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Africa's Cities of the Future

Africa's Cities of the Future

April 2016 www.un.org/africarenewal

Africa’s cities of the future

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Interview: Joan Clos, UN-Habitat

Bamboo: ’s untapped potential CONTENTS April 2016 | Vol. 30 No. 1 4 SPECIAL FEATURE COVER STORY Africa’s cities of the future 6 sparkles on the hills 8 wears a new look Joan Clos: is a tool for development 10 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (in orange tie) 12 regains it glamour at the closing of the Climate Summit in Paris last

December. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 14 David Nabarro: No one will be left behind 16 Africa looks to its entrepreneurs Mbeki panel ramps up against illicit financial flows 18 Editor-in-Chief 20 Boost in Japan-Africa ties Masimba Tafirenyika 22 Bamboo: Africa’s untapped potential Managing Editor The Paris climate deal and Africa 26 Zipporah Musau 28 Solar: Harvesting the sun 30 A new in the making? Sub-editor Kingsley Ighobor 32 overshadows internal conflicts 36 rising from the ashes Staff Writer 41 Speaking SDGs in African languages Franck Kuwonu

Research & Media Liaison DEPARTMENTS Pavithra Rao 3 Watch Design & Production 42 Wired Paddy D. Ilos, II 43 Books 43 Appointments Administration Dona Joseph

Cover photo: Kigali, the of . Panos/Sven Torfinn Distribution Atar Markman Africa Renewal is published in English and French organizations. Articles from this magazine may be by the Strategic Communications Division of the freely reprinted, with attribution to the author and Department of Public Information. to “United Nations Africa Renewal,” and a copy Its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of of the reproduced article would be appreciated. Africa Renewal is published by the United the United Nations or the publication’s supporting Copyrighted photos may not be reproduced. Nations, , on recycled paper.

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2 AfricaRenewal April 2016 AFRICA WATCH: QUOTABLES UN Women/J Carrier The pace of change we have seen over the decades is directly correlated to Demonstrators carry a Burundi flag during a protest in , Burundi. Reuters/G. Tomasevic the investment we have made. Where we made good investment in women and Slow progress in Burundi peace talks girls, the return is high and life changing. BY FRANCK KUWONU Meanwhile, independent human rights Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under- experts commissioned by the UN have Secretary-General and UN Women cores of Burundian continue started investigating alleged mass graves Executive Director at the opening of the Sto pour into the neighbouring states of in the country. “We have good access to 60th session of the Commission on the Rwanda, , , , and government officials, to the police and also Status of Women on 14 March 2016 the Democratic , to victims and civil societies,” Christof even as diplomatic efforts by the African Heyns, UN special rapporteur on extraju- At this time of grave Union and others increase pressure for dicial, summary or arbitrary executions, injustices, devastating an end to Burundi’s political crisis. The told the German broadcaster, Deutsche , mass displacement, number of people in forced exile has now Welle. The government continues to deny grinding and passed the 250,000 mark, according to the existence of any mass graves. other man-made causes of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees But while the violence of the past suffering, the International (UNHCR), and more than 400 people year seems to have abated, human rights Day of Happiness is a global have been killed since April. violations and targeted assassination are chance to assert that peace, Burundi’s difficulties began in April reportedly continuing on the ground. On well-being and joy deserve 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza 21 February two people were killed by primacy. controversially extended his term in office. gunmen while another was killed in a gre- Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary-general When UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- nade attack at a market in Bujumbura. during this year’s International Day of moon visited the capital, Bujumbura, at “Whereas dead bodies on the streets of Happiness marked on 20 March the end of February, Burundian authori- Bujumbura were a daily occurrence in the ties promised to free 2,000 political pris- second half of 2015, many abuses are now In this wealthy world of oners and lift the ban on two independent taking place under the radar, with security ours, no one should die radio stations as a sign of their commit- forces secretly taking people away and or have their dignity ment to resolving the crisis. refusing to account for them,” said destroyed just because Later, during a visit by an African , an international of lack of money. Union delegation, the Burundian govern- advocacy group, in its February 2016 Kristalina Georgieva, European ment further committed to accepting the report on Burundi. The government Commissioner for International deployment of 100 monitors and disputes the group’s findings. Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response at 100 human rights observers to help reduce Fears are growing that the cur- European Commission, the violence. The government had refused rent situation, if allowed to ahead of the World an initial offer of 5,000 Humanitarian soldiers in December. see page 41 Summit in May 2016

AfricaRenewal April 2016 3 One of the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals is to have sustainable cities that provide opportunities for all, including access to basic services, energy, housing and . In this special coverage, we look at some African cities like Lagos and Kigali that are on the move and others such as Abidjan and that are recovering.

