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AfDB provides US $20.1 million to support clean energy in the Comoros

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TUNIS, Tunisia, September 14, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Comoros Energy Sector Support Project will receive grants totaling US $20.1 million to finance the rebuilding the country's electricity sector. The financing source is mobilized from the Bank's resources: (i) US $8.3 million from the African Development Fund (ADF) (http://www.afdb.org), and (ii) US $12.1 million from the Fragile States Facility.


Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png


The project approved by the AfDB Executive Directors on September 11, 2013, is to be implemented in the country's three main islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli). It is part of the Government's program to improve performance and promote energy sector development.


It will help to address the unreliable power supply sector through improved production capacity, reduced technical and commercial losses and putting emphasis on energy-sector capacity building. The implementation of this project in 38 months is also a major step towards providing the Union of the Comoros with the studies required to tap its renewable energy potential, thereby laying the foundation for green growth in a fragile state.


It will rehabilitate production facilities in the three islands, help improve financial governance through capacity building in the electricity sub-sector, and support the preparation of quality-at-entry of future renewable energy project by conducting appropriate studies.


The components of the project are mainly: (i) support for rehabilitation and technical implementation; (ii) energy mix; (iii) energy efficiency; and (iv) capacity building.


The project is in line with the priorities defined by the National Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS 2009-2014), which makes the promotion of macroeconomic stability and governance two of its four areas of focus. It is also consistent with the priorities set out in the National Social Development Initiative (INDS, 2011-2015) as it seeks to promote growth, competitiveness and employment by targeting the energy and infrastructure sectors, and to strengthen the private sector by improving electricity production.


This project will also complement the strategy of the Vice-Presidency of the Union of the Comoros in charge of Energy, which has defined strategies for implementing the development policy for the electricity and petroleum products sector aimed particularly at increasing the electrification rate and achieving a 40% reduction in the cost of electricity production by 2015 from the 2012 level.


For its part, the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for 2011-2015 places the Bank Group's assistance to the Comoros uniquely on a single pillar centred on energy sector development and economic support diversification. The CSP also includes strengthening the renewable energy sector, which it deems necessary for improving the competitiveness of the Comoros. Increased exploitation of the renewable energy potential as part of a sustainable energy policy is identified in the CSP as a leverage that could help promote economic development by reducing the production cost and price of electricity.


On the whole, the project will enable the Bank to support the efforts of the Comorian Government to restructure the energy sector, particularly with regard to electricity access, with a view to improving living and working conditions for the population, enterprises and businesses in the project impact area


The project is co-financed by the World Bank to the tune of US $5 million.


Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).



Technical contact: Youssef Arfaoui, chief renewable energy specialist, +216 71 10 23 08; y.arfaoui@afdb.org


Media contact: Pénélope Pontet de Fouquières, T. +216 71 10 19 96; p.pontetdefouquieres@afdb.org


About the African Development Bank Group – www.afdb.org

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) 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 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

For more information: j.mp/AFDB_Media




IMF Executive Board Concludes 2013 Article IV Consultation with Botswana

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GABORONE, Botswana, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On September 9, 2013, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Botswana.1

After two consecutive years of strong post-crisis growth, Botswana's output growth slowed down from about 6 percent in 2011 to about 4 percent in 2012. The deceleration was driven by the decline in the mining sector growth owing to the subdued global demand for diamonds, which continued during the first quarter of 2013. On the expenditure side, domestic demand was strong in 2012, with private consumption and investments growth at about 9 and 13 percent, respectively, in real terms.

Consumer price inflation decelerated markedly to 5.8 at end June 2013, just below the upper end of Bank of Botswana's (BoB) medium-term objective range of 3–6 percent. Inflation deceleration was in part due to a base effect of increased administrated prices during last year. Core inflation, which excludes administered prices, has also declined. The BOB reduced its policy rate by 100 basis points during April – June 2013 motivated by its positive medium-term inflation outlook.

Although Botswana's banking system is profitable and well-capitalized with relatively low nonperforming loans; there are potential vulnerabilities stemming from the high concentration of banks' loans to household and the acceleration in growth of unsecured lending. While there is no comprehensive data on the overall level of household indebtedness, due mainly to the paucity of information on household credit from the non-banking sector, the level of household leverage has increased significantly in recent years.

The budget was balanced in fiscal year (FY) FY2012/13; the first time since the 2008 crisis. The ongoing fiscal consolidation appears to have no substantial dampening impact on non-mineral sector growth. The authorities' achieved this growth-friendly consolidation through reining in nonproductive nonwage current expenditure and the windfall of Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenues. On the revenue side, non-mineral income tax and mineral revenues underperformed reflecting subdued economic activity.

Botswana has been in current account deficit since the 2008-09 financial crisis. The combination of subdued diamond exports and fast import growth continues to drive the trade deficit. Official transfers, mainly SACU revenues, have also contributed to the narrowing of the current account deficit from its 2009 level. As a result, the overall external position continues to be relatively strong with official reserve coverage standing at about 11 months of import cover at end-June 2013. The real effective exchange rate depreciated slightly over the last 12 months.

Staff projects that Botswana's real GDP growth will remain at about 4 percent in 2013. Growth is expected to pick up slightly to 4.5 percent in 2015 supported by the increased electricity production and a recovery in the mining sector, and subsequently stabilize at around 4 percent. Headline inflation is likely to remain close to the upper end of the BoB's medium-term objective range in 2013. The current account deficit is expected to narrow in the coming years supported by the public sector savings generated by the planned fiscal consolidation and the expected recovery in diamond exports along with global recovery.

