EU Science Diplomacy Alliance participates in first AU–EU Dialogue on Science Diplomacy
On 22 October 2025, the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance participated in the African Union (AU)-European Union (EU) Dialogue on Science Diplomacy, held back-to-back with the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue.
This first-ever gathering underscored the shared commitment of both continents to fostering strong, inclusive, and equitable science diplomacy partnerships. This goal is reflected in the Thematic Entry Point “How to build equitable Science Diplomacy between the North and the South”, which was launched during the Alliance’s tenure of AVRIST.
Republic of Korea and WFP launch USD 1.2 million sustainable agriculture and green jobs project in Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda– The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today signed a grant arrangement worth USD 1.2 million to support sustainable agriculture and youth employment in Rwanda’s Gatsibo District. A signing ceremony took place in Kigali, with Jinhwa Kim, KOICA Country Director, and Kaori Ura, WFP Rwanda Deputy Country Director.
In Africa’s Sahel, conflict and climate change force millions from their homes
Nearly four million people across Africa’s vast semi-arid Sahel region have been uprooted by a volatile mix of conflict, hunger and climate change, the UN warned on Friday, describing an unfolding protection and survival crisis that is pushing families to flee repeatedly.
The figure represents a two-thirds increase in displacement over the past five years, with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger at the epicentre of overlapping humanitarian emergencies.
WHO and the European Union launch collaboration to advance digitized health systems in sub-Saharan Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) announced today a new agreement to support the digital transformation of health systems and wider adoption of WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN) in sub-Saharan Africa. This EU–WHO partnership will improve pandemic preparedness and accelerate progress towards better health and well-being for all.
AGOA expiry impact on African export diversification
Since its launch in May 2000, AGOA has supported sub-Saharan African exports to the US through preferential access. However, the recent expiry of the scheme would threaten export diversification and industrialization across the continent. In a country like Lesotho, for instance, approximately one third of exports are tied to AGOA, predominantly in the apparel sector, which employs between 30,000 and 40,000 workers, primarily women.
Sub-Saharan Africa Maintains Resilient Growth but Faces Urgent Jobs Challenge
WASHINGTON, October 7, 2025 – Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy remains resilient, with growth projected to reach 3.8 percent in 2025, up from 3.5 percent in 2024. This acceleration reflects easing inflationary pressures and a modest recovery of investment despite persistent global economic uncertainty.
Signs of Improvement in the Economic Outlook for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan Region
WASHINGTON, October 7, 2025 – The latest World Bank economic report on the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan (MENAAP) points to an improved economic outlook for the region, with expected growth reaching 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026. However, global uncertainty, trade policy shifts, and continued conflict and displacement all pose possible risks.
Positive Economic Momentum in Nigeria, Now Time to Bring Home the Gains
Abuja, Nigeria, October 8, 2025 - Nigeria has taken important steps toward stabilizing its economy through recent policy reforms, but more needs to be done to ensure these gains translate into better living standards for its citizens, according to the latest Nigeria Development Update (NDU) released by the World Bank today.
Titled “From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home,” the report notes progress in economic growth, domestic revenue mobilization, monetary policy, and external balances—while underscoring persistent challenges such as high food inflation, widespread poverty, and structural barriers that constrain inclusive growth.
Tackling the Pressing Challenge of Defying Drought in West Africa - An Africa Water Center is Established to Strengthen Capacity in the Water Sector
OUAGADOUGOU, September 30, 2025 - A two-day High-Level Forum on Defying Drought (D2) in West Africa concluded today in Ouagadougou with a strong commitment to address the pressing challenges of drought in the region, amid the broader context of climate change and population growth.
New World Bank Program Helps Zambia Increase Jobs Through Inclusive Digital Access
LUSAKA, September 23, 2025 – The World Bank Group has approved the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP) to support the Zambian government to increase access to, and inclusive use of, the internet and digitally enabled services. With a strong emphasis on fostering digital inclusion, the project aims to empower women and girls, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and other vulnerable communities through the use of digital public services.