West and Central Africa face significant challenges that hinder sustainable development, exacerbated by rapid population growth and acute food insecurity affecting millions. Conflicts in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central Sahel deepen vulnerabilities, while economic stagnation persists due to a lack of diversification and infrastructural deficiencies. A UNDP report analyses interventions in the region from 2017 to 2021, aiming to refine strategies and promote regional integration to effectively address these challenges and enhance community resilience.
Compounding challenges impact sustainable development trajectories in West and Central Africa. West and Central Africa face a multitude of challenges that impede its socio-economic development. The region is experiencing rapid population growth, with projections indicating a near doubling of its population by 2050. This demographic expansion places immense pressure on already strained resources and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. Currently, over 28 million individuals in the region suffer from acute food insecurity, with an additional 58 million facing severe food shortages, particularly in nations like Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The prevalence of eight prolonged crises, including escalating turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central Sahel, further complicates the region's development trajectory. Economic stagnation persists, characterised by a lack of sectoral diversification, soaring national debt, inadequate rural infrastructure, and barriers to intra-regional trade. These challenges collectively hinder developmental progress and perpetuate cycles of poverty and instability in the region.
Building on a comprehensive learning architecture, findings inform UNDP investment approaches and promote regional integration. The report scrutinises and enhances the efficacy of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) interventions in West and Central Africa between 2017 and 2021. Housed within the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (UNDP WACA), the report evaluates the broader efforts of the Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) in supporting 24 countries to tackle developmental challenges and cultivate resilience in communities facing fluid security conditions. Through meticulous analysis, the report identifies strengths and weaknesses in past and current UNDP interventions, with a focus on promoting inclusive, economically diversified, job-intensive, and green development pathways. It also aims to bolster regional integration through initiatives addressing migration, trade, and remittances, informing future UNDP interventions in the region to ensure they are strategically aligned, impactful, and resilient.
UNDP does not account for the lion’s share of ODA, representing just 1% of development assistance towards West and Central Africa. At the same time, there are opportunities for UNDP to tap into the 89% of ODA targeting its core areas, through strategic partnerships with IFIs and the private sector, that utilise its own comparative advantages
Key Take-aways
The report emphasises the need for a coherent and impactful approach to UNDP interventions in West and Central Africa, advocating for a regional portfolio strategy to enhance partnerships and financing. It outlines actionable steps to address cross-border challenges, promote trade integration, leverage remittances, and foster green economies. Additionally, the report identifies gaps in reporting and urges improved collaboration and innovative financing to unlock the region's potential for resilience.
Harnessing Regional Synergies: The UNDP Regional Hub aids in advancing inclusive and green development pathways while promoting socio-economic ties like trade and migration.
Promoting Regional Trade Integration: Facilitating integration into AfCFTA can boost intra-regional trade and job creation, especially for MSMEs.
Leveraging Remittances and Migration: Championing FinTech solutions can empower sectors like agriculture, but investments in digitalisation are crucial.
Addressing Regional Integration Gaps: Despite strong linkages, gaps exist in covering opportunities like trade and migration, which UNDP can leverage to kick-start development.
Peer-to-Peer Learning: UNDP facilitates knowledge exchange in climate-smart programmes, enhancing climate finance utilisation.
Enhancing Accountability: UNDP must update tracking methodologies to monitor progress towards inclusive development.
Balanced Financing Approach: UNDP's grant advantage can support debt management and access to longer-term financing, especially for climate initiatives.
Portfolio Approach: Transitioning to a portfolio strategy enables UNDP to scale best practices and diversify partnerships, ensuring no one is left behind.
