Author: prtimesafrica

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, September 20, 2024/ — Three organizations, Jamiii Forums, Smart Foundry Ltd., and The Launchpad Tanzania were today named the winners of the U.S.-Tanzania Tech Challenge, which brought together leading technologists, government officials, civil society, academia, and media professionals to address critical challenges and explore innovative solutions in the realms of civic participation, media literacy, and information integrity.

Through the program, Jamii Forums will receive US$100,000, Smart Foundry will receive US$80,000, and The Launchpad will receive US$70,000.

Guest of Honor Jerry Silaa, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, provided opening remarks at the event, which was also attended by Michel Toto, UNESCO Head of Office, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Lentz, and Daniel Kimmage, Principal Deputy Coordinator of the Global Engagement Center.

“Partnering like we are today – government officials, private sector entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and consumers – can inspire the next great innovation and collaborative effort to shape our shared future,” said U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Dr. Michael A. Battle. “Together we can strengthen the free and open global information infrastructure.”

Launched in June, the U.S.-Tanzania Tech Challenge sought innovative solutions to promote information integrity, fostering greater participation and involvement in civic activities, and strengthen the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and interpret information in the digital age.

More than 100 entries were received and evaluated, and eight finalists were selected. These eight finalists then presented how their technologies can tackle pressing issues in the information space to a panel of judges from the United States and Tanzania on September 18.

On September 19, finalists, participants, business and technology leaders, and government officials gathers to engage in a series of meaningful panel discussions and presentations centered around the themes of the Tech Challenge, as well as discussing the future of technology in Tanzania, the influence of artificial intelligence, and how to monetize and gain access to capital for technology businesses.

 

 

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, September 20, 2024/ — IMF staff and the Sierra Leonean authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms that could be supported by a new 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, with requested access of SDR 187 million (about US$253 million); The ECF would support restoring stability through continued macroeconomic adjustment to address debt vulnerabilities, reduce inflation, and rebuild international reserves; bolster inclusive growth and poverty reduction through structural reforms and targeted social spending; and revitalize the reform agenda to strengthen governance and institutions – all advancing the poverty reduction and growth aspirations outlined in the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30; The Article IV consultation focused on fiscal and debt sustainability, monetary policy operations, drivers of inflation, external sector stability, trade facilitation, macroeconomic implications of gender inequality, climate-related risks, and the adequacy of social policies.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Christian Saborowski, visited Sierra Leone from September 4 to 13, 2024, to conduct the 2024 Article IV consultation and discuss with the Sierra Leonean authorities economic and financial policies that could be supported by a new 38-month ECF arrangement, with requested access of SDR 187 million (about US$253 million). The staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Management and Executive Board.

Today, Mr. Saborowski made the following statement:

“A new economic team took over last year and has since taken bold measures to tackle Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic imbalances including a severe cost-of-living crisis. The authorities reduced the domestic primary deficit by 2.8 percent of GDP in 2023 and are on track toward reducing it by another 2.1 percent this year. They also tightened monetary policy sharply by reducing year-on-year base money growth from a peak of 63.4 percent in June 2023 to 8.8 percent in June 2024, and raising the policy rate by 7.25 percentage points since end-2022.

“The reform momentum has borne fruit. Inflation declined to 25 percent in August 2024, down from a peak of 55 percent in October 2023, and the sharp exchange rate depreciation experienced in 2022 and early 2023 was arrested. However, T-bill rates remain stubbornly high at over 40 percent, international reserves have fallen to less than two months of imports, and the electricity distribution company (EDSA) continues to make losses, resulting in significant fiscal pressures.

“Economic growth reached more than 5 percent in 2022 and 2023, buoyed by strong mining activity. Sierra Leone’s public debt continues to be assessed as sustainable but at high risk of distress, while its external position in 2023 is assessed as broadly in line with the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies.

“The new ECF arrangement would aim to (i) restore stability by bolstering debt sustainability, addressing fiscal dominance, bringing down inflation, and rebuilding reserves; (ii) support inclusive growth through reforms—including to narrow gender gaps—and targeted social spending; and (iii) confront corruption, as well as strengthen governance, institutions, and the rule of law. These objectives would advance the poverty reduction and growth aspirations outlined in Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30.

“Restoring stability in the Sierra Leonean economy will require a continued ambitious macroeconomic adjustment over the program period. Enhancing revenue mobilization, boosting spending efficiency, and managing fiscal risks will be critical to make room for priority spending on social policies and investment. Strengthening the monetary policy framework and maintaining appropriately tight monetary conditions will be important to safeguard internal and external stability.

“Making durable progress in fighting poverty and raising standards of living will require a commitment to reform, sustained political and social consensus, and well-targeted social policies. Promoting gender equality and increasing women’s economic participation are crucial to boosting Sierra Leone’s growth potential. So too are reforms to enhance the business environment by improving EDSA’s operational and technical efficiency, strengthening customs administration and transparency, and addressing climate change risks. Guided by the MTNDP 2024-30, steadfast progress in addressing these challenges will be critical.

