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Zawya
9 minutes ago
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Fifth Annual Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Dialogue Advances Fisheries Governance in Africa
Recognizing the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in driving the implementation of continental fisheries policies and addressing region-specific priorities, AU-IBAR is hosting the Fifth Annual Dialogue with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) from 30th July to 1st August 2025 in Naivasha, Kenya. This critical gathering has brought together fisheries experts, policymakers and development partners to review progress on the Fisheries Governance Project Phase 2 (FishGov2) and chart the way forward for sustainable fisheries management across the continent. In her opening address, the Director of AU-IBAR, Dr Huyam Salih (represented by Mrs Hellen Guebama, AU-IBAR Fisheries Officer), emphasized the pivotal role of RECs in implementing continental fisheries policies while addressing regional priorities. She acknowledged the European Union's continued support through FishGov2, which is currently in its final extension phase running until October 2026. The Director highlighted the project's achievements in policy harmonization, capacity building, and the development of regional Blue Economy strategies, while stressing the need to modernize outdated legal frameworks that still govern fisheries in some member states. Participants at the dialogue are focusing on key recommendations to strengthen fisheries governance, including deeper involvement of RECs in decision-making processes, adaptation of continental policies to local contexts, and sustained financial and technical support for regional initiatives. The discussions are laying the groundwork for a potential third phase of the FishGov project, with RECs advocating for continued investment in Africa's fisheries sector. The meeting is reinforcing the African Union's commitment to collaborative governance, recognizing RECs as essential platforms for coordinating fisheries management across the continent. As the Director notes, this annual dialogue serves not only as a procedural requirement but also as a vital space for joint reflection and planning to ensure Africa's fisheries are governed sustainably and equitably. Looking ahead, stakeholders focus on finalizing the FishGov2 extension phase, developing proposals for a potential third phase and scaling up regional Blue Economy initiatives to enhance food security and coastal livelihoods. The dialogue will conclude with a renewed commitment to transforming Africa's fisheries sector through strengthened regional cooperation and governance. This gathering marks another important step in Africa's journey toward sustainable fisheries management and blue-economic development. The dialogue is part of annual meetings held with RECs to strengthen project implementation on Fisheries Governance issues. Read about similar meetings on AU-IBAR's work with Regional Economic Communities on fisheries governance: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Zawya
39 minutes ago
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2025 Country Focus Report: Burkina Faso urged to make better use of national resources to finance its development
The African Development Bank's 2025 Country Focus Report for Burkina Faso ( the national version of the African Economic Outlook, was officially launched on 18 July 2025 in Ouagadougou. The ceremony was chaired by Souleymane Nabolé, Technical Advisor, representing the Minister of Economy and Finance, in the presence of Daniel Ndoye, the Bank Group's Country Manager for Burkina Faso. Run virtually, the session brought together more than 80 participants from the public administration, technical and financial partners, the research community and the private sector, as well as Bank executives. In a video message, Professor Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management at the African Development Bank, reiterated that Country Focus Reports are designed to inform national policies and foster dialogue between states and their partners. The 2025 edition of the report focuses on the theme: 'Making Burkina Faso's Capital Work Better for its Development.' It analyses the country's recent macroeconomic performance amid a complex security and humanitarian crisis, while presenting medium-term prospects and strategic directions to accelerate economic transformation. According to the Bank, the Burkinabe economy continued to expand in 2024, despite persistent security, humanitarian, and climate-related challenges. Burkina Faso is blessed in terms of natural, human, entrepreneurial, and financial capital, which if fully taken advantage of could bridge the country's financing gap. The Burkinabe government concurs with this analysis. According to Nabolé: 'Macroeconomic indicators are improving, with growth estimated at five per cent in 2024. To have a significant impact on the social front, we need to think about how the transformation of the Burkinabe economy can be achieved by drawing on human, natural, and financial resources, socio-economic infrastructure, and governance.' To bridge the financing gap, the report proposes several courses of action, including: Improving agricultural productivity and promoting agro-industrial development Strengthening mining revenue collection mechanisms and combating illicit financial flows Enhancing access to education, health care, and vocational training Building the capacities of the tax and customs administrations and the Ministry of Mines Enhancing state oversight bodies, modernising the judicial system, and improving forest management. Abdoulaye Diop, President of the West African Economic and Monetary Union Commission, praised the Bank's holistic approach stating that it 'maximises the conditions for success and improved performance of national economies.' He also highlighted the resilience of the Burkinabe economy, which has remained robust despite a difficult security environment. 