FOCUS ON CITIES

A model of the future Kigali City. An ambitious Kigali development master plan aims to turn the city into the ‘Singapore of Africa’. Panos/Sven Torfinn Africa’s cities of the future Proper planning key to sustainable cities

BY BUSANI BAFANA

ith an annual economic pollution and crime, among others. representing over 1,000 African cities, growth rate of about “Urbanization in the Africa of today is describes sustainable cities as “cities of 5% over the last decade, an untapped tool for development and eco- the future today,” meaning those that can driven mainly by the com- nomic growth,” says Joan Clos, the execu- withstand the intense pressure from rapid Wmodities boom, African cities have seen tive director of UN-Habitat. development and urban investments but skyrocketing population growth, forcing Over the next 15 years, cities in Africa have a low impact on the environment. governments to face a host of development will experience higher growth rates than Economic growth and a rapidly grow- challenges. other regions of the world, predicts Oxford ing population of about 1 billion mean more Africa is urbanizing at a rate of 4% per Economics, a British firm that specialises in than in any other year, according to UN-Habitat, the United global forecasting and quantitative analysis continent, with major cities in Africa cur- Nations agency tasked with assisting for business and government, with Cape rently contributing about $700 billion to national programmes relating to human Town, , and the continent’s GDP. This figure is set to settlements through the provision of becoming Africa’s major economic grow to $1.7 trillion by 2030, notes Oxford capital and technical assistance, particu- giants. Economics. larly in developing countries. Population Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, the secre- UN-Habitat says rapid urbanization, shifts from rural to urban areas lead to a tary-general of United Cities and Local especially in cities in the developing world, number of challenges such as overcrowding, Governments-Africa (UCLG-A), a body is bringing challenges in the distribution

