The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed tripartite grant agreements of US$ 34.8 million and US$ 43.8 million with the Republic of Somalia and the Republic of South Sudan respectively in conjunction with the Intergovernmental Authority on government(IGAD) under the Bank’s ‘Say No To Famine – Short Term Regional Emergency Response Project – STRERP’. IGAD will oversee the implementation of the project through an agency to be recruited in each of the countries. The agencies will work with the governments to put in place structures, systems, and facilities that will enable them to take on increasing responsibility for disaster management and delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Somalia grant of US$ 34.8 million is set to benefit 804,000 individuals South Sudan grant of US$ 43.8 million set to benefit 300,000 individuals. The grant aims to aid Pastoralists and agro-pastoralist households among the target beneficiaries are Women, children, elderly and disabled to be prioritized.The Grants are geared towards providing emergency food assistance and medical aid to the most vulnerable populations in Somalia and South Sudan. In addition, the project includes activities to put in place the preliminary building blocks to strengthen links between the production, distribution and consumption hubs of the food systems in the affected regions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gabriel Negatu, AfDB Director General, Eastern Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office said, “We are delighted that through STRERP, we will provide immediate action to increase food security, boost household incomes, promote regional trade in food products and kick start community recovery, ultimately contributing to inclusive growth and resilience in Somalia and South Sudan.”
Joel Serunkuma Kibazo who serves as the director of communications and external relations at the AFDB told Social TV that they have objectives to fulfill for the African population which is viz:
Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Joe also stated the overarching objective of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries thus contributing to poverty reduction.
