In a landmark event, 19 African Heads of State convened at a major summit in Nairobi, emphasizing a collective commitment to advance development goals across the continent.
Central to their strategy is a focus on leveraging the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) to drive transformative change.
The summit marked the formation of a significant coalition uniting civil society, foundations, private sector entities, and youth advocates to champion a robust replenishment of IDA’s resources, aiming to accelerate Africa’s development trajectory.
A joint communique issued after the summit highlighted leaders’ firm resolve to enhance governance, harness private sector potential for job creation, mobilize domestic resources, and tackle climate change challenges.
Priority areas include expanding energy and digital access while building resilience to climate impacts and conflict.
Co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank Group, the summit stressed the pivotal role of IDA in supporting Africa’s development aspirations.
Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto emphasized the urgency for transformative change, urging increased donor support for IDA21 to drive impactful change not only in Africa but globally.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga echoed these sentiments, underscoring IDA’s critical role in Africa’s development journey and emphasizing the need for robust global support.
For decades, IDA has been instrumental in driving economic growth across Africa through grants and concessional loans, prioritizing investments in education, health, and job creation. Its efforts align with the World Bank Group’s goal of extending electricity to 250 million Africans by 2030.
The call for IDA21 replenishment comes amidst ongoing challenges like pandemics, climate change, and conflicts, yet Africa’s potential remains immense, with abundant resources and a youthful population.
The summit emphasized the importance of a united approach, leveraging the newly formed coalition to secure a prosperous future for Africa.
Leaders representing youth, private sector, and civil society stressed the need for an ambitious and transparent IDA21, designed to deliver tangible benefits to African citizens.
The coalition aims to collaborate closely with IDA to drive sustainable development and financial inclusion, ensuring economic empowerment and a brighter future for African communities.
This summit signifies a collective commitment to harness Africa’s potential and ensure a fully funded and functional IDA to unlock opportunities for the continent’s young population.
