Over 100 influential African and international chief executives, world leaders, and artists have come together to sign the Abidjan Accord, a pivotal call to action urging G20 governments to increase their contributions to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund dedicated to alleviating poverty in 77 developing nations, many of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Abidjan Accord Calls for G20 Support
The signing took place during the ‘Economic Development Assembly: Advancing Africa’s Future,’ held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The Abidjan Accord makes an urgent appeal to the wealthiest nations to support Africa’s development by targeting a $120 billion replenishment for the 21st funding round of the IDA (IDA21). The funds aim to secure favorable terms for the poorest countries this December. Among the high-profile signatories were representatives from global corporations like Intel and Cisco, alongside key public sector leaders such as Heinz Fischer, former president of Austria; Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. treasury secretary; Leo Varadkar, former prime minister of Ireland; Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, and Stefan Lofven, former prime minister of Sweden.
Artists and Philanthropists Lend Their Voice
In addition to political and business leaders, the accord received backing from well-known artists and philanthropists. Notable supporters included musicians and artists like Ariel Wayz, Berla Mundi, Folarin Falana (Falz), Femi Kuti, Gyakie, Jeune Lio, Made Kuti, Nomzamo Mbatha, Sophy Aiida, and Stonebwoy. The philanthropic community was also represented, with figures like Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former executive director of UN Women and South Africa’s deputy president, as well as organizations such as the ONE Campaign.
Driving Strategic Investments for Africa
The two-day Economic Development Assembly, where the Abidjan Accord was signed, was designed to push forward strategic investments across the African continent. It featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Alassane Ouattara, president of Côte d’Ivoire; Robert Beugré Mambé, prime minister of Côte d’Ivoire; Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, president of Mauritania and chairperson of the African Union; Julius Maada Bio, president of Sierra Leone; Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, president of Togo; and Umaro Sissoco Embaló, president of Guinea-Bissau.
Hosted by Cameroonian actress and philanthropist Sophy Aiida, the event also featured captivating performances from artists such as Falana, Jeune Lio, and South African music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Other notable attendees included actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha and actor-writer Gbenga Akinnagbe.
A Global Movement to Combat Poverty
The Abidjan Accord represents a united effort to address poverty on a global scale, with African leaders, CEOs, artists, and philanthropists collaborating to secure vital funding. The call for a $120 billion replenishment in the IDA fund aims to drive long-term change in Africa, ensuring that the continent’s poorest nations receive the support they need to overcome economic challenges. With the collective influence of this powerful coalition, the accord seeks to inspire world leaders to commit to a brighter future for Africa and other developing nations.
Source: BusinessDay