The International Development Association (IDA), an organization that provides development financing and cross-sector support to address global challenges and enhance development outcomes, held its summit in Nairobi, Kenya. As a part of the World Bank Group, the IDA offers financial and technical assistance to the world’s poorest countries.
The summit focused on highlighting the crucial priority areas for development financing in Africa to IDA donors and other partners. The Office of the Prime Minister, Ethiopia, urged donors to consider increasing funding for the IDA21 cycle.
On April 19, 19 African leaders and 32 finance ministers gathered to discuss ambitious economic reforms aimed at accelerating the continent’s development. Co-hosted by the government of Kenya and the World Bank, the summit comes at a critical moment for Africa as it seeks to make significant strides in development.
Africa is making progress in utilizing its human and natural resources for development, and the IDA plays a crucial role in fuelling this progress. The IDA provides support to fragile and conflict-affected states in Africa, helping them rebuild institutions, restore basic services, and promote peace and stability. Given the current global crises, Africa faces significant challenges in its development, making the support of the IDA even more important.
Ethiopia stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, setting an example for others. However, the country faces challenges that hinder its development, such as conflict, job creation, and macroeconomic reforms. During the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to overcoming these hurdles and reducing poverty.
The premiere addressing in the summit and urged the IDA to enhance its financial capacity and funding models, with a particular emphasis on increased support for crisis preparedness, response, and recovery. He also highlighted Ethiopia’s resilience in the face of various challenges, including climate change, geopolitical tension, and rising global living costs.
The prime minister stated, “The Ethiopian government has navigated structural and macroeconomic reforms, focusing our attention on macro financial stability, productivity enhancement, and creating a favourable investment environment.” He also emphasized the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in achieving peace.
Prime Minister Abiy outlined Ethiopia’s goals, including the creation of over 2 million new jobs, accessible education, youth empowerment, universal energy access, digital transformation, and environmental stewardship through initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative.
Collaboration and addressing challenges together are crucial for relieving the burdens faced by Africans, especially the youth who have migrated from the continent searching good work and wage.
According to IDA report Africa is recovering from recent crises and holds tremendous potential with its young population, rapidly growing cities, abundant natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit. Investment is essential, and the IDA has proven to be a reliable partner in Africa’s development, providing grants, favourable loans, and supporting the creation of a skilled and healthy workforce as well as job-creating enterprises. Over 70% of IDA’s resources flow to Africa, benefiting 39 out of the 75 nations it assists.
Recognizing the vital role of the IDA in Africa’s transformation, the summit witnessed the establishment of a strong alliance among global youth, business, civil society, and leaders. This alliance advocates for increased donor support ahead of the upcoming IDA replenishment (IDA21), reaffirming its commitment to a robust, inclusive, and sustainable recovery. Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto expressed the leaders’ impatience for change and their determination to transform the continent amid significant opportunities.
The IDA21, the 21st replenishment round since 1960, aims to create jobs, boost prosperity, combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, build resilient societies, accelerate digitalization, and develop the necessary infrastructure to support economic growth. It also places a special focus on improving the lives of women and youth, considering that 462 million people in Africa live in extreme poverty.
The summit’s leaders issued a communiqué reaffirming their unwavering commitment to strengthen governance, unlock the potential of the private sector, generate employment, mobilize domestic resources, fulfil climate change commitments, prioritize energy and digital access, and enhance resilience to climate change and conflict.
In addition to urging increased pledges from the international donor community, World Bank President Ajay Banga reaffirmed the Bank’s support for Africa’s development. He stated, “We are united by a shared vision for the future of Africa a continent rich in diversity, culture, and potential, thanks to its young people and natural resources.” The IDA has been a reliable partner in Africa’s development, and this summit represents the collective dedication to driving progress. However, more efforts are needed from the IDA, the World Bank Group, governments, and the business sector to achieve these goals.
Overall, the summit brought together 19 African heads of state in a historic display of unity, committing to focus on development aspirations across the continent. This ambitious agenda aims to significantly improve lives and create new opportunities, with the International Development Association (IDA) serving as a key pillar for success.
Beyond mere declarations, the summit witnessed the birth of a significant partnership a coalition joining civil society, foundations, the private sector, and young people. This coalition will champion a robust and ambitious replenishment of IDA’s resources, driving Africa’s development engine forward.
It is cleared that in the face of an increasingly interconnected world grappling with a myriad of crises, the importance of unity and global cooperation cannot be overstated. Africa, the continent most significantly affected by global challenges, remains resilient and determined to confront these obstacles head-on. With the support of organizations such as IDA and other global initiatives, Africa is making strides in tackling both human-made and natural crises that have far-reaching implications.
The continent has long been a focal point for various crises, including armed conflicts, droughts, poverty, and disease outbreaks. However, the effects of these challenges are not confined to the continent alone. The impact of these crises reverberates beyond Africa’s borders, affecting the global community as a whole. So it must to recognize the challenge is not only surrounded in a single area.
Africa’s vulnerability to crises extends beyond those that are self-inflicted. The continent is often disproportionately affected by global challenges like climate change that come from the global North. It is a stark reminder that solutions to these challenges must be pursued collectively, with developed nations acknowledging their responsibility to support those most affected.
As the global community collectively faces the urgent need for sustainable development and the mitigation of climate change, working in unity is more critical than ever. Africa’s resilience and determination to confront challenges head-on serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the continent’s commitment to a better future. By continuing to support initiatives like the IDA and fostering global solidarity, the international community can stand alongside Africa in its pursuit of a brighter and more prosperous future.
By recognizing Africa’s vulnerabilities and working together in unity, the global community can contribute to a more equitable and resilient world, where the burdens of crises are shared, and the potential for collective progress are realized.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 8 MAY 2024
