The World Bank Group (WBG) announced a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Cameroon, which will focus on two high level outcomes: more and better jobs, and more effective and inclusive service delivery institutions, with a special attention to climate and fragility.

The new Cameroon CPF covers the FY2025-29 period and is aimed at supporting the country’s Vision 2035 of becoming “an emerging country, democratic and united in its diversity.” It lays the foundations for economic transformation to benefit every citizen.

“We recognize the leading role of Cameroon in supporting stability and acting as the economic engine of the region. A key focus of our engagement is to create more and better jobs, particularly for the youth, as a driver for improving the living conditions of the Cameroonian population at large and preserving social cohesion,” said Cheick F. Kanté, World Bank Country Director for Cameroon.

The Framework reflects the strong and growing collaboration between Cameroon and the World Bank Group’s institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. The One World Bank Group expects to deliver over $2 billion during this CPF period, adding to the current country portfolio of $4.2 billion.

“The private sector has a key role to play in expanding renewable energy solutions, enhancing agricultural productivity, bridging the infrastructure gap, and increasing financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cameroon,” said Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s Regional Director for Central and Anglophone West Africa. “Now more than ever, IFC is fully committed to helping the Cameroonian private sector achieve its full potential to lead the economic growth in the country.”

The CPF emphasizes the need to strengthen Cameroon’s climate-resilience and deepen efforts to address the drivers of fragility. It aims to improve connectivity of major corridors, vital for boosting productivity and public service delivery. All the objectives of the CPF will also include a focus on promoting gender equality.

“Over the CPF period, the WBG will build on its track record of mobilizing private finance and foreign direct investment in diverse sectors, supporting inclusive and resilient development in Cameroon. This effort will be strengthened by sustained collaboration between the World Bank, IFC and MIGA in joint business development, including through the deployment of the WBG Guarantee Platform housed in MIGA,” said Şebnem Erol Madan, MIGA Director, Economics&Sustainability.

The new CPF is aligned with the WBG’s strategic approach of achieving impacts and outcomes at scale, tackling global challenges, and mobilizing private capital. In preparation, the WBG consulted with key stakeholder groups, including the government, the private sector, civil society, think tanks, academia, and other development partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Members and guests of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (https://www.CanadaAfrica.ca) are invited to the Canada-Africa Business Conference in Harare. The two-day program will once again convene leading decision makers to accelerate Canada-Africa trade and investment, through this world-class networking and information-sharing forum.

The most recent Canada-Africa Business Conference (https://apo-opa.co/3WzINkG) in Nairobi, this past February, was described as a ‘great success’ (https://apo-opa.co/3WxmEmN) in Canada’s Parliament, and was followed by the inaugural Canada-US Forum for African Partnerships (https://apo-opa.co/3WydsPf) in Washington, DC in May.

Sectors on the upcoming program in Zimbabwe include energy, mining, ICT and education. In addition to these sectors, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency has identified tourism, manufacturing and agriculture as among the key opportunities. At the same time, Canadian institutions are also privileged to play a significant role as partners in higher education.

Next month, in preparation for the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference, the Chamber will be on-the-ground in Zimbabwe. Members and prospective members and sponsors can email members@canadaafrica.ca to request a meeting in preparation for the conference.

To enquire on participating as a guest, individuals and companies may complete the online form here (https://apo-opa.co/4fb192t) to request an invitation.

Visit the Conference Homepage (https://apo-opa.co/4fhnaN0)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

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In a significant stride towards enhancing the welfare of Ghana’s security personnel, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned 320 new housing units for the Police Service at Tesano, Accra.

This milestone, a testament to the government’s dedication to improving living conditions for security personnel, marks a pivotal step in bolstering national security and safety.

Addressing the audience, President Akufo-Addo extended his congratulations to Commissioner of Police Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno on his promotion to Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations. The President expressed confidence in Deputy IGP Yohuno’s continued commitment to fostering an effective and efficient police service.

The ceremony underscored the fulfillment of a vision conceived in 2018 during President Akufo-Addo’s first term. The Security Services Housing Project aims to provide decent housing for the nation’s dedicated security personnel. “These 320 housing units symbolize our resolve to ensure that those who risk their lives daily to protect us have a safe and comfortable place to call home,” the President stated.

Highlighting the importance of adequate housing, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that access to decent accommodation significantly boosts the morale and effectiveness of police officers. A well-housed police force, he noted, is inherently more motivated and productive. With the provision of these new units, the government aims to create an environment where officers can focus on their critical duties without the added concern of inadequate living conditions.

The commissioning of these housing units is a clear demonstration of the Akufo-Addo administration’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit within the security services. Acknowledging the challenges faced by police officers and their families, the President reiterated the government’s determination to provide solutions that alleviate these difficulties. This initiative reflects a broader agenda to ensure that every Ghanaian, irrespective of profession or rank, has access to decent and affordable housing.

The President provided a brief history of the Security Services Housing Programme, initiated in 2018 with the goal of increasing the housing stock for security services. To date, the Ministry of Works and Housing has successfully delivered 536 housing units under Phases I and II of the programme. Phase I, completed in 2014, provided 168 units for the then Bureau of National Investigations in Tema. Phase II, completed in 2018, delivered 368 units for the Ghana Navy at Tema Newtown.

