To find a solution to the issue of overloading of heavy goods vehicles, which continues to contribute to road deterioration, transport sector experts from ECOWAS and UEMOA member states, regional road haulage organizations, civil society and technical partners met from September 26 to 27, 2024 in Cotonou, Benin. The aim of this hybrid technical meeting, jointly organized by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, was to assess the level of implementation of the ECOWAS Supplementary Act on the Harmonization of Standards and Procedures for Checking the Dimensions, Weights and Axle Loads of Goods Vehicles in West Africa, harmonized with UEMOA Regulation 14.

The aim of this technical meeting was to agree on the key actions to be undertaken by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, member states, transport operators, other stakeholders (ports, industries, mines, shippers, etc.) as well as technical and financial partners, for the implementation of the new Harmonized Supplementary Act on axle load control. At the end of the two days of discussions, several recommendations were adopted.

Among other things, it was recommended that the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions forward the signed harmonized regional Supplementary Act to member states and finalize the harmonized regional action plan for its implementation, with a timetable and actions to support the professionalization and renewal of the hauliers’ fleet, as well as the removal of non-tariff barriers to facilitate the fluidity of transport corridors. They are also asked to support member states in setting up the appropriate institutional framework to guide the uniform implementation of the additional act.

Member states were also asked to raise awareness among actors and stakeholders of the implementation of the Supplementary Act, and to initiate awareness-raising among transport operators and civil society. As for technical and financial partners, they were asked to support ECOWAS and UEMOA in the regional coordination of the implementation of the Additional Act on axle load control. Finally, transport and civil society players were recommended to participate in awareness-raising and to collaborate with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), ECOWAS and UEMOA to support efforts to professionalize the transport industry in West Africa.

At the opening of this technical meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2024, H.E. Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, on behalf of H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission and Commissioner Sédiko DOUKA in charge of

Infrastructure, Energy and Digitization, thanked the participants and recalled the importance of the additional act for member states and for the regional economy.

“This additional act is very important when we consider the future that awaits us. With the adoption of studies on the construction of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Motorway, it has been demonstrated that this road axis will support over 75% of community trade, thus strengthening our regional integration”.

He was followed by Mr Chris APPIAH, Acting Director of Transport for ECOWAS, who outlined the history of this additional act and the various contacts with ECOWAS and UEMOA member states, technical partners and bodies responsible for the legality of regional texts.

“Progress has been made, but many challenges remain. It is also hoped that West Africa can draw inspiration from the experience of the 3 economic regions of Southern Africa (EAC, SADEC and COMESA), which have joined forces under the name TRIPARTITE to adopt a single management and control protocol for road axes, thus reinforcing the African integration advocated by the African Union”, concluded Mr. APPIAH.

Mr. Aboubakar Sidiki TOURE, Director of Infrastructure at UEMOA, also reported on the progress made, in particular the reduction in the rate of overloading on the roads. “Nevertheless, there are still challenges to be met as long as regional road infrastructures continue to be damaged by heavy goods vehicles”, he added. He assured the meeting of UEMOA’s commitment to collaborate with ECOWAS and Member States to implement the new Supplementary Act which replaces the erstwhile UEMOA Regulation 14 and ECOWAS Supplementary Act of 2012 on Overload Control.

As a reminder, the 61st Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on July 7, 2022, approved and adopted the ECOWAS Supplementary Act A/SA.3/07/22 amending Supplementary Act/SP.17/02/12 on the harmonization of standards and procedures for the control of the dimensions, weight and axle load of goods vehicles in West Africa, harmonized with WAEMU Regulation 14. Subsequently, the 65th Summit held on July 7, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, noted the continuing excessive damage caused to community roads by overloading, and called on member states to comply with the axle-load li-mits in the new harmonized community text on overloaded transport trucks, leading to the premature deterioration of roads built with the limited financial resources of member states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“We need to collectively remain engaged in assisting the country on its path to peace and stability,” said Bintou Keita, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the DRC and head of the UN Mission there, MONUSCO.

Ceasefire and dialogue ‘framework’

There has been a notable reduction in fighting among warring parties in the volatile east since a 30 July ceasefire – announced by the DRC and Rwanda during a meeting facilitated by Angola – “but peace is not yet won”, she said.

“However, today, there is an active framework for dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda invested in proactive mediation, sparing no efforts to resolve this conflict, an operational instrument supporting this mediation and genuine prospects for peace which are now possible,” she added.

Ms. Keita told ambassadors that the DRC has made recent incremental progress in political and institutional reform but daunting challenges remain.

Natural resource exploitation

The past few months have seen competition over the exploitation and trade of natural resources which has further entrenched and exacerbated conflict dynamics in the east.

