AfDB delegation assesses projects

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A DELEGATION from the African Development Bank (AfDB) will visit Zimbabwe this week to evaluate projects funded by the regional financial institution in the country.

A DELEGATION from the African Development Bank (AfDB) will visit Zimbabwe this week to evaluate projects funded by the regional financial institution in the country.

The AfDB has invested some $195 million in support of Zimbabwe’s economic governance initiatives, infrastructure rehabilitation and private sector development programmes since 2011.

“These annual field visits aim to examine the effectiveness of bank policies and strategies, across a number of key sectors,” said Mahomed Rafique, the bank’s executive director representing Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe on the board of directors in a statement.

“They involve consultation with the bank’s key shareholders and stakeholders, as well as project visits. They are designed to identify gaps in the Bank Group’s operations, and to offer solutions.”

The delegation will comprise 10 directors and two senior advisors. After Zimbabwe, the delegation will visit Mozambique from March 28 to April 4.

The visit will focus on projects in natural resources management and governance, finance sector management and private sector development.

“These visits are a critical part of our annual agenda.  Executive directors are mandated by the board to evaluate the quality of the bank group’s support to its regional member countries,” said Rafique.

“It is an opportunity to look again at the social, economic and political challenges we confront and to see how the Bank’s work complements that of other donors.

“They look closely at the challenges of achieving regional integration and inclusive growth, of combating climate change, of enhancing the role of the private sector, and of promoting small and medium enterprises.” — The Source