'In terms of domestic resource mobilisation, Burkina Faso is currently the best performer in our Union with a tax ratio of nearly 19 per cent. In addition, for several years now, it has been one of the countries most committed to implementing Union legislation. That deserves the attention of partners.' Specific presentations focused on the need to strengthen the harnessing of domestic resources to offset the decline in external aid and financing, to make better use of human capital, to develop mineral resources to fund development, and to improve governance in the way in which various forms of capital are managed. At the end of the session, Ndoye expressed his delight at the elevated level of participation and the quality of the discussions. 'We commend the country's performance, particularly in terms of harnessing resources,' he said, concluding, 'We noted a convergence between the report's conclusions and recommendations and the strategies currently being implemented in Burkina Faso, particularly those with a focus on human capital. In parallel, Nabolé reiterated the Burkinabe government's satisfaction with the quality of its cooperation with the African Development Bank. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). 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:
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Africa unveils landmark integrity & equity principles and coordination platform to strengthen carbon markets
NAIROBI, Kenya -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) today announced a series of bold initiatives to elevate Africa's role in global carbon markets and ensure they deliver both climate and development benefits for the continent. The announcements were made at a high-level continental dialogue convened in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and Afreximbank. The consultation opened with statements from H.E. Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Republic of Kenya; Ambassador Ali Mohamed, Kenya's Special Climate Envoy; Neil Wigan OBE, British High Commissioner to Kenya; and Estherine Fotabong, Director of Programme Innovation and Planning at AUDA-NEPAD — reflecting strong political and institutional commitment to Africa's emerging leadership in carbon markets. The United Kingdom is supporting these efforts as a key technical partner to AUDA-NEPAD, including through the secondment of UK climate expert Ravi Raichoora to the agency. Throughout the consultation, AUDA-NEPAD engaged directly with senior representatives from African Union member states, including Madagascar, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, and the DRC, who shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in navigating carbon markets. Member States emphasised the vital role AUDA-NEPAD can play — leveraging its continental mandate to promote greater cohesion, alignment, and technical support across the region. In parallel, perspectives from global standard-setters such as the VCMI and ICVCM, rating agencies like BeZero, and leading project developers offered valuable insights into how African priorities can be better reflected in global frameworks. At the event, AUDA-NEPAD unveiled three major outcomes designed to advance Africa's carbon market ambitions: The African Integrity & Equity Principles for Carbon Markets — a pioneering framework articulating Africa's vision for high-integrity, socially inclusive carbon markets. These principles, which will be shaped through broad stakeholder engagement, place social value at the core of market participation. A draft will be presented for formal consultation at the Africa Climate Summit 2 in Addis Ababa (9–12 September). A Continental Coordinating Mechanism — comprising technical experts and focal points from across the 55 AU Member States and regional carbon market alliances. This mechanism will reduce fragmentation, promote shared priorities, and strengthen Africa's collective voice in global carbon market negotiations, thereby fostering a more coherent, transparent, and investable environment. A Digital Tracking Platform for Article 6 Readiness — currently under development, this tool will offer real-time insights into country-level progress. It will enable governments, the private sector, and development partners to identify opportunities, monitor implementation, and direct capacity-building support where most needed. In addition, the platform will support the development of a continent-wide glossary of carbon market terminology, enhancing consistency and alignment with international best practices. The event also featured strong engagement from the private sector, including project developers, advisory firms, and rating agencies. Private actors and Member State representatives alike welcomed these three key outcomes as critical enablers to unlock Africa's carbon potential. Tijani Nwadei, Partner and Co-founder of Visuias Limited, a carbon markets advisory firm, underlined the importance of AUDA-NEPAD's coordinating role in catalysing participation, enabling benefit-sharing, and supporting the actualisation of a market that places Africa at the forefront of global supply. Andrew Ocama, Coordinator for the Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance, welcomed AUDA-NEPAD taking on a leading coordination role for carbon markets across the continent, emphasising that such leadership is essential to prevent fragmentation and ensure coherent regional implementation. El-hadj Mbaye, Africa's lead negotiator for Article 6, called on Member States to take an active role in understanding and engaging in carbon markets, stressing that Africa must shape the future of carbon finance — not simply participate in it. Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of AUDA-NEPAD
