The cooperation between the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the African Union’s specialised agency for capacity building in Africa and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) continues to grow from strength to strength, with clear evidence of how strategic partnerships bridge the finance, knowledge and expert gaps that challenge development in Africa. ACBF and BADEA have since 2017, been working together to support capacity development activities in selected sub-Saharan African countries for women entrepreneurs and women in agriculture. The thrust of these two development institutions is to strengthen the economic security of women by enhancing their knowledge and skills to manage their businesses and improve their business environment, in recognition of the critical role that women play in the development process.
Professor Emmanuel Nnadozie, the Executive Secretary for ACBF, met with Dr. Sidi Ould TAH Director General for BADEA and held discussions on strengthening the partnership of both organisations. The two organisation heads expressed their pleasure in how the partnership is progressing. This includes the successful training of women in agriculture and business, which not only tackle the knowledge gap in women but promote economic security, reduce the effects of poverty and steer development in African communities.
The main discussion centred around how ACBF can partner with BADEA in the implementation of the BADEA 2030 Strategy, which also aligns with the ACBF Strategy 2017-2021. The success of the women empowerment programs being run by the two organisations will indeed provide a spring board through which the partnership can be upscaled for the benefit of the Continent.
While in Sudan, Prof. Nnadozie also took the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as well as the Ministry ofLabor and Social Development. The purpose of these meetings was for the Executive Secretary to get a full understanding of the direction that the new transitional direction is taking achieve democracy.
One of ACBF’s priority areas under its current strategy is to focus on countries affected by crisis and conflict. ACBF offered to support Sudan by carrying out a capacity needs assessment and consulting with other development partners on the best way forward.
