AfDB and UNFPA Strengthen Partnership to Empower Women and Youth in Africa
African Development Bank (AfDB) President Sidi Ould Tah has pledged to deepen collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to accelerate investment in women and youth across Africa.
Mr Ould Tah welcomed UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita on her first official visit to the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan since her appointment in August. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening institutional partnerships and advancing socio-development priorities, including Africa’s youth bulge, family health, education and employment.
The AfDB President, who assumed office on 1 September, underscored the long-standing partnership between the two institutions, which dates back to 1988 and was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding in 1992.
He highlighted notable joint initiatives such as the “2 Hours for Life” programme in Benin, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, which uses drone technology to deliver emergency obstetric care in remote areas.
“I am delighted with the quality of the partnership that already exists between the African Development Bank Group and UNFPA,” said Mr Ould Tah. “Today, we have an opportunity to change the paradigm and bring a new dimension to our collaboration, particularly in maternal and child health, youth empowerment and women’s leadership.”
Ms Keita, who holds the rank of UN Under-Secretary-General, stressed the importance of building strong partnerships to address pressing global challenges, including multilateralism, health financing, climate resilience and peace.
“Working with the Bank and opening up this future partnership with all the agencies working together is imperative,” she said. “We must mobilise resources internationally and ensure that the needs of women and young people are at the centre of development efforts.”
The AfDB President announced plans to establish a new partnership framework with UNFPA, starting with pilot projects in Côte d’Ivoire, the Bank’s host country. He emphasised that real and lasting solutions require inclusive collaboration.
“Our joint action will enable us to mobilise many other partners who are committed to these issues,” said Mr Ould Tah. “We need real solutions that cannot be partial solutions—we need everyone.”