“The staff team is grateful to the authorities for the open and productive discussions. The team met with President Bio, Finance Minister Bangura, Deputy Finance Ministers Alie and Kalokoh, Financial Secretary Dingie, Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) Governor Stevens, Deputy Governors Tucker and Sesay, Commissioner General Bangura of the National Revenue Authority, and senior government and BSL officials. The mission also had fruitful discussions with representatives from the private sector and development partners.”

More information about ECF: Extended Credit Facility

 

 

ABUJA, Nigeria, September 10, 2024/ — ECOWAS is reinforcing its commitment to regional integration and the free movement of persons and goods by advancing the harmonization of safer standards and operational procedures in aviation across West Africa. This initiative is being spearheaded through an Experts Validation Workshop on Aviation Security (AVSEC) Regulation, organized by the Transport Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission in Lagos, Nigeria, in preparation of an Air Transport Ministers meeting on AVSEC and the reduction of taxes, charges and fees which makes the region one of the most expensive, in terms of air travels.

The three-day workshop, which held from September 4th – 6th 2024, brought together aviation security experts from ECOWAS Member States, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Banjul Accord Group for Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), ICAO Certified Auditors, and the ECOWAS Commission. This gathering is a crucial step advancing an important component of the ongoing project of support to the air transport industry in West and Central Africa, under the ECOWAS Air Transport Improvement Program.

Aviation Security Experts at the meeting reviewed and finalized the draft regional regulations that align with the latest amendments to the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO-SARPs) while taking on board the broader objectives of facilitating Air travels within the West African region. Additionally, the Experts drafted a framework for the establishment and operation of an AVSEC pool as well as an Action Plan for its realisation. The recommendations from this workshop will be presented to sector ministers for endorsement and subsequently to the ECOWAS.

The main purpose of the ECOWAS Regional AVSEC regulation is to establish a harmonized regulatory framework for the safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, and the general public against acts of unlawful interference. Specifically, the regulation provides measures to prevent weapons, explosives, or other dangerous devices which can be used to commit harm, providing a uniform interpretation and application of the ICAO Chicago Convention especially Annex 9 on “Facilitation” and Annex 17 on “Security” Once adopted by the ECOWAS Governing Bodies, ECOWAS will work with Member States, to set up AVSEC Pool Experts, trained with standardized tools to ensure consistent implementation across the region.

In his welcome address, Mr. Chris Appiah, the Acting Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the significance of a harmonized AVSEC regulation to the aviation industry in West Africa. He highlighted the urgency of validating the proposed regulations, which will govern air transport security and safety across the region.

Mr. Appiah also highlighted other ongoing ECOWAS’s interventions aimed at improving air transport operations and making air travel more affordable. He noted the collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to develop a strategy that aims to reduce air transport costs to community citizens by addressing issues such as excessive charges and taxation, which contribute to high ticket prices.

Furthermore, Mr. Appiah disclosed that ECOWAS is in discussions with major aircraft manufacturers to assist airlines in reducing aircraft maintenance costs. This will be achieved through the establishment of a regional air Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre to localize aircraft maintenance in the region to help airlines reduce costs of accessing such services abroad. In the area of Airports, the ECOWAS airport master plan will be implemented to enhance operations and activities at regional airports.

Representing ICAO, Mr. Ademola Oladele praised ECOWAS for bringing Member States together to finalize the regional regulations, which is a key step in implementing the project to improve the air transport industry in West and Central Africa. He reaffirmed ICAO’s commitment to supporting the successful execution of the ECOWAS AVSEC Program.

In a statement on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Dr. Bernard O. C. Omogo, the Director of Aviation Security & Facilitation at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), urged participants to put forth their best recommendations. He emphasized that these recommendations, when implemented, would enhance and ensure the highest level of performance in aviation security operations within the region. Dr. Omogo highlighted that aviation security is essential and serves as the foundation for achieving the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) vision of sustainable, safe, and secure air transportation.

The validated final versions of the Regulation, Framework, and Action Plan will be presented at the Sector Ministerial Meeting scheduled for November 2024 for endorsement. Following this, the endorsed versions will be submitted to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers for final adoption in December 2024.

 

 

JUBA, South Sudan, September 11, 2024/ — The devastation caused by extreme flooding ravaging South Sudan is easy to see while travelling on the treacherous road to Yirol.

Entire communities have been wiped out. Their tukuls are submerged in rapidly rising waters and few salvaged belongings are scattered across whatever high ground they can find.

Not only are these communities coping with their own crisis, but they are also trying to accommodate thousands of flood-stricken displaced people arriving from neighbouring Unity State.

This is fueling tensions over access to scarce resources as cattle keepers from Panyijjar, in Unity, move their stock across the border to Yirol, Lakes State, occupying land used by local communities to cultivate their crops.

“When the other community affected by the floods, especially from Unity, come to Lakes, they should be welcome by our community and live at peace among themselves,” says Nyanhok Malou Mario, the Lakes State Minister of Peace Building.

Both communities are already suffering from persistent incidents of cross-border cattle raiding and revenge attacks, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and theft of livestock.

