The African Development Bank Group's updated Integrated Safeguards System (ISS), approved by the Board of Directors on 12 April 2023, has come into force since 31 May 2024.
The updated policy, replacing the version approved in 2013, provides a comprehensive framework to ensure that all Bank-supported operations prioritize environmental and social sustainability while promoting inclusive growth across Africa. It also clarifies the bank's roles, responsibilities, and accountability to borrowers and clients.
The updates in the ISS will align the bank more closely with other multilateral development banks on community health and safety, gender-based violence, and stakeholder engagement in high-risk operations.
Other improvements include strengthening provisions on environmental and social requirements for value chains. Processes for resettlement financing as part of overall project costs and borrower eligibility for bank financial assistance have also been clarified.
"The ISS reflects the Bank's unwavering commitment to responsible development through the wise and sustainable use of the Continent's precious Natural Capital and the safeguarding of the rights and well-being of communities," said Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, Senior Vice-President of the Bank Group. "By integrating the requirements of the ISS in all Bank-supported operations, we not only mitigate risks but also enhance the long-term sustainability and positive impact of the Bank-supported operations."
The process for the preparation of the updated ISS started in early 2019. It involved an independent evaluation exercise and broad-based consultation with internal and external stakeholders in the bank's regional member countries and non-regional partners.
The updated ISS is anchored on three key pillars:
- Environmental Sustainability: Ensuring that Bank-supported operations minimize adverse environmental and social risks and impacts,
- Social Inclusivity: Fostering true inclusive participation in decision-making processes and protecting the rights of communities, including the vulnerable, and
- Transparency and Accountability: Promoting transparency in project planning and implementation and holding all stakeholders accountable to the highest standards of integrity to ensure sound environmental and social governance.
The updated ISS is available on the Bank's website in four languages: Arabic, English, French and Portuguese.
The Environmental and Social Guidance Notes (ISS Guidance Notes) for borrowers and clients associated with the approved ISS are also available on the Bank's website.