She said the recent intensification of violence in Ituri province is mainly driven by armed groups’ attempts to control mining areas.

“As profits have surged with the expansion of semi-mechanized goldmining, armed groups have become militarized entrepreneurs,” she continued. 

“As a consequence, community leaders and depleted Government forces are struggling to contain armed groups, which have become stronger both militarily and financially.”

Thousands in profit

Additionally, the consolidation of the M23 military group’s administrative control over Masisi and Rutshuru territories in neighbouring North Kivu province has allowed it to establish full control over coltan production.  The metallic ore is used in the manufacture of mobile phones and electronic devices.

Trade from the Rubaya area, which is estimated to supply over 15 per cent of global production of the metal tantalum, generates some $300,000 a month for the group, which she said is deeply concerning and must be stopped.

“The criminal laundering of the DRC’s natural resources smuggled out of the country is strengthening armed groups, sustaining the exploitation of civilian populations, some of them reduced to de-facto slavery, and undermining peace-making efforts,” Ms. Keita said.

She warned that “unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefitting from this criminal trade, peace will remain elusive, and civilians will continue to suffer.”

ADF group attacks

Meanwhile, eliminating the threat posed by the Allied Defense Forces (ADF) armed group in North Kivu and Ituri “has proven elusive”.  

The ADF has intensified attacks in recent months, exploiting a vacuum left by Congolese armed forces’ redeployment to fight the M23.  In June, 272 civilians were killed, making it probably the deadliest month ever for the group whose “neutralization remains a priority for the Mission.” 

Ms. Keita told the Council that since January, some 2.4 million people have been displaced. Many are sheltering in overcrowded sites where they are vulnerable to diseases such as cholera, measles and a new threat, mpox. The DRC is the epicentre of the current epidemic on the continent.

Political tensions are also growing in the DRC, with opposition parties voicing concern over restrictions on political freedoms, arbitrary arrests, and the shrinking democratic space. 

Other important issues include the “plague” of sexual and gender-based violence affecting the country.  Humanitarian partners treated over 61,000 victims during the first half of this year – a 10 per cent increase over the same period in 2023. 

Support peace efforts 

Ms. Keita said the risks and opportunities that she highlighted require national, regional and international mobilization in order to support the people of the DRC. 

“First and foremost, we must support peace efforts wherever conflicts exist,” she continued. 

“The mediation process undertaken by Angola remains the best opportunity for reducing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, but peace cannot be built in Luanda alone. It also requires investment in the provinces, the territories, the chieftaincies and the villages.” 

She pointed to UN efforts in this regard. For example, following MONUSCO’s departure from South Kivu in June, the UN has supported the establishment of mechanisms for the unarmed protection of civilians. 

Consolidating gains, protecting civilians

The Mission is also working together with national and international non-governmental organizations and religious institutions to consolidate gains achieved after years of investment in communities, women, young people and local institutions.

Peacekeepers are also continuing to protect civilians in Ituri. Together with the Congolese army, the FARDC, they have established a joint coordination and operations centre in the provincial capital, Bunia, and response times to warnings have dropped. 

In North Kivu, MONUSCO continues to participate in maintaining a defense zone around the cities of Goma and Sake and is providing guarantees to protect civilians by maintaining bases in several locations, including in areas under M23 control. 

Modalities for disengagement

Recalling that MONUSCO ended activities in South Kivu in June, Ms. Keita said that at the request of the authorities, the Mission is now engaged in an evaluation process “to ensure that we consolidate our departure and that we plan for the way forward following our withdrawal.”

It is estimated that $57 million will be required for the DRC to be able to take over the Mission in the province and the authorities have already committed some $30 million in a display of goodwill. 

MONUSCO and the Government are working to define modalities for implementing the next steps for the Mission’s disengagement, which will be ramped up in the coming weeks. 

“MONUSCO is leaving, but until our very last day, we will continue to protect civilians, support meaningful peace initiatives, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and assist the Congolese State in its stabilization efforts,” she said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Djibouti’s economy achieved an impressive rebound in 2023, outperforming forecasts with GDP growth estimated at 6.7 percent. The country benefited from a recovery in Ethiopia’s growing demand for port and logistics services. Additionally, domestic demand remained strong, supported by a recovery in private investment and government measures to mitigate the effects of inflation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea have had mixed impacts on Djibouti’s economy. According to the World Bank’s most recent Djibouti Economic Monitor,  “Strengthening the Sustainability and Equity of Public Finances,” transshipment activity at the port of Djibouti has strengthened, with a 39 percent increase in container volume handled in March 2024 compared to November 2023. However, the crisis has led to a significant increase in maritime freight costs, which is reflected in the prices of consumer goods in Djibouti.