“The relationship between the two states is not good. There has been rampant cattle raiding and revenge killings along our common border,” says Chol Kuotwel Manhom, the Lakes State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies. “In Lakes State, we have managed to bring peace among our communities. But that peace is not complete without including our neighbours. So, we are reaching out to them to bring peace across our common borders.”

Peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan navigated the heavily flooded roads and bridges to facilitate a peace dialogue between the communities in Yirol to address climate, peace and security concerns.

The Panyijjar County Commissioner demonstrated his commitment to peace by making his way south to the forum along the swollen river by boat.

“We made our way along the river for two nights and two days. The river was very swollen, and the water was moving very fast. It was dangerous, and we even had a technical problem with one of the boats which forced us to stop for some time,” said Gabriel Majok Bol Ruei. “We are so tired, but it is important for us to come together to build peace.”

The forum aims to support peaceful conflict resolution, empower county authorities to foster peace and stability, promote the role of women and youth, and help communities find their own solutions.

“Once we get the resolutions from the participants in the forum, we are going to form partnerships with UN agencies and other international Non-Governmental Organizations to see how we can provide livelihoods among the communities,” said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Gibril Turay.

“We will also look at developing and finding funding for projects to ensure that there is reconciliation and accountability. There will be no sustained peace or true reconciliation without accountability and justice.”

While youth seem able to find joy in any disaster as they dance and play in the floodwaters in Yirol, their families are not so resilient as they confront conflict, a dire humanitarian and economic situation, and now the loss of everything they own due to the climate crisis.

Despite this, their commitment to peace is real as they put their personal suffering and differences aside to build sustainable peace together.

 

 

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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 10, 2024/ — The President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has paid tribute to the preeminent role played by the institution’s staff in Africa’s development. He was speaking Monday, during the official launch of festivities to mark the Bank’s 60th anniversary in Abidjan.

“As President of the African Development Bank, you matter to me. Regardless of your title or grade, you matter very much to the African Development Bank and you matter to Africa!” This was Dr. Adesina’s poignant and empathetic message to colleagues meeting at the Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, and in the Bank’s 40 country offices across Africa as well as in Tokyo, Japan, to celebrate six decades of commitment by the continent’s premier development finance institution.

“Today, as in the past, you are part of Africa’s transformation. The Bank’s entire ecosystem plays a part in each project. Over the last 60 years, different types of staff have brought genuine change to the continent. Our work over the last eight years has transformed the lives of 400 million people. I would like to thank you for your extraordinary efforts,” declared Adesina.

Praising the courage of members of staff deployed in Somalia and Sudan – both countries facing fragile contexts – Adesina paid tribute to those who risk their own and their families’ lives on a daily basis to advance Africa’s cause.

Amid applause from hundreds of present and former staff and guests, the Bank Group chief said: “If anyone were to ask me what I will miss the most at the end of my term of office as the head of this institution, I will always say: it’s the people. Every time I say it, I am full of emotion.”

The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier multilateral development institution and now has over 2,000 employees. It has funded 6,575 projects on the continent since it was established on 10 September 1964. The first of these were implemented in Kenya and Sierra Leone. In 60 years, the Bank’s capital has grown from $250 million to $318 billion,” recalled Adesina.

“I thank our staff for creating this story for Africa. There is still plenty to do, and it is thanks to their support that we will do it. And I will do everything I can to attract and retain the most talented people to respond to future challenges for both our institution and our continent. I wish you a happy 60th anniversary!” concluded the Bank Group’s president.

Like some members of staff who spoke of the Bank’s decisive commitment and said ‘happy anniversary’ in their native languages, Adesina wished his colleagues a happy anniversary in his own native language, Yoruba.

During the launch of the festivities, Adama Coulibaly, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Finance and the Budget, representing Nialé Kaba, Minister of Planning, the Economy and Development and the Bank’s governor for Côte d’Ivoire, expressed his government’s profound gratitude to Adesina for his leadership and significant achievements as the head of the institution.

“At a personal level, I would like to say that you are the heart and soul of this institution. Looking at the results achieved, the African Development Bank has come a long way in six decades. Your efforts have helped lift millions of Africans out of poverty. This 60th anniversary is an opportunity for us to celebrate how far we have come and together, face the challenges of building the Africa we want,” declared Coulibaly.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Côte d’Ivoire, which is home to the Bank’s headquarters, to supporting the institution in achieving its five operational priorities. “Our partnership with the Bank Group is special. May the coming decades be full of new achievements and progress for staff, for the Bank and for the whole of our continent,” he commented.

Prior to the speeches by these key figures, the chair of the Bank’s Staff Council, Foster Ofosu paid a warm tribute to all employees, working both at its headquarters in Abidjan and in the various country offices.

“The Bank exists because you exist. Your dedication to building our Africa is flawless. Be proud of the work you have done,” said Ofusu to the hundreds of members of staff attending the celebration.

 

For photos, click here https://apo-opa.co/3MEmu7t

Media contact: 
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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: www.AfDB.org