4 AfricaRenewal April 2016 of people and resources, as well as in land reforestation and the use of waste in energy hosted by UN-Habitat in October 2016 in use, which leads to inefficient land-use generation, among other measures. Quito, Ecuador. patterns. Cities growing horizontally are Given the economic and social chal- Countries attending Habitat III, the struggling to deal with increasing urban lenges faced by many African cities, can first UN world summit after the adoption populations and are not likely to be sus- they offer a high for residents of the SDGs and the Paris tainable over the long term because of through the provision of efficient basic ser- agreement, are expected to adopt the challenges with congestion, infrastructure, vices while at the same time ensuring that “New Urban Agenda” for the 21st century. pollution and social disaggregation. the environment is safe and clean? It is clear that urban planning requires An increase in migration from rural to a shift from viewing urbanization mainly urban areas can exacerbate poverty and as a problem, to seeing it as a tool for devel- inequality as people pour into the cities in opment, UN-Habitat says in UN-Habitat search of jobs and opportunities, straining Global Activities Report 2015: Increasing available services such as water, transpor- Synergy for Greater National Ownership. tation and garbage collection. At a meeting organized by UN-Hab- “Urbanization, particularly in the itat and the Economic Commission for developing world, has been accompanied Africa (ECA) in in March 2014, by increased levels of crime, violence, and called “The Role of Urbanization in the lawlessness. Global studies show that 60% Structural Transformation of Africa,” the of all urban residents in developing coun- director of political affairs at the African tries have been victims of crime at least Luanda, . AMO/Rodger Bosch Union Commission, Khabele Matlosa, once over the past five years, 70% of them said that African countries need to adopt in Latin America and Africa,” says UN- new development models designed to take Habitat’s website. “Yes, potentially,” says Mr. Mbassi, advantage of urbanization by facilitating Women and children are often the most adding that this would require a pace of structural transformation, creating jobs affected, especially when fear hinders their development in Africa that should not nec- and addressing social inequality and pov- access to basic services in the city. Crime essarily resemble that of the West. erty while creating habitable settlements and insecurity in the city restrict urban “We should plan cities according to their with equal opportunities for all. social and economic development, and often specific situations and the needs of the local jeopardize opportunities and policies that people, to ensure that cities include every- Starting smart to end support the poor in urban areas. one and the poor are not marginalized in Although with good planning urbani- terms of accessing all the services a city has zation, industrialization, sustained Sustainable cities to offer,” Mr. Mbassi told Africa Renewal in economic growth and human develop- The need for sustainable cities is particu- an interview. ment can be mutually reinforcing, there larly urgent, considering cities generate over is urgent need for safe settlements too, 70% of global carbon emissions. The one A new agenda according to a report by UN-Habitat, The billion dwellers worldwide suffer the Working with the UN Economic Com- State of the African Cities 2014: Re-Imag- impacts of air pollution from indoor cook- mission for Africa, UCLG-A developed ining Sustainable Urbanization. ing, proximity to traffic and industry, con- the Africa Urban Agenda (AUA) to be Sub-Saharan Africa has a slum popu- taminated water and inadequate sanitation, adopted by African leaders in July 2016. lation of 199.5 million, which, according to among other environmental health risks. UN-Habitat, is a sign of “a poorly planned UN-Habitat suggests a three-pronged and managed urban sector and, in par- approach to sustainable cities, based on ticular, a malfunctioning housing sector.” effective and comprehensive urban legisla- By 2030 Africa is home to big slums such as tion, proper urban planning and design, and Africa’s GDP will reach $1.7 West Point in ’s capital, Monro- adequate financing for projects. The three trillion from the current via, with more than 75,000 people, and principles can be levers for the transforma- ’s slum in , which is tion of cities and human settlements into $700 billion the largest in Africa, with over 2 million centres of environmental, economic and people. social sustainability. Africa requires around 4 million hous- Climate change is a recent considera- The Agenda consists of actions Africa ing units per year, with over 60% of the tion in the planning of sustainable cities. needs to take to improve its cities and set- demand required to accommodate urban Africa’s urban environments are particu- tlements and to promote urbanization as residents. Effective planning regulations larly susceptible to flooding and outbreaks a catalyst for Africa’s structural transfor- and their enforcement will help cities deal of diseases such as . However, these mation. It represents Africa’s inputs into with the growth of informal settlements can be mitigated through proper plan- the Global Urban Agenda to be adopted and provide a map for how the cities will ning, effective policy implementation, the at Habitat III, a conference on housing grow and develop, while promoting eco- protection of ecologically sensitive areas, and sustainable urban development to be nomic growth.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 5 CITIES ON THE MOVE Kigali sparkles on the hills Rwandan government implements an ambitious development master plan

BY BUSANI BAFANA

FOCUS ON CITIES

An artist impression (in the background) of a forthcoming shopping and office complex in Kigali. Panos/Sven Torfinn

wanda’s moniker, “land of a thousand hills,” In 2008, UN-Habitat awarded its Scroll of Honour not only attests to the country’s unique geog- to Kigali for its slum clearance and upgrading of urban raphy but also suggests the trajectory of amenities, particularly refuse collection and the provi- Kigali through its many crises to become a sion of housing, water and sanitation. 2015 Rmodel sustainable city. As Rwanda’s main business district and port of Kigali is one of Africa’s rising cities: it is clean and entry, Kigali is seen as an investment and economic hub Kigali was organised and, thanks to an ambitious national devel- in Africa. Already the city of more than a million people selected as opment plan, the city has become an ultramodern is one of Africa’s information technology hubs, making one of six metropolis that boasts recognizable social, economic it the country’s economic growth engine. African cities and environmental successes. It is a city under con- struction, in which new buildings are fast replacing Rebuilding after out of 67 cities outdated ones. Tarred, dual-carriage roads crisscross More than 20 years have passed since the Rwan- worldwide Kigali, providing a seamless connection between urban dan genocide that claimed hundreds of thousands for the 100 settlements and the fog-covered countryside uplands. of lives, deprived the country of decades of develop- Resilient Cities The city is now a preferred destination for many organ- ment, destroyed infrastructure and crippled essential Initiative of the izers of international conferences. services. Kigali’s transformation has benefitted from Rockefeller It is easy to understand why Kigali sparkles. Among determined efforts to forge national unity and actual- other impressive environmental measures, city gov- ise a new vision for the country. Foundation. ernment banned the importation of non-biodegradable Rwanda’s Vision 2020 is an ambitious development plastics and designated a day each month for the resi- master plan that, when fully implemented, will lure dents to clean the city and spruce up the surroundings. international investors. The government intends to It is difficult to find litter on Kigali streets. expand modern infrastructure and ensure the efficient

