Gabon special economic zone

The most intriguing characterization of the new Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs), endorsed by world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, came from Amina Mohammed, assistant secretary-general of the United Nations and special advisor on Post-2015 Development Planning. During a panel discussion at the African Leadership Forum on September 24, Ms. Mohammed described the SDGs in a novel way, as “17 opportunities for investment.”  Ms. Mohammed’s comment is a recognition that the private sector will play an important role in achieving the 17 SDGs, especially those related to food security, climate change, education, health, sanitation and water, gender equality, and reliable sources of energy.The SDGs bring in a new player: the private sectorWhy is the role of business in the SDGs important?For the first time, the private sector has a recognized role in achieving the global development agenda. Indeed, in the Millennium Development Goals … [Read more...] about The Sustainable Developments Goals, Business, and the Development Challenge in Africa

Leading the NewsLibyaOn August 13th, the latest round of the United Nations (U.N.)-facilitated Libyan political dialogue concluded in Geneva, Switzerland. According to the U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the parties reiterated their conviction that there can be no alternative to peace in Libya outside the U.N. dialogue process. In addition, UNSMIL reported participants emphasized the need to set aside partisan agendas and uphold the country’s higher national interests and underscored their determination to conclude the dialogue process as soon as possible, with a target date within the coming three weeks. The conclusion of the latest round of talks was noted here.On August 14th, Reuters reported around 37 people have been killed in clashes between Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters and a Salafist Muslim group battling for control of Sirte. Fighting began last week when the Salafist Muslim group attacked ISIL militants in the area, accusing them of … [Read more...] about U.N. Support Mission in Libya, World Health Organization and more: Africa Update for August 20, 2015

Egypt On July 30th-31st, the U.S. Embassy in Egypt announced plans to deliver eight F-16 fighter jets to Egypt approved as part of a military package that was unfrozen earlier this year. Delivered to Cairo West Air Base, the jets were flown directly from the U.S. and immediately integrated into the Egyptian Air Force. Four more F-16s will be delivered to Egypt this fall and the U.S. will continue to provide follow-on support, maintenance, and training for Egyptian Air Force pilots and ground crews. On August 1st-3rd, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Tom Malinowski was on travel to Cairo, Egypt, to join Secretary of State John Kerry for the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue. In addition to participating in meetings led by Secretary Kerry, Assistant Secretary Malinowski also met with members of Egyptian civil society and political parties. His meetings were noted here.On August 2nd, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Cairo for the … [Read more...] about Africa Update for August 6, 2015

South Sudan On August 25th, a panel of United Nations (U.N.) experts monitoring U.N. sanctions on South Sudan released a report disclosing evidence that South Sudanese soldiers raped children, burned people alive in their homes, and hunted others for days as part of its tactics in the country’s recent civil war. U.N. investigators noted extreme violence against civilians, committed by all parties to the political conflict. On August 25th, U.N. Special Representative for South Sudan and head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Ellen Margrethe Loj briefed the U.N. Security Council on peace negotiations in the country. She reported that rival parties in South Sudan were anticipated to convene a mini-summit on August 26th, during which the South Sudanese Government was expected to sign the agreement already endorsed by former Vice President Riek Machar. While a final agreement appeared within reach, Special Representative Loj warned the security situation on the ground … [Read more...] about Africa Update for August 27, 2015