The main near-term risks relate to the highly uncertain external environment, which remains fragile and poses significant downside risks to mineral export demand, and on the domestic front to delays in the full commencement of the Morupule B power plant. Another medium-term risk is the prospect that SACU revenues may decline either because of a prolonged period of low global growth or changes in the SACU revenue-sharing formula.

Executive Board Assessment

Executive Directors commended Botswana's impressive economic performance over the past two decades, which has raised overall incomes and delivered good economic outcomes. Nonetheless, amid softening growth, persistent unemployment, and high income inequality, Directors stressed the need to improve public sector efficiency and speed up reforms to promote economic diversification.

Directors supported a gradual, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation to rebuild policy buffers. Should the need arise, automatic stabilizers on the revenue side should be allowed to operate. Directors stressed the importance of protecting planned capital spending while reducing the large public sector wage bill and unproductive current spending. They urged the authorities to broaden the tax base by streamlining the existing large and discretionary tax expenditures. They welcomed the authorities' efforts to create a simplified tax system with high compliance and low administration costs.

Directors supported a broadly neutral monetary policy stance in the near term. They welcomed the government's publication of the weights of the pula currency basket and its rate of crawl, which will enhance the transparency of the exchange rate regime and facilitate the development of the foreign currency market. They stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen the operational modalities of the crawling peg regime.

Directors concurred with the government's strategy of keeping a right balance between financial inclusion and financial system stability. They encouraged the authorities to enhance their existing mechanisms for monitoring financial sector developments to temper the growth in household borrowing and unsecured lending. They welcomed efforts by the Bank of Botswana to strengthen the work of its Financial Stability Division, and urged the authorities to continue to enhance the skill base and regulatory infrastructure of the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority.

Directors highlighted the need to raise economy-wide productivity, including through fostering private sector development and economic diversification. Priorities include reducing the domestic regulatory burden on firms and increasing investments in health and education. Directors welcomed the authorities' multi-pronged approach to promoting diversification, leveraging Botswana's areas of comparative advantage.


Botswana: Selected Economic and Social Indicators, 2010–2013




2010 2011 2012 2013


Prel. Proj.









(Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)






National income and prices






Real GDP 1

8.6 6.1 4.2 3.9

Mineral

22.7 -2.3 -7.0 1.5

Nonmineral 2

6.2 7.8 6.2 4.3

Consumer prices

7.4 9.2 7.4 6.1

Diamond production (millions of carats)

22.8 23.0 20.9 21.4





External sector




Exports of goods and services, f.o.b. (US$)

33.4 41.7 -9.7 3.1

Of which: diamonds

49.9 38.3 7.1 3.7

Imports of goods and services, f.o.b. (US$)

17.9 28.0 7.3 -3.2

Terms of trade

-4.4 -0.3 3.6 5.7

Nominal effective exchange rate

4.6 -4.7 -7.8 …

Real effective exchange rate

8.3 -0.8 -3.5 …





(Percentage change with respect to M2 at the beginning of the period)

Money and banking






Net foreign assets

-17.5 25.4 0.2 11.2

Net domestic assets

29.9 -21.0 7.3 3.7

Broad money (M2)

12.4 4.3 7.4 15.0

Velocity (nonmineral GDP relative to M3)

1.6 1.7 1.8 1.8

Credit to the private sector

6.1 11.8 13.9 11.8






(Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

Investment and savings 1




Gross investment (including change in inventories)

35.4 38.7 39.3 38.3

Gross savings

29.9 38.5 34.5 36.5



Central government finances 3


Total revenue and grants

32.4 36.3 35.9 33.4

Total expenditure and net lending

39.9 36.5 35.7 33.2

Overall balance (deficit –)

-7.5 -0.2 0.2 0.2

Nonmineral primary balance4

-25.9 -20.1 -13.8 -11.5

Total central government debt

19.4 19.4 18.1 15.9







External sector






Current account balance

-5.4 -0.2 -4.9 -1.8

Balance of payments

-7.0 3.3 -0.8 -1.4

External public debt 5

11.8 14.9 14.5 12.4




(Millions of US$, unless otherwise indicated)




Gross official reserves (end of period)

7,883 8,386 8,270 8,060

Of which: Pula Fund

6,938 6,901

Months of imports of goods and services 6

11.8 11.1 11.0 10.6

Percent of GDP

57.3 52.2 52.8 47.7





Sources: Botswana authorities and IMF staff estimates and projections.









1 Calendar year.


2 Refers to the growth of value added of sectors other than mining, excluding statistical adjustments. The latter includes financial intermediation services indirectly measured (FISIM), taxes on products, and subsidies.


3 Year beginning April 1.


4 The nonmineral primary balance is computed as the difference between nonmineral revenue and expenditure (excluding interest receipts and interest payments), divided by non-mineral GDP.


5 Includes publicly guaranteed debt.


6 Based on imports of goods and services for the following year.


1 Under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country's economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country's authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2013 Article IV Consultation with The Gambia

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BANJUL, Gambia, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On September 11, 2013, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with The Gambia.1

The Gambian economy has generally performed well over the past several years, although it is still recovering from the 2011 drought. The drought led to a large drop in crop production and a sharp contraction in real Gross Domestic Production (GDP) in 2011. Although growth has been picking up, weaknesses in the balance of payments have persisted, leading to depreciation pressures on the Gambian dalasi. Most recently, inconsistent economic policies have intensified these pressures.

Large fiscal deficits—financed mostly by domestic borrowing—have added to the government's heavy debt burden. Interest on debt has consumed a rising share of government resources in recent years, reaching 22½ percent of government revenues in 2012, most of which was paid on domestic debt. As outlined in the authorities' Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE) launched in December 2011, the government aims to gradually reduce the fiscal deficit and ease its heavy debt burden.