In March 2024, inflation in Djibouti reached 5 percent, its highest level since December 2022, mainly due to a 6.1 percent increase in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, affecting different regions of the country differently. The tensions in the Red Sea have also affected Djibouti’s customs revenues, which fell by about 910 million Djiboutian francs (0.1 percent of GDP) in the first quarter of 2024.

The medium-term outlook for Djibouti remains cautiously optimistic, with projected annual GDP growth of 5.1 percent between 2024 and 2026. However, risks such as fiscal deterioration, regional tensions, and climate shocks persist. Effective debt management and fiscal reforms are critical for ensuring long-term sustainability.

In addition, Djibouti’s external debt remains a significant challenge. Public debt levels increased due to non-concessional loans, with arrears reaching 6 percent of GDP by mid-2023. To achieve long-term debt sustainability, Djibouti will need to fully clear its external arrears and undertake a deep restructuring of its bilateral external debt portfolio, the report concludes.

“Djibouti new development plan will primarily focus on economic. Strengthening the sustainability of macroeconomic and public finance reforms is essential for ensuring inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for Djibouti. By optimizing fiscal policies and mobilizing domestic resources, we enhance public services and create opportunities for all citizens especially the most vulnerable,” said Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry.

The budget faces persistent pressures due to declining tax revenues caused by tax exemptions, which reached 19 percent of GDP in 2022. Tax revenues fell from 13 percent of GDP in 2019 to 11.4 percent of GDP. In 2023, despite a nominal increase in revenues, tax revenues slightly increased to 11.5 percent of GDP thanks to economic recovery but were offset by a decline in non-tax revenues.

“The report makes it clear that tax reforms are needed that would lead to more equitable redistribution and increased revenues without exacerbating poverty”, said Fatou Fall, the Joint Resident Representative of the World Bank Group for Djibouti. “At the same time, it will be important to maximize the benefits of social programs such as the National Family Solidarity Program, which exclusively targets poor populations.” 

The report dedicates a special chapter to the road sector and public spending, underscoring the critical importance of Djibouti’s road infrastructure for economic connectivity due to its strategic location and ports. 

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

Niger’s economy is set to rebound after a year marked by an unprecedented political crisis. However, the rebound is dependent on favorable security and climate conditions, and continued oil production for exports, according to the World Bank’s latest economic update for Niger, published today.

The report analyzes the country’s recent economic and poverty trends and provides a three-year outlook. In a dedicated chapter, it also analyzes the costs of improving access to quality primary and secondary education and offers some policy recommendations.

The report notes that the political crisis following the unconstitutional regime change on July 26, 2023, and the subsequent commercial and financial sanctions imposed by ECOWAS* and WAEMU*, significantly reduced GDP growth to 2%. Prior to the crisis, GDP growth had been projected at 6.9 % for 2023 and was expected to rise to 12 % in 2024, driven by large-scale oil exports through the pipeline that was commissioned at the end of 2023. Government spending fell due to asset freezes, loss of regional financing, and a significant reduction in external financing amounting to approximately 7.5 % of GDP. Private investment also sharply declined in 2023 due to uncertainty and a liquidity crisis in the banking sector caused by the financial sanctions.

“Despite the heavy sanctions imposed by ECOWAS in 2023, Niger’s economy has shown resilience due in part to proactive measures taken by the authorities. These measures have enabled the government to continue paying public sector salaries and manage the energy crisis caused by the interruption of electricity imports from Nigeria. However, Niger’s economy remains fragile and largely dependent on rainfed agriculture, thus exposing it to climate shocks. Investing in human capital, particularly education, is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Han Fraeters, World Bank Country Manager for Niger.

With the lifting of sanctions on February 24, 2024, and partial restoration of financing, growth could rebound to 5.7 % in 2024. This rebound would be driven by oil exports, while non-oil industries and service sectors, which suffered heavy losses in 2023, face a challenging recovery. The extreme poverty rate is expected to decline between 2024 and 2026, reaching 42.5 percent by the end of 2026, in line with projected growth rates. This assumes solid growth in agriculture output and the effective use of increased oil revenues for the benefit of the population.

“While oil production and exports are expected to boost government revenues, it will also increase the volatility of growth. Plus, it is a finite resource, and Niger’s oil reserves are expected to begin declining in the mid-2030s if there are no new discoveries. It is therefore crucial to focus on increasing productivity by investing in sectors such as education,” said Mahama Samir Bandaogo, Senior Economist at the World Bank and co-author of the report. “The education sector faces many challenges and requires substantial investment. However, several options exist for financing the necessary additional expenditure without compromising fiscal sustainability. These include improving spending efficiency in the education sector and strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, both oil and non-oil, to create additional fiscal space sustainably.”

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