Africa: The AU Takes Aim At Africa’s New Brand of Mercenaries

[ad_1] A draft convention against mercenarism is a welcome step, but must include a strong oversight committee and clear reporting lines. The often shadowy nature of mercenary activity makes exact numbers difficult to verify, but there has certainly been a resurgence in Africa's use of hired soldiers in the past decade. Countries are increasingly drawing on them to help deal with violent extremists and other internal conflicts. Africa's past experience with mercenaries saw small groups - between 50 and 500 […]

October 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: Equatorial Guinea Economic Update – Designing Fiscal Instruments for Sustainable Forestry

[ad_1] Malabo — The World Bank today issued the 2024 Equatorial Guinea Economic Update which analyzes the country's recent economic developments and outlook and highlights the importance of designing effective fiscal instruments for sustainable forestry and economic diversification. Following two years of recovery, the economy of Equatorial Guinea contracted by 5.7% in 2023, driven by a decline in the hydrocarbon sector. Inflation decreased to 2.4% in 2023 compared to 4.9% in 2022, partly due to tight monetary policies pursued by […]

October 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: World Bank Group Unveils Strategy to Drive Inclusive Growth and Resilience in Zimbabwe

[ad_1] The World Bank Group's Board of Executive Directors has approved the new Country Engagement Note (CEN) for Zimbabwe (2025-2026), focused on supporting the country's immediate development priorities. Aligned with Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2021-2025, the CEN contributes to the World Bank Group's mission of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. The CEN is structured around two pillars. Pillar 1 aims to support the country in reducing macroeconomic distortions, strengthening fiscal policies, and improving economic […]

October 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: Response to the Mpox Epidemic – Interview With Dr. Michel Muvudi On the World Bank’s Strategic Role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

[ad_1] In the fight against the mpox epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Bank has rolled out a number of major initiatives to support the government and the affected communities. This interview with Dr. Michel Muvudi, Senior Health Specialist with the World Bank, highlights the work being done to address this epidemic and highlights the recommendations in place for the population. What steps have been taken by the World Bank to support the Democratic Republic of Congo […]

October 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: $20m Democracy Fund Launched in West Africa Amid Surge in Pro-Military Sentiment

[ad_1] The fund is intended to support West African states currently facing various democratic challenges. A coalition of international donors has launched a new $20 million West Africa Democracy Fund (WADF) to promote democracy in the subregion, following growing pro-military intervention sentiments. The fund, set up by the Ford Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and Open Society Foundations, was launched in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, on Monday, with the mandate of strengthening democracy across the region. In […]

October 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: Tana Forum Postponed for Third Time Amid Ongoing Conflict in Amhara Region

[ad_1] Addis Abeba — The 11th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, originally scheduled for October 25-27, 2024, in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, has been postponed for the third time, with the new dates now set for 2025. Originally planned for October 13-15, 2023, the forum was first rescheduled to April 2024 due to "unforeseen circumstances," according to the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) at Addis Ababa University, which organizes the event. Despite intentions to hold the forum […]

October 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: SA, AU Commission to Hold Consultative Meeting On the G20

[ad_1] The Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Zane Dangor who serves as South Africa's G20 Sherpa, will host consultations on the G20 with his African Union Commission (AUC) counterpart, Ambassador Albert Muchanga. The session will be held on Thursday. Ambassador Muchanga is the G20 Sherpa and Commissioner of Economy, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM). It is expected that the two leaders will exchange views on the approaches to the G20 and identify areas of cooperation […]

October 8, 2024

Africa

Africa: WHO Calls for Action to Halt Rise in Hearing Loss in Africa

[ad_1] The number of people in Africa living with hearing loss could rise to 54 million by 2030, up from 40 million today, unless urgent measures are taken, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report published on Monday. Hearing loss already costs the continent $27 million annually, exacting profound impact on lives and economies, according to the report, which was launched at the African Summit on Hearing Impairment in Nairobi, Kenya. Widespread hearing loss disproportionately affects poor and […]

October 8, 2024

Africa

Africa: Hundreds of Local Malawians Quietly Leave World Bank Climate Project

[ad_1] Experts warn that payment problems and a lack of local ownership could undermine the effectiveness of a nationwide adaptation project. Local participants working on a World Bank funded climate change adaptation project in Malawi say they have not been paid for up to a year, leading many to drop out. This has contributed to experts' fears that adaptation programmes that are mismanaged and lack community ownership will lead to poor outcomes, leaving people vulnerable to climate impacts. The $128 […]

October 8, 2024

International Organizations and Africa