Prior to the drought, The Gambia made significant progress in the fight against poverty; however, poverty is still widespread. Execution of the PAGE, supported by commitments from development partners, would help to further reduce poverty, especially in rural areas, given a strong focus on agriculture.

The banking sector remains adequately capitalized, following a two-step increase in the minimum capital requirement implemented at end-2010 and end-2012; however, non-performing loans have remained high.

Despite near-term uncertainties, the medium-term outlook for growth is generally favorable. Real GDP growth is projected to increase slightly to 6-6½ percent in 2013, driven by a further recovery in agriculture. Inflation has been rising, but is expected to fall back to around 5 percent a year over the medium term, as the Central Bank of The Gambia exercises monetary restraint. The main downside risk arises from possible fiscal slippages. There is also strong upside potential if critical reforms are achieved.

Executive Board Assessment

The Executive Directors welcomed The Gambia's ongoing economic recovery from the 2011 drought and commended the authorities for achieving robust growth and significant poverty reduction in recent years. However, Directors expressed concern that recent fiscal slippages and inconsistent policies have increased risks and vulnerabilities. A return to the path envisaged by the authorities' Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE) is needed to regain stability and foster inclusive growth.

Directors noted that recent exchange rate directives have disrupted the foreign exchange market, encouraged capital flight, and dampened remittances from abroad. They cautioned that a prolonged overvalued exchange rate would risk damaging The Gambia's international competitiveness. Directors therefore urged the authorities to maintain a flexible exchange rate policy, which has served The Gambia well, and to tighten monetary and fiscal policies to ensure stability and preserve adequate reserve levels.

Directors considered that undertaking the strong fiscal adjustment outlined in the PAGE would reduce domestic borrowing needs and the cost and risks of the heavy public debt burden. They commended the successful implementation of the VAT and the progress made in phasing out fuel subsidies. However, further tax reforms will be needed over the medium term to strengthen revenues and address costly tax expenditures, while improving international competitiveness. Directors encouraged the authorities to enhance the budget process, strengthen expenditure control, and rein in extra-budgetary expenditure. They welcomed recent progress in managing the government's external debt burden, and agreed that the authorities should continue to rely on grants or highly concessional financing to minimize exposure to external debt risks.

Directors called for a consistent implementation of monetary policy. They encouraged using market-based monetary policy tools rather than reserve requirements on deposits, noting that a gradual return to lower reserve requirements would help lower the high cost of financial intermediation. Directors considered that the banking system is well capitalized and liquid, and welcomed progress in areas of supervision, capacity building, and cross-border monitoring. However, still-high non-performing loans require vigilance, including through intensive supervision for individual banks as needed.

Directors noted that poor economic data remains an impediment to economic policymaking. They welcomed ongoing initiatives, together with development partners, to strengthen economic statistics, notably for the balance of payments, which will require adequate funding and staffing.


The Gambia: Selected Economic Indicators


2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Act. Act. Prel. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj. Proj.


National account and prices

(Percent change; unless otherwise indicated)

Nominal GDP (millions of dalasi)

26,662 26,465 29,108 32,886 37,659 42,015 46,459 51,379 56,842

Nominal GDP

11.1 -0.7 10.0 13.0 14.5 11.6 10.6 10.6 10.6

GDP at constant prices

6.5 -4.3 5.3 6.4 8.5 6.5 5.5 5.5 5.5

GDP per capita (US$)

558 508 497 478 486 511 534 558 584

GDP deflator

4.3 3.7 4.5 6.2 5.6 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.8

Consumer prices (average)

5.0 4.8 4.6 6.0 6.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

Consumer prices (end of period)

5.8 4.4 4.9 7.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

External sector


Exports, f.o.b.

0.9 16.3 -8.8 9.5 8.9 7.6 7.5 8.1 8.3

Of which: domestic exports

1.2 34.7 -57.6 74.9 29.2 13.2 11.0 11.0 11.0

Imports, f.o.b.

5.3 7.1 8.7 -2.1 4.1 6.4 6.2 6.5 6.6

Terms of trade (deterioration -)

-1.4 1.8 3.7 3.9 3.5 2.7 2.0 1.8 2.7

NEER change (depreciation -)1

-1.2 -6.5 -7.1 … … … … … …

REER (depreciation -)1

0.6 -5.7 -5.4 … … … … … …

Money and credit

(Percent change; in beginning-of-year broad money)

Broad money

13.7 11.0 7.8 7.0 13.1 12.6 11.6 11.6 11.6

Net foreign assets

1.3 5.6 2.3 3.6 5.8 6.4 7.0 7.0 5.8

Net domestic assets, of which:

12.3 5.4 5.5 3.4 7.3 6.2 4.6 4.6 5.8

Credit to the government (net)

16.8 8.2 6.1 3.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

Credit to the private sector (net)

4.7 2.8 1.3 2.6 6.5 5.5 4.3 4.3 4.3

Other items (net)

-10.1 -5.2 -1.7 -1.9 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1

Velocity (level)

2.0 1.8 1.8 1.9 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9

Average treasury bill rate (in percent)2

11.3 10.0 10.4 ... ... ... ... ... ...

