The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced a strategic push to bolster its collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in West Africa, marking a significant step towards fostering inclusive development across the region.
During a recent mission to Ghana, representatives from AfDB deliberated on consolidating partnerships with CSOs, as outlined in an agreement inked between the bank and the West Africa Civil Society Institute in December 2023. The mission, which resulted in fruitful discussions, focused on advancing joint initiatives specified in a comprehensive action plan for 2024.
In a statement released on the bank’s official website, the mission’s objectives were delineated, with a particular emphasis on CSOs’ capacity building, resource mobilisation, knowledge management, and advocacy efforts. Immediate initiatives outlined in the plan include active involvement of CSOs in finalising the Bank’s Civil Society Engagement (CSE) capacity building programme and integrating it into bank operations.
Moreover, discussions encompassed data and analysis on the bank’s High 5s, centred on citizens’ experiences, poverty alleviation, access to food, and migration. Afrobarometer, renowned for its pan-African research initiatives, emerged as a key partner in governance discussions within the CSE Community of Practice (CoP), playing a pivotal role in informing the bank’s programming on economic and financial governance.
The partnership extends beyond capacity building, with plans to collaborate on major events like the AfDB’s Annual Meetings and the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Leveraging Afrobarometer’s expertise, these discussions are aligned with Africa’s priorities, enriching the dialogue on pressing socio-economic issues.
Additionally, the mission culminated in finalising a joint Transition Support Facility III proposal titled ‘Sahel Peacebuilding, Reconciliation, Inclusive Development and Empowerment’ during a meeting with the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). Exploratory talks covered potential joint initiatives on conflict prevention, mitigation, and resilience building in the Sahel region.
AfDB reiterated its unwavering commitment to collaborating with civil society to advance inclusive and sustainable development across Africa. This concerted effort underscores the bank’s dedication to fostering partnerships and leveraging collective expertise to address complex challenges facing the continent.
The intensified collaboration between AfDB and CSOs in West Africa signifies a pivotal stride towards realizing inclusive growth and prosperity for all.
Credit: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Text Excluding Headlines