At the head of a large delegation, the World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa arrived in Conakry on Sunday July 16.
Scheduled to take place from July 16 to 18, Ousmane Diagana’s visit is part of a series of exchanges with the authorities and private-sector players with a view to improving collaboration.
Welcomed at Ahmed Sekou Toure airport by the Guinean Prime Minister and members of the transitional government, the head of the World Bank for Africa said that his stay would be used to listen to the authorities, and exchange views with the various development players. “Whether it’s the private sector or various populations – women, young people – and also to see the programs we have in Guinea, which are diverse and varied,” he said.
He recalled that Guinea has been a member of the World Bank for over half a century, and that the development of West Africa will not be possible without Guinea’s contribution, given its mineral and energy wealth.
“Guinea is an extremely important country for the World Bank. It is a country with significant potential to provide solutions for its own people, but also the development of the West African sub-region could not succeed without Guinea’s contribution, given its wealth in gold, energy and mining,” he added.
According to the World Bank’s Vice President for West and Central Africa, any support from the Bretton Woods institution will address the challenges facing the Guinean people.
The World Bank vice-president for West Africa recalled that the world is in a context of multiple crises.
“The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are weighing heavily, as is climate change. The crisis in Ukraine is driving up food prices. So, in this context, no country should remain without the support of the institutions that have been created to work with countries and, above all, in favor of populations,” he stressed.
The World Bank’s active portfolio in Guinea comprises 19 projects with a total commitment of $1.045 billion (12 national projects and 7 regional projects).
For the head of the transitional government, Mr. Diagana’s visit is an opportunity. Since September 5, 2021, the Republic of Guinea has been resolutely committed to rigorous, virtuous and sound management.
“We had put all our efforts into the fight against corruption. We are already delighted with the results Guinea has achieved,” Dr. Bernard said.
In early July, the World Bank announced that Guinea had changed its status. The country, led since September 2021 by Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya following his coup against Alpha Conde, is now classified as a middle-income country. The Prime Minister considers this an important development.
“We’re going to take advantage of this delegation’s presence to discuss the World Bank’s very important portfolio – water, agriculture, and infrastructure. We’re going to put all this to good use to improve the living conditions of our populations,” the head of government added.
According to our information, this visit will be an opportunity for Mr. Diagana to introduce to the Guinean authorities the World Bank’s new Director of Operations for Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea and Togo, Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, as well as the Bank’s new Resident Representative for Guinea, Issa Diaw.
ASD/ac/fss/abj/APA