Central government budget

(In percent of GDP; unless otherwise indicated)

Domestic revenue (taxes and other revenues)

14.9 16.1 16.4 17.1 17.6 17.6 17.5 17.5 17.5

Grants

4.0 5.1 9.0 5.0 5.1 5.0 4.9 4.7 4.6

Total expenditures and net acquisition of financial assets

24.9 25.8 29.9 24.8 24.5 24.4 24.0 23.8 23.6

Net incurrence of liabilities

5.8 4.3 4.3 2.7 1.8 1.8 1.5 1.5 1.4

Foreign

1.5 0.8 1.1 0.9 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0

Domestic

4.4 3.5 3.2 1.7 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

Basic balance

-3.3 -2.1 -2.1 -2.1 -1.3 -1.4 -1.4 -1.3 -1.9

Public debt

69.6 77.3 77.2 77.4 70.8 66.5 62.8 59.4 56.1

Domestic public debt

29.4 33.2 33.4 31.3 27.8 25.4 23.5 21.7 20.1

External public debt

40.2 44.1 43.8 46.1 43.0 41.1 39.3 37.6 36.0

External public debt (millions of US$)

377.6 386.2 375.8 384.2 396.5 409.6 421.0 433.2 445.1

External sector


Current account balance


Excluding budget support

-16.0 -15.5 -19.4 -16.9 -16.4 -16.0 -16.0 -15.9 -15.8

Including budget support

-16.0 -15.5 -17.0 -16.2 -15.6 -15.2 -15.3 -15.4 -15.3

Current account balance

(Millions of U.S. dollars; unless otherwise indicated)

Excluding budget support

-154.3 -140.3 -175.9 -151.7 -153.5 -162.0 -173.8 -185.9 -198.6

Including budget support

-154.3 -140.3 -154.4 -145.1 -146.1 -154.4 -166.8 -179.5 -191.8

Overall balance of payments

-23.8 8.4 0.1 -5.6 15.8 17.8 24.5 26.2 29.4

Gross official reserves

157.6 169.7 183.8 181.9 199.3 216.0 233.9 252.0 272.8

in months of next year's imports of goods and services

4.4 4.4 4.8 4.5 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.9 5.0

Use of Fund resources

(Millions of SDRs)

Disbursements

2.0 2.3 9.3 3.1 3.1 3.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Repayments

0.0 0.0 -0.2 -0.6 -2.1 -3.8 -4.3 -5.2 -5.5

Financing gap (possible ECF financing)

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0


Sources:: Gambian authorities and IMF staff estimates and projections

1 Percentage change between December of the previous year and December of the current year.

2 Average for the month of December.

1 Under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country's economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country's authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

Canada Deepens Cooperation with Algeria in Fight Against Terrorism

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OTTAWA, Canada, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced a contribution of more than $1.2 million toward counterterrorism initiatives aimed at strengthening border security and judicial systems in North Africa and the Sahel. He made the announcement alongside Ramtane Lamamra, Algeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a visit to Algeria.

During their meeting, the ministers agreed to launch Canada-Algeria counterterrorism consultations. The two countries will seek to renew their terms, until 2015, as co-chairs of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) Sahel working group.

“Algeria is a key partner for Canada in the fight against global terrorism,” said Baird. “Terrorism remains the great struggle of our generation, and Canada is committed to working with Algeria to strengthen security and counterterrorism efforts in North Africa and the Sahel.”

Canada and Algeria are founding members of the GCTF. Launched in 2011, the GCTF enables international coordination of civilian counterterrorism capacity building.

Through its Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, Canada provides training, funding, equipment and technical expertise to partner countries with a view to enabling them to prevent and respond to terrorist activities.

Baird will be returning home following his successful trip to Algeria, where he met with Abdelmalek Sellal, Algeria's Prime Minister, as well as with Foreign Affairs Minister Lamamra.

“During my discussions with Prime Minister Sellal and Minister Lamamra, we agreed it is imperative that our two countries continue to work together to enhance security and economic prosperity in North Africa,” said Baird. “I also took this opportunity to thank the Algerian government for their cooperation in the aftermath of the In Amenas gas plant attack. On behalf of all Canadians, I offered our sincere condolences to the victims of this abhorrent terrorist act.”

For more information, visit Canada-Algeria Relations.

Statement by Minister of State Yelich on Two Canadians Detained in Egypt

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OTTAWA, Canada, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today issued the following statement:

“We were disappointed to learn today that Tarek Loubani and John Greyson will continue to remain in custody.

“Canada shares the concern of the families and friends of Dr. Loubani and Mr. Greyson in this matter and, in the absence of confirmation of the charges, continues to call for their release.

“Canadian consular officials continue to meet with Dr. Loubani and Mr. Greyson regularly.

“Canada continues to press for a timely and positive resolution to this situation.”

Baird Meets Algerian Prime Minister

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ALGIERS, Algeria, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird meets Abdelmalek Sellal, Prime Minister of Algeria, during Baird's first official visit to Algeria. Baird used the opportunity to discuss regional security, governance and human rights, as well as to advance economic cooperation and diversify commercial relations.

Canada and Algeria have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1962. Algeria is a key partner for Canada in the fight against terrorism and one of Canada's largest trading partners in Africa. The bilateral relationship is enhanced by the presence of many Canadian companies in Algeria and a growing Algerian-Canadian community in Canada, particularly in Quebec.

Baird Meets Algerian Counterpart

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ALGIERS, Algeria, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird meets Ramtane Lamamra, Algeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss enhanced cooperation between the two countries on issues of trade, regional security and education.

During the visit, Minister Baird reinforced Canada's commitment to continue working with Algeria toward strengthening security and countering terrorism in North Africa and the Sahel by announcing a contribution of more than $1.2 million toward counterterrorism initiatives in the Sahel.

Canada and Algeria have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1962. Algeria is a key partner for Canada in the fight against terrorism and one of Canada's largest trading partners in Africa.

