank celebrate the strengthening of their strategic partnership for inclusive and sustainable development
Talks held by the African Development Bank Group ( in the Republic of Congo from 24 - 28 February 2025 marked a significant step forward in strengthening the strategic partnership between the Bank and the Central African country. Led by Solomane Koné, Acting Director General for Central Africa, the discussions reinforced cooperation to accelerate national development priorities. They also coincided with the signing of two grant agreements ( totalling $1.5 million to address Congo's energy challenges: A $585,000 grant from the Middle Income Country Technical Assistance Fund to fund feasibility studies for hydroelectric infrastructure on the Congo River. A $995,000 grant from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund (KOAFEC) to enhance the electrical transmission line between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville. 'The projects funded by these agreements will help us to open up power pools with neighbouring countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The African Development Bank will again play an essential role, since it is a stakeholder in numerous initiatives, including the new Mission 300 ( which our country welcomes,' commented the Congolese Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, Ludovic Ngatsé, who is also the Bank Group's governor for his country. 'This financial support illustrates the Bank's willingness to support Congo in modernizing its energy infrastructure, which is essential for diversifying its economy,' added Koné. In the digital sector, a visit to the Data Center ( currently being built in Congo as part of the Central African Backbone fibre optic project, highlighted the country's technological advances. This strategic centre will help improve national and regional connectivity, while supporting the emergence of an inclusive digital economy and sovereignty. Strategic discussions for stronger cooperation The Bank Group's mission was also punctuated by high-level meetings, including with the Prime Minister, Anatole Collinet Makosso, and the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, Ludovic Ngatsé, and other members of the Congolese government. The talks were an opportunity to reiterate the Bank's commitment to supporting the structural reforms and implementation of Congo's National Development Plan (NDP) 2022-2026. The Bank Group's mission encouraged the government to pursue the satisfactory implementation of major reforms, particularly in terms of debt management, to allow the Bank to provide funding, from 2025 onwards, for core projects that have already been planned or are in preparation, particularly in the energy sector. 'You can be reassured by the fact that we are going to keep our commitments and will continue to count on the Bank's valuable support,' stated the Congolese Prime Minister. The Bank's representatives were welcomed by the Ministers of Agriculture, Livestock Farming and Fishing; Technical and Vocational Education; Finance, the Budget and Public Holdings; and Energy and Water, among others. The talks with ministers helped consolidate the strategic dialogue on key questions, review the progress of current projects – some of which are approaching completion, with tangible results – monitor commitments and discuss the prospects of the partnership between the African Development Bank Group and the Republic of Congo. A meeting with United Nations representatives also provided an opportunity to explore synergies with the Bank to maximize the impact of interventions, particularly in energy. The working meeting with the Central Africa Power Pool highlighted the importance of regional integration in this sector to respond to the country's energy security and access challenges. Outlook for positive cooperation The Bank Group's mission to Congo also opened prospects for mobilizing new funding to support strategic sectors, especially energy, digital infrastructure and roads. The Bank Group's mission to Congo explored new funding opportunities for key sectors, including energy, digital infrastructure, and roads. The Bank plans to provide technical assistance to help Congo reassess its GDP, incorporating natural capital—a key step in unlocking climate funding. Congo has also expressed interest in joining the second cohort of Energy Compacts under Mission 300 ( a joint initiative by the African Development Bank and World Bank. Lastly, discussions covered Congo's hosting of the Bank's 2026 Annual Meetings, with the Prime Minister reaffirming the country's readiness to ensure a successful event. The Bank is planning to provide technical assistance to support Congo in 'reassessing' its gross domestic product to take account of its natural capital, creating a genuine opportunity to mobilize climate funding. Moreover, Congo has expressed its interest in being part of the second cohort of countries committed to Energy Compacts in the context of Mission 300 ( an unprecedented initiative by the African Development Bank and World Bank. Finally, the mission discussed the organization by Congo of the Bank Group's 2026 Annual Meetings. The Congolese Prime Minister offered reassurance as to his country's preparedness and promised a successful outcome. 'The relationship between the African Development Bank and the Republic of the Congo is excellent. The Bank has always been at our side, providing various forms of support, both operationally and in terms of strategic advice. It exerts its influence to back initiatives to support Congo, and it has my sincere thanks for that,' concluded Anatole Collinet Makosso. Cooperation between the African Development Bank and the Republic of the Congo is based on the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028 ( which focuses on two priority areas: the development of sustainable infrastructure to strengthen value chains with high growth potential, and improving human capital and economic governance to support social inclusion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
