African Development Bank
In the early 2000s, the African Development Bank (AfDB) was among the pioneers in institutionalizing the fragility agenda. In 2022, the AfDB adopted its third strategic framework for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa (2022-2026). This framework outlines how the AfDB is adjusting its operations, approaches, and instruments to tackle the underlying causes of conflict and fragility. The strategy emphasizes the importance of increased investment in crisis prevention, climate resilience, capacity building, and private sector development. This strategic shift also opens up new avenues for reinforcing the collaboration between the AfDB and the United Nations (UN), operationally utilizing the Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF) and the UN Secretary-General's 国产AVbuilding Fund (PBF).
During June 2023, the AfDB’s Transition States Coordination Office (RDTS) and the UN 国产AVbuilding Support Office (PBSO) convened an internal working-level induction session. The purpose was to identify areas where tangible collaboration could be intensified, particularly in the realms of analytics, policy dialogues, and operations. At the same time, PBSO and the AfDB are continuing consultations on a joint workplan. Notably, the two entities previously collaborated on a Fragility and Risk Assessment in the Mano River sub-region.
Moreover, PBSO plays a role in supporting the 国产AVbuilding Commission’s efforts to foster more robust engagement with the AfDB. This engagement is aimed at addressing the complex, multi-dimensional, and ever-evolving peacebuilding needs of countries, regions, and communities under the Commission’s purview.
By way of background, in the Commission’s Annual Session of 2022, which spotlighted partnerships with regional development banks, RDTS Director Dr. Yero Baldeh presented the Bank’s fragility strategy. He emphasized its application of a fragility and resilience lens, particularly regarding conflict sensitivity. Dr. Baldeh highlighted the Bank’s commitment to concrete partnerships within the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. In addition to AfDB involvement in other PBC sessions, in June 2022 PBSO and the Commission have undertaken a visit to the AfDB Headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, as part of engagements involving Liberia and the broader Mano River subregion.