Foreign Minister Chikoti of Angola to Visit China

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BEIJING, China, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei announces at the regular press conference:


At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Foreign Minister Georges Chikoti of the Republic of Angola will pay an official visit to China from September 15 to 18.


Press briefing on the latest developments regarding the EU Training Mission in Mali

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BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press briefing on the latest developments regarding the EU Training Mission in Mali by Brigadier General Bruno GUIBERT, Mission Commander, EUTM Mali Tuesday, 17 September 2013 15.30


Council press room




SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON SOMALIA

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NEW YORK, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gary Quinlan ( Australia):


On 12 September, the United Nations Security Council was briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Nicholas Kay, and the African Union's Special Representative, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, on the situation in Somalia.


The members of the Security Council took particular note of progress in the Lower and Middle Juba and Gedo regions of Somalia. The members of the Council welcomed the recent agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Interim Jubba Administration, and commended the Government of Ethiopia, IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority for Development], the African Union and UNSOM [United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia] for their role in facilitating discussions. The members of the Council emphasised the importance for all parties to implement the agreement, avoid actions which could undermine security, peace and reconciliation in Somalia, and uphold the Security Council ban on exporting charcoal. The members of the Council also reiterated their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.


The members of the Council welcomed the deployment of UNSOM, and looked forward to UNSOM playing an effective role in support of the Federal Government of Somalia.


The members of the Security Council praised the bravery and sacrifice of AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia] and Ethiopian personnel, working alongside Somali National Security Forces. They emphasised the need for AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces to continue the fight against Al-Shabaab, and expressed their willingness to examine proposals in this context as part of the upcoming joint United Nations/African Union review of AMISOM. The members of the Council reiterated their view that long-term funding for both AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces was essential and emphasized the urgent need for new donors to come forward and support AMISOM through contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for AMISOM.


The Security Council condemned in the strongest terms recent attacks perpetrated by Al-Shabaab, including the 7 September attack in Mogadishu and the 12 September assassination attempt in Kismayo. The members of the Council expressed their support to the people and Government of Somalia and condolences to the victims and their families.


The members of the Security Council welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia's commitment to improving human rights in Somalia. In that context, members of the Council expressed their concern at the reports of violations of human rights in Somalia, including sexual and gender-based violence and violations and abuses committed against children. The members of the Council underscored the need for the Federal Government of Somalia to uphold human rights and to hold accountable the perpetrators of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law. The members of the Security Council echoed the Secretary-General's call for the Government of Somalia to demonstrate further commitment to addressing human rights violations. In that context the members of the Council welcomed the Government of Somalia's commitment to establishing a national human rights commission.


The members of the Security Council welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia's leadership in seeking a compact with the Somali people and the international community that ensures Somali ownership, predictable, coordinated and transparent international support, and a commitment to build Somali institutions and capacity, as part of the 16 September European Union and Government of Somalia co-hosted conference on Somalia. The Security Council encouraged the international community to support a Somali-led and coordinated peacebuilding and development plan. At the same time, the members of the Security Council expressed concern at the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for continued humanitarian access and assistance to millions of vulnerable Somalis.

Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on arrival at the Brussels conference: A New Deal for Somalia

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BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on arrival at the Brussels conference: A New Deal for Somalia


Good Morning everyone. I am absolutely delighted that we have my dear friend, the President of Somalia, with us today. I hope it will be a really significant moment in the development of not only our relationship with Somalia but also for the future of Somalia and its people.

Mr President, you have been given one of the most difficult challenges in the world. You have already made significant progress and I hope that the outcome of today will be that you see the support of the European Union, of your friends and also of many countries and partners across the world. I am so delighted we have so many ministers and representatives here. And it's wonderful to welcome you.

We need to ensure security for the people, and that includes economic security, the growth of businesses, the opportunities for people, for education, all of the things that are so crucial for Somalia's recovery and for it to move forward. That is linked to the kind of political development that you want to see, the building of a democracy that is deep and secure. And within that overall framework that the President has talked about we'll work through all of the details, so that we can get people here committed to supporting Somalia. But it will be for the Somalia people to decide. It will be their country we will support.

It is going to be long-term investment that is going to make the biggest difference. And that's what this is all about: it's about moving from a situation of crisis for people, whose lives have been put in terrible jeopardy, to a position of long-term investment by the international community that will enable Somalia to become the country that the President - and all the people I have had the privilege of meeting - want it to be.

Thank you.

Somalia Conference – Commissioner Piebalgs announced €650 million pledge from the EC

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BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Statement by Commissioner Piebalgs:

"Today's high level conference on Somalia marks a milestone in EU-Somalia relations, bringing together the international community and Somalia to endorse the Somali Compact, pledge support to enable its implementation and, above all, commit to this new political process.

As the biggest donor to Somalia, as well as a long-term friend and partner, the EU has provided some €521 million between 2008 and 2013 and already achieved considerable results –getting 40,000 children into school, providing safe water for half a million people and helping 70,000 people to produce livestock, to name but a few. So today, we are very proud to announce the new EU approach to the way we work in Somalia. The Somali Compact, which will guide our cooperation in Somalia in the coming three years, will align our support behind Somali priorities and enable us to better coordinate the development work currently undertaken in Somalia, working together with the Somali government, parliament, regions and civil society.

I also warmly welcome Somalia to the Cotonou Agreement. Somalia's accession to the agreement marks a new chapter in EU-Somalia relations and epitomises the progress that Somalia has already made over the past year. This accession will bring vital new opportunities for the country and its people.

