The African Union (AU) and the World Bank Group (WBG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with H.E. the AU Deputy Chairperson and Ms. Anna Bjerde, WBG Managing Director for Operations. This MoU will strengthen collaboration on existing and planned programs, focusing on three key priority areas: Energy Access and Just Transition, Health Systems Strengthening and Production of Pharmaceuticals in Africa, and Digital Transformation, Youth and Jobs.
The AU-WBG MoU emerged from a high-level meeting held on August 2nd, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between AUC Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat and World Bank President Mr. Ajay Banga and their delegations, recommended developing a strategic framework for cooperation to serve as the foundation for a renewed partnership and guide collaborative efforts in specific areas.
In her opening remarks, AUC Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, emphasized the importance of the AU-WBG MoU: "This signing marks a major step forward in realizing the shared vision of 'The Africa We Want. 'It builds on our longstanding partnership with the World Bank, enabling a major scaling-up of development cooperation in three key priority areas: energy, health, and digital transformation. This focus on digital transformation will empower SMEs, women, and youth by creating new job opportunities, propelling Africa's economic growth and social development. We are grateful to the World Bank for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting Africa's progress."
The AUC delegation, led by H.E. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU), representing the AUC Chairperson, participated in the signing ceremony. Other members of the delegation included H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Head of AU Mission to the USA; Amb. Ratebaye Tordeta, Deputy Chief of Staff, Cabinet of the AUC Chairperson; Mr. Steve Lalande, Director of Partnerships Management and Resources Mobilization; Ms. Dagmawit Moges Bekele, Director of the Peace Fund Secretariat; and AG Head of Division, Partnerships Management and Resources Mobilization.
Following the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings, the AUC delegation met with their World Bank counterparts, including Ms. Anna Bjerde (WB Regional Vice President for Eastern & Southern Africa), Ms. Victoria Kwakwa (WB Regional Vice President for North Africa and the Middle East), Mr. Ousmane Dione (WB Director of Regional Integration), and Ms. Boutheina Guermazi. These discussions focused on implementing the MoU through a Joint Action Plan and a review mechanism, along with reviewing the current state of the strong AU-World Bank partnership.
This partnership has a proven track record. The World Bank's current portfolio for regional integration in Africa totals $280 million and supports 13 projects implemented by the AU and its organs. These projects address critical areas like public health threats, statistical harmonization, and women's empowerment. All these initiatives align perfectly with the African Union's Agenda 2063 -"The Africa We Want" and the World Bank's strategy for accelerating Africa's economic and social transformation.
Media contact: Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Communication Officer- Agenda 2063 | Information and Communication. Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@Africa-union.org
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