The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster Africa’s sustainable development.
The ceremony, held in Nigeria on December 12, 2023, witnessed the presence of distinguished representatives, including Ambassador Francis Tsegah, a WACSI Board member, and Nana Afadzinu, the Executive Director of WACSI.
Gratitude
Nana Afadzinu, the Executive Director of WACSI, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the AfDB and lauded the AfDB for its relentless efforts in engaging civil society across the African continent.
“More importantly, this relationship will ensure that civil society is well-equipped with the needed capacity to engage meaningfully with the AfDB,” she said.
Afadzinu noted that it is a privilege and an honor for WACSI to play this facilitating role, assuring to play its role effectively.
She emphasized WACSI’s belief in the pivotal role of a strong, effective, efficient, resilient, and influential civil society in ensuring sustainable development for the African continent.
“Working with the AfDB, civil society will be able to play its role as a development partner effectively,” she added.
As an active member of the AfDB Civil Society Committee, WACSI has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, opening up its extensive network and database on civil society for the Bank’s outreach efforts.
The MoU signing signifies formalization of the relationship between WACSI and AfDB, marking another decisive step towards meaningful engagement and sustainable development for the African continent.
Privilege
For his part, Ambassador Francis Tsegah, representing WACSI on the occasion, highlighted the privilege and honor the institute feels in facilitating this significant partnership.
He reaffirmed WACSI’s commitment to ensuring civil society is well-equipped to engage meaningfully with the AfDB, echoing the belief that a robust civil society is indispensable for sustainable development in Africa.
The AfDB’s dedication to engaging civil society is underscored by the creation of structures within the Bank, including a dedicated unit for civil society engagement.
The MoU signing is a testament to the seriousness of the AfDB in ensuring that the Bank’s investments align with the aspirations and needs of the people it serves.
Source: WACSI
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