Last but not least, I am pleased to announce that the European Commission has today pledged €650 million to support Somalia and its people. After more than two decades, the Somali people urgently need to see progress in the provision of basic services. They deserve decent healthcare, clean water, a good education, and real hopes for a better future, like anyone else. But partnership must be at the core of our efforts. We can only succeed in our aims if we work together. I hope that today's conference will be a significant step towards achieving that."

Switzerland increases support for the Federal Government of Somalia at ministerial Somalia conference in Brussels

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BERN, Switzerland, September 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On 16 September, Switzerland is taking part in the international conference on Somalia in Brussels, with a delegation headed by Martin Dahinden, director-general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The outcome of the conference is to be a "compact" with Somalia to rebuild the country. Within the framework of its 2013-2016 Horn of Africa strategy, Switzerland is active in the region in a number of areas: diplomacy, humanitarian aid, development cooperation, the promotion of peace and security, and migration.


The Somali government, which has been in office since 2012, and the European Union have invited the international community, including Switzerland, to the second ministerial-level conference this year on Somalia. On this occasion, the Federal Government of Somalia is concluding a "compact" with the international community for the rebuilding of the country. The compact is based on the criteria as determined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2012 for effective development cooperation for the rebuilding of fragile states. Its five priority areas are: establishing peace and stability throughout Somalia, through inclusive political dialogue – i.e. including all stakeholders – between the federal government and the regions; the building of legitimate security forces; the building of a justice system based on the constitution and international human rights standards; promotion of the economy; and provision of public services within the framework of a transparent national budget.


At the ministerial conference in London on 7 May, Mr Dahinden offered Switzerland's expertise and experience to support Somalia in building a federal state. Within the framework of its 2013-2016 Horn of Africa strategy, adopted by the Federal Council last year, Switzerland is in a position to provide support in the areas of inclusive political dialogue and improving the living conditions of the Somali people. To that effect, Switzerland intends to work together with the federal government and the autonomous regional states of Somalia, and coordinate an agreed strategy with the international community. With a view to building bilateral relations between Switzerland and Somalia, in April the Federal Council appointed Ambassador Dominik Langenbacher as Special Representativeto Somalia. Mr Langenbacher is taking part in the Brussels conference alongside SDC director Martin Dahinden. Switzerland has earmarked approximately CHF 60 million for Somalia for the next four years.

Ethiopian prison imposes restrictions on journalist Reeyot Alemu

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NEW YORK, September 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The decision by authorities at Kality Prison to impose visitor restrictions on imprisoned journalist Reeyot Alemu constitutes harassment and runs counter to the Ethiopian constitution, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.


"We call upon the Ethiopian authorities to lift these latest restrictions and allow Reeyot Alemu to receive all visitors," said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. "She is a journalist, not a criminal, and should not be behind bars."


Reeyot, a critical columnist of the banned private weekly Feteh, began a hunger strike on Wednesday to protest an order by Kality Prison officials to turn in a list of visitors, according to local journalists and news reports. The officials did not provide an explanation for the request. In retaliation for the hunger strike, authorities forbade her from having any visitors excluding her parents and priest, local journalists said.


Two days later, prison officials said she could receive any visitors except for her younger sister and her fiancé, journalist Sileshi Hagos, the sources said. Sileshi was detained for four hours at the prison later that day when he attempted to visit Reeyot.


Reeyot stopped the hunger strike on Sunday, but decided not to receive any visitors until the restrictions on her fiancé and sister are lifted. The journalist is serving a 14-year prison term on vague terrorism charges that was reduced in August 2012 to five years on appeal.


It was not immediately clear whether the visitor restrictions were in connection with an article published by the International Women's Media Foundation last month that had been written by Reeyot. It is unclear if the journalist wrote the letter from prison or if this was a translation of an earlier story. In the article, Reeyot criticizes Ethiopia's anti-terrorism law, an overbroad legislation that was used to jail and convict her for her critical coverage of the government.


Kality Prison Director Abraham Wolde-Aregay did not respond to CPJ's calls and text messages for comment. Desalegn Teresa, a spokesman for Ethiopia's Ministry of Justice, did not return CPJ's call for comment.


The denial of rights to Reeyot runs counter to the Ethiopian Constitution, which states: "All persons shall have the opportunity to communicate with, and to be visited by, their spouses or partners, relatives and friends, religious counselors, lawyers and medical practitioners."


In a December 2003 report, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment stated that prisoners should be "permitted to have contact with, and receive regular visits from, their relatives, lawyers and doctors." The same report stated that "access to the outside world can only be denied on reasonable conditions and restrictions as specified by law or lawful regulations."


This is the second time in six months that the prison administration has put pressure on Reeyot, according to CPJ research. In March, officials threatened to put Reeyot in solitary confinement, according to sources close to her who spoke on condition of anonymity. Officials accused the journalist of indiscipline, according to news reports, a charge she denied.


In a report issued the same month, the United Nations Special Rapporteur determined that the rights of Reeyot under the UN Convention against Torture had been violated on account of the Ethiopian government's failure to respond to allegations of her ill-treatment. Reeyot had complained of mistreatment, and her health had deteriorated while she was held incommunicado in pre-trial detention, reports said.

Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following the conference: A New Deal for Somalia

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BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, September 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Remarks by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton


Thank you very much indeed everyone.

Can I begin by saying to you, Mr President, what a great honour it is to welcome you to Brussels today for this extraordinary meeting that we have just had.

You know, in the European Union we are very proud of what we have achieved together with over 20 years of support from the European Union to the people of Somalia.

Our assistance has of course focused on strong political support for Somalia's transition, from a fragile country to stability, to peace and to reconstruction.

And I believe that today's meeting has taken that support to another level.

It has been a day where I hope we can make real and tangible progress.