Today’s event celebrated the completion of Phase III, which comprises 320 new housing units at the Tesano Police Training School. The units include 112 two-bedroom apartments and 208 three-bedroom apartments, along with an officers’ mess, a social centre, two multipurpose playing courts, and a kindergarten. These modern, well-equipped facilities are designed to improve the quality of life for police officers and their families, creating a conducive environment that enhances operational readiness and motivation.

President Akufo-Addo stressed that the benefits of this project extend beyond providing shelter. The improved living conditions foster a sense of security and stability for police officers and their families, which he believes will be reflected in their dedication to duty. The project is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the capacity of security agencies, including the provision of modern equipment, advanced training, and better working conditions.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind the project, the President commended the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ministry of the Interior, the Police Service, and all stakeholders involved. Their collective efforts have ensured the successful completion of these housing units.

In his concluding remarks, President Akufo-Addo addressed the officers who will soon occupy the new units, describing the housing as a reward for their loyalty and service to the nation. He reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the living conditions of all security personnel, emphasizing that this commissioning is part of broader efforts to ensure that they are well-equipped to serve the nation.
The President declared Phase III of the Security Services Housing Project officially launched, expressing hope for continued collaboration to build a Ghana where every citizen feels safe, secure, and valued. He concluded with a blessing for the Police Service and the nation, urging continued efforts towards national development.

“May God bless the Police Service, and us all, and may God bless our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong,” President Akufo-Addo concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

A delegation of the World Bank Group’s (WBG) Board of Executive Directors (EDs) noted South Africa’s and Namibia’s progress in achieving their development goals and re-affirmed World Bank Group’s commitment to providing support. The 11 EDs and Alternate EDs were hosted by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) country offices during their recent visit on July 7-13.

The visit provided a platform to assess progress with projects and engage on the evolution of the World Bank Group’s relationship with the countries, from a knowledge-focused to a broader knowledge and financing partnership. EDs met government and business leaders, local stakeholders, and project beneficiaries, and experienced first-hand how the countries manage development priorities and challenges. South Africa and Namibia have common challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Throughout the visit, the delegation discussed the ongoing and future support from the World Bank Group to boost inclusive economic growth and job creation.

In South Africa, over the past three years the country has shifted from being a non-borrowing client to borrowing over $1 billion per year from the World Bank. South Africa also constitutes the largest IFC portfolio in Africa and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency’s (MIGA) second largest on the continent.

In Namibia, the World Bank Group is preparing a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the government that will strategically guide its support as the engagement continues to grow. The World Bank recently approved a $138.5 million renewable energy and transmission loan to NamPower, after 15 years without borrowing.

Key highlights of the visit included:

In South Africa, the delegation met with the Minister of Finance Honorable Enoch Godongwana, and the Minister of Electricity and Energy Honorable Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. EDs visited two IFC clients and two World Bank projects which showcased support for key government priorities and demonstrated how these projects link to global issues and corporate initiatives such as the just energy transition, health, urban development, and subnational government engagement. The delegation toured and engaged with stakeholders at the Komati power station – the site of the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project; the Addo Elephant Park that houses the innovative Wildlife Conservation Bond; and the IFC-supported Trust for Urban Housing Finance and BioVac Institute that manufactures vaccines locally.
In Namibia, the delegation met with Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Honorable Ipumbu Shiimi and key stakeholders, including development partners and the private sector.  The delegation visited informal settlements near Windhoek to gain insights on housing related issues, a sector where IFC is investing and which the government has identified as a priority for World Bank Group engagement.

Matteo Bugamelli, the World Bank’s Executive Director who represents the constituency of countries including Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste, expressed optimism about the countries’ progress. He emphasized the World Bank Group’s commitment to helping South Africa and Namibia address unemployment and inequality challenges. He particularly welcomed the increased financing to support the implementation of much needed reforms.

About the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors: The Board of Executive Directors is responsible for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank, making decisions on loans, credits, grants, policies, and financial matters. The Board consists of 25 members who represent the 189 member countries, providing guidance for the institution’s development activities.

Visiting Board Officials: The delegation included Mr. Abdulaziz E A Almulla (Executive Director for Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Republic of Yemen); Mr. Matteo Bugamelli (Executive Director for Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste); Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo (Executive Director Angola, Nigeria, South Africa); Mr. Floribert Ngaruko (Executive Director for Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe); Ms. Katharine Rechico (Executive Director for Antigua&Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts&Nevis and St. Vincent&the Grenadines); and Mr. Tauqir Shah (Executive Director for Afghanistan, Algeria, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia.

Visiting Alternate Executive Directors:  Mr. Louis Albisson (Alternate Executive Director for France); Mr. Felice Gorordo (Alternate Executive Director for the United States), Mr. Koji Uemura (Alternate Executive Director for Japan); Ms. Kerstin Sumana Wijeyewardene (Alternate Executive Director for Asia and the Pacific Constituency) and Mr. Weifeng Yang (Alternate Executive Director for China).

Included in the delegation was Ms. Mercy Tembon, World Bank Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.