Panafrican News Agency

World Bank Group approves new country partnership framework for Gambia

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The World Bank Group Board of Executive Directors has endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the period 2022-2026 to support Gambia’s development priorities.

“The Gambia is at a critical juncture in its development trajectory having made headway on key reforms and service delivery but still facing challenges in its emergence from fragility. This CPF will help accelerate the country’s transition and support the Government’s vision for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth,” said Nathan Belete, Country Director for The Gambia, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal.

Building on past and ongoing assistance, the CPF aims to scale up the World Bank Group's assistance and increase engagement from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) in support of three CPF Focus Areas.

The first, which is to strengthen transparency, accountability and effectiveness in governance, will support a whole-of-government approach to improve state-citizen relationship, transparency and accountability.

The second is to enable inclusive and resilient private sector driven job creation to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

This is to be done by creating an enabling business environment that fuels job creation by investing in infrastructure, strengthening the role of commercial agriculture, boosting the tourism sector, and increasing urban, coastal and climate resilience.

The third, which is to enhance human capital investments to develop a productive workforce, will expand ongoing engagements in basic health, COVID-19 response, social protection, and education, including exploring avenues to improve skills and employability of women and youth.

The CPF incorporates two cross-cutting principles that will underpin the entire portfolio:  accelerate cross-sectoral digital transformation and empower women and girls.

-0- PANA MSS/MA 11May2022