We have highlighted, based on your compelling political vision, Mr President, this new political dimension in Somalia.

We had an unprecedented representative delegation around the table: the Federal Government, Parliament, regions and civil society all came together to back a Compact for Somalia that will benefit all the people of the country.

They have shown unity of purpose to rebuild the sovereign nation.

Today we have discussed all the elements that are vital to make that rebuilding a reality.


MEDIA ADVISORY – SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands, September 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Prosecutor Brenda J. Hollis of the Special Court for Sierra Leone will be

available for media interviews following the delivery of the Appeal

Judgment in the Charles Taylor case, scheduled for 11.00 on 26 September

2013 in Leidschendam, The Netherlands.


Immediately following the judgment, Prosecutor Hollis and Charles Taylor's Appeal Counsel, Morris Anya will brief the press respectively in the media room and will take questions from members of the Sierra Leone and international Media. They will then be available for one-on-one interviews with the media.


SCSL Registrar, Binta Mansaray will be available for interviews on the court's transition to the Residual SCSL, the closure of the court, where Charles Taylor may serve his sentence if his conviction and sentence are upheld by the Appeals Chamber, and prisoner issues in general.


Swaziland: MSF rolls out innovative medical approach to prevent mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission

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GENEVA, Switzerland, September 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS from mothers to their children is an essential step in curbing the disease's epidemic in Swaziland.


Since February 2013, an innovative approach, commonly referred to as PMTCT

B+ (prevention of mother-to-child transmission, option B+), is being

B+ rolled

out by Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Ministry of Health in the Nhlangano area, in the south of the country. It aims to place 2,000 HIV-positive pregnant women on treatment over the next four years, as soon as possible after their diagnosis. So far, more than 200 women have joined the programme.


“In Swaziland, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women, which currently is close to 40 per cent, is extremely worrying. Without treatment, 25 to 40 per cent of the children born to HIV-positive mothers will also be infected,” explains Dr Serge Kabore, MSF's medical coordinator in Swaziland. “The aim of this new PMTCT B+ approach is to place all

pregnant and breastfeeding women who have the virus on lifelong

antiretroviral treatment, whatever their CD4 count. That will prevent mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission, while also keeping the mothers in good health, protecting any future babies they may have and protecting HIV-negative partners.”


In other approaches to fighting AIDS, a patient's CD4 count determines whether he or she should be put on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. After years of advocacy by different health actors, including MSF, the World Health Organization has just raised the CD4 threshold from 350 to 500. This important move means that a greater proportion of patients will now be able to receive treatment more quickly, protecting them against opportunistic diseases and thus limiting the possibility of transmission with other people.


“In 2013, it is unacceptable that mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission is still a reality,” stresses Elias Pavlopoulos, MSF's head of mission in Swaziland. “By implementing the PMTCT B+ approach, we want to show that it's possible in Swaziland to completely avoid transmission of the virus from the mother to the child, and to keep the mothers in good health too.”


Today, MSF is launching a website, http://hivswaziland.msf.ch, which explains the PMTCT B+ approach, its advantages and the objectives of this pilot project. “The results will be regularly evaluated by MSF and the Ministry of Health according to three criteria: impact in terms of health and transmission rates, the experience of patients and health personnel, and financial aspects. We hope to influence the national health policy so that this new approach is implemented throughout the country. MSF is acting as a catalyst for change,” adds Pavlopoulos.


This new PMTCT B+ approach is an important development in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Swaziland. The long-term objective is to invert the curve of the epidemic by making this approach the norm for the general population. PMTCT B+ is a first step towards achieving a generation without HIV/AIDS in the Shishelweni region.

Nigerian Competitiveness Council Appoints Leading Investment Banker as Inaugural CEO

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ABUJA, Nigeria, September 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- President Goodluck Jonathan said Nigeria's business competitiveness and ability to attract local and international investment will be significantly enhanced with the appointment of ex-banker Chika Mordi as the first Chief Executive of the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN).


Logo Heirs Holdings: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/heirs-holdings.jpg


President Jonathan, who recently launched the NCCN, said, “This important step, by the National Competitiveness Council, underscores Nigeria's commitment to rapidly transform the business environment and enhance productivity in Nigeria.”


President Jonathan inaugurated the council earlier this year, with Trade and Investment Minister, Olusegun Aganga as Chairman and Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, representing the private sector as Vice Chairman. Other members drawn from the Nigerian and international communities include Michael Porter, Aliko Dangote, Lynda Chalker, and Dr Juan E. Pardinas, Director, Mexican Institute for Competitiveness.


Aganga, a leading member of the President's transformation team, said, ''We are pleased to have Mr. Mordi at the helm of the Council's affairs. His track record demonstrates that he possesses the intellect, ambition and experience to help Nigeria attain global economic prominence.”


Mordi will lead a strategically placed body, part of the Jonathan administration's wider policy to dramatically improve the ability of local and international businesses to conduct and operate business in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and home to one of the largest global consumer markets. Results of which will be measured by Nigeria's rise in World Economic Forum's Global Competitive Index and the World Bank's Doing Business Index rankings - indices that are internationally acknowledged benchmarks for the openness of a nation's economy.


Countries that successfully implement reforms and overhaul regulatory obstacles experience better economic outcomes, job creation and improved standards of living, according to the World Bank.


Elumelu, who is also the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (http://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org), which has provided a take-off grant for the council, said, “Competitiveness is a prerequisite for a country's development. The NCCN is working to create an enabling environment for the private sector to flourish. This is the only sustainable solution for Nigeria's and Africa's development. Mr. Mordi brings a skill set and track record that makes me feel highly confident that our objectives will be realised.”