6 AfricaRenewal April 2016 delivery of services for Kigali residents, Already new complexes are being devel- development programme, which imple- including water, sanitation, energy and oped that combine office space with resi- ments a host of urban policies, including transportation. dential apartments. Also, under the Kigali those pertaining to physical planning, eco- Kigali has environmental and sustain- Urban Upgrading Program, informal set- nomic integration, social and environmen- ability goals that include a vision for a safer, tlements are being upgraded with the pro- tal sustainability, according to Aisa Kacy- cleaner and more competitive modern city. vision of services such as water, energy and ira, the deputy director of UN-Habitat. With more than 70% of its population (the roads, Mr. Nkurunziza said. “There is a need to make African cities bulk of whom are under 30) living in infor- liveable, functional and to serve as tools mal settlements, and an annual growth Sustainable design for peace-building in post-conflict coun- rate of more than 4%, the city expects Rwanda’s national sustainability agenda tries like Angola, Rwanda and Mozam- to increase investments in service deliv- includes plans to integrate urban and peri- bique,” said Ms. Kacyira. ery to meet the needs of a growing urban urban horticulture into Kigali’s develop- population. ment master plan. With guidance from Challenges the United Nations Food and Nevertheless, despite progress made so Open for business Organisation (FAO), authorities are pro- far, Kigali, and the whole country gener- Kigali’s official website highlights a plan moting the growing of fresh fruits and veg- ally, faces some underdevelopment chal- to “bring forward the most cutting-edge etables within the city to increase urban lenges, including a lack of adequate safe ideas for city and infrastructure planning, and boost farmers’ incomes. and clean water, sanitation, housing and based on the three prongs of sustainabil- They envision a cosmopolitan city with transportation services for all. Accord- ity: ecology, equity and economy. Sustain- green gardens. ing to the NGO WaterAid, which is based able management of land, water and biodi- The development of pedestrian and in the , 3 million Rwandans versity guided the development of the plan cycling corridors will be part of Kigali’s have no access to a safe and insofar as these elements are essential 5 million have no toilets. This has a huge factors for integrated urban design.” impact on health and As with other sustainable cities, plan- in the country, with over 2,000 children ning is key. Kigali’s well-thought-out master 2040 dying every year from preventable diar- plan was formally adopted in October 2013, the year Kigali is projected rhoeal diseases. and guides development until 2040 through As to housing, according to a study five-year development phases. The current to become a city of done by the Ministry of Infrastructure phase (2013 to 2018) prioritises rapid and affordable homes and green and the Rwanda Housing Authority, and effective urban development through its transport, ensuring reduced cited by the newspaper The East Afri- administrative structure and financial hubs. air pollution and congestion can, the country’s total housing needs The “master plan takes into account and conserving the city’s from 2012 to 2022 were estimated at the preservation of hillsides, forests and environment about 460,000 units, of which more than so that they may be available for 344,000 have yet to be constructed. future generations.... It uses the natural The study put the housing demand per cycles to provide efficient infrastructure annum at 60,000 units countrywide, with for water, drainage, water purification, public transit system, which will allow Kigali alone needing half of the number. biogas generation from waste and recy- for cycling and walking, and will reduce However, it estimated the supply at only cling,” says the city’s official website. car access to the CBD. The private sector, 1,000