The African Development Bank (AfDB), a founding member of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), will participate in the ACBF Summit marking its 20th anniversary, from 8-9 February 2011 in Kigali, Rwanda, on the theme, "The Future of Africa is Now! The Critical Role of Capacity Development".
The AfDB delegation will be led by President Donald Kaberuka, accompanied by the Chief Economist, Mthuli Ncube, and staff from several departments. President Kaberuka will, on 9 February, deliver a statement on "Commitment to Capacity".
In line with its capacity development strategy, the AfDB has consistently supported the operations of ACBF and looks forward to a strengthened partnership going forward. Since the inception of ACBF, the AfDB has contributed or pledged a total amount of USD 36 million, including a recent grant of USD 12 million. Since its creation, ACBF has implemented 238 programs and projects in 44 African countries.
ACBF has made a tremendous contribution to strengthening capacity building in Africa. It has been at the forefront of strengthening indigenous capacity for development policy formulation, deepened the interface between the public sector, the private sector and civil society and contributed to the reversal of the brain drain and the effective utilization of existing capacity.
Indeed, the 20th Anniversary Summit marks a major milestone in the ACBF's strategic vision. It aims to rejuvenate and reinvigorate commitment to capacity building on the African continent at the highest level of policy making; share lessons and best practices in capacity building; and, raise further awareness about the critical role of capacity in economic and social development.
About 500 participants will attend the Summit, including eminent personalities such as President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Prime Ministers Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, Raila Odinga of Kenya, Gilbert Houngbo of Togo and the African Union Commission Chairperson, Jean Ping. In addition, several finance and planning ministers and development partners are expected to attend the event.
Contacts
Sibry Tapsoba