The Council selected Mordi through an internationally advertised recruitment process, which identified a series of extremely talented individuals. He is the founder of Accender Africa, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit that seeks to use new media to increase transparency in government, with the objective of poverty reduction.


“I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute in a significant way to Nigeria's development and its global business profile. The private sector is instrumental in creating sustainable growth, reducing poverty and boosting collective prosperity for Nigerians. NCCN is intrinsic to ensuring the right conditions are in place to secure Nigeria's strong future; I am looking forward to the challenge,” Mordi said.


Mordi, a professional banker, spent over two decades in the finance industry and was instrumental in the dramatic transformation of Nigeria's financial services industry, including repositioning of the United Bank for Africa Plc into one of Africa's leading financial institutions. He has also helped incubate several businesses in Nigeria and Ghana, and in his investment banking career managed landmark transactions in sub-Saharan Africa in equities, fixed income, corporate finance, debt conversion, and privatisation.


Mordi is a trained economist and holds degrees from the University of Ilorin, IESE Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, American University's Graduate School of Communications and John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.


Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Heirs Holdings.



For more information

Moky Makura

Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications

Heirs Holdings

E: moky.makura@heirsholdings.com

http://www.heirsholdings.com


Germany providing 8.2 million euros to support relief measures in Africa

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BERLIN, Germany, September 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Humanitarian need remains very high in many humanitarian crisis situations in Africa. Germany has therefore made an additional 8.2 million euros available for humanitarian relief projects run by UN organisations and NGOs in Africa.

Markus Löning, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, issued the following statement on the move:

Humanitarian assistance is more important than ever before. Humanitarian assistance alleviates the suffering of men, women and children who have been forced to leave their homes or otherwise adversely affected by natural disasters or war.

Though we may all have our attention fixed on Syria at this time, we must not forget the desperate circumstances of the many refugees in Africa.

By way of example, one of the projects receiving this extra German funding from the Federal Foreign Office budget is the assistance that the UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is providing in Chad. The UNHCR needs the money to look after people who have had to flee conflict zones in the Sudan and the Central African Republic. Germany's additional funding will also go to support food aid supplied to the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Kenya and Mali by the World Food Programme (WFP). In this way, we can prevent WFP relief projects, often so crucial to the survival of people on the ground, having to fold due to lack of funds. A further 500,000 euros from the Federal Foreign Office budget will go to the WFP for its humanitarian air service in the Sahel, a service which is fundamental to ensuring humanitarian relief in remote and unsafe areas.

Africa also remains a focus of cooperation with non governmental organisations (NGOs). Germany is to arrange for humanitarian aid totalling up to 1.7 million euros for the Sudan, South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic, as well as Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, before the end of 2013. So far in 2013, Germany has already provided humanitarian assistance projects around the world with approximately 240 million euros from the Federal Foreign Office budget, around 48 million euros of it earmarked for humanitarian emergencies in Africa.

Declaration of Intent for Joint Initiative on Youth Employment in Africa Signed in Addis Ababa

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, September 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The signing ceremony for the Declaration of Intent for the Joint Initiative on Youth Employment in Africa (JYEIA) took place on September 12, 2013 at the Headquarters of the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa. The Initiative is a response by the AUC, African Development Bank (http://www.afdb.org), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the International Labour Organization to the call by African Heads of State and Government, at their Summit in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, held in July 2011, to tackle more decisively the youth employment challenge in Africa. It is also a follow-up to the 2004 Ouagadougou Declaration and Action Plan.


Logo AfDB: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png


Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=630 (Signing Ceremony of the Declaration of intent between the AUC-AfDB-ECA-ILO on Youth Employment)


Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=631 (Signing Ceremony of the Declaration of intent between the AUC-AfDB-ECA-ILO on Youth Employment)


The Parties were represented by Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs; Lamin Barrow, the Bank's Resident Representative in Ethiopia; and Hans Hofmeijer, Acting Africa Regional Director, ILO; in the presence of Minata Samate, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ethiopia and the AUC and ECA; as well as officials of the Regional Economic Communities and members of the public. Providing financial support and technical expertise to promote youth employment at country, sub-regional and continental levels, the JYEIA will focus its interventions on three main areas, namely policy support; design and implementation of programs and projects; knowledge-building and dissemination.


In his remarks at the ceremony, the Bank's Resident Representative recalled that the 2012 African Economic Outlook, which was devoted to the theme of youth employment, underscored the urgent need for governments to pursue an integrated strategy in order for African countries to translate the “youth bulge” in their populations into a “demographic dividend”.


Barrow reminded the audience of the Bank's continued commitment to assist its Regional Member Countries promote youth employment and alluded to the timeliness of the JYEI as its seeks to leverage the comparative advantage of the Four Parties to enhance coordination and synergy, as well as to design and implement operations that would effectively tackle the problem of youth employment. Barrow also cited examples of recent Bank initiatives that can be replicated or scaled-up in Africa. These include the Souk At-tanmia initiative for young entrepreneurs in Tunisia; the provision matching grants for enhancing employability of young graduates in Morocco; the Skills Employability and Entrepreneurship Programme in Rwanda; and the Pan African University Centre of Excellence project developed under the auspices of the AUC.


For his part, AUC's Commissioner for Social Affairs noted the progress made with start-up activities in Burkina Faso and Senegal. He also expressed optimism that the challenge of competing resources for member states will be surmounted in taking forward the implementation of the JYEI.


ILO's Acting Africa Regional Director, Hans Hofmeijer, emphasized the need for home-grown solutions for promoting employment for the continent's growing young population, recognizing that the Initiative is adopting a framework approach rather than a one-size-fits-all in developing its support program.


Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).


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