Well, I guess until you asked to know about transparency policies from your bank, chances are rare that the bank will call for a convention on the same. African Development bank has set off its annual meeting in Abijan for the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and regional member countries with the aim of optimising development results and sustaining development impact.
The CSO forum already in session is looking to discuss ways in which CSOs can provide inputs on and express their views about the Bank’s key policies and development programs. The Forum will also provide a platform for CSOs to share their experiences and reflect on issues related to equity, transparency and accountability. Participants will have the chance to learn how AfDB is leading Africa’s position on climate change for the COP21, and how the AfDB is supporting its regional member countries with climate finance as they move into climate-smart solutions.
Chief objective of this year’s CSO forum is to strengthen the partnership between the Bank and CSOs across Africa by providing a platform for dialogue and information exchange around the theme increased transparency and openness in the Bank’s policies and programs. With this, the bank will allow an open and frank conversation with CSOs about their experiences and reflect on issues related to equity, transparency and accountability.
The bank will also make sure there is improved understanding of the role of different stakeholder groups in setting the climate change agenda in Africa and shaping the resulting agreement. Also, the bank will explore further points and outreach and communication strategies between the Bank and the CSOs.
The event is open to the public who will follow it online through various media and communication channels and will be in the same breathe allowed to interact through dialogue and active discussions to share their experiences in different areas.
Election of the AfDB president
Besides the admission of South Sudan bank as the 80th member strengthening its bid to join the East African Community after the bank complied with the Banks criteria at the end of last month, AfDB will be appointing its new president to succeed Donald Kaberuka during the election to be held this Thursday.
Eight candidates in the running; Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, Sufian Ahmed of Ethiopia, Jalouol Ayed of Tunisia, Kordje Bedoumra of Chad, Cristina Duarte of Cape Verde, Samura Kamara of Sierra Leione, Thomas Sakala of Zimbabwe and Birama Sidibe of Mali, all boast impressive academic and executive credentials.
Four of them are serving government ministers while three others can be considered AfDB insiders, having held top positions in the bank before branching out to other undertakings of similar stature. Two of the contestants boast vast private sector experience with the likes of Citibank and Shelter Afrique the continent’s housing financier.
Kenya has committed to support Ethiopian candidate since the country stepped down to allow Nairobi to host the World Trade Organization Ministerial conference in November this year. However there are still bets of whether the bank will choose to have its first female president in Ms Duarte or to have the first president from Anglophone Africa from among Mr. Sakala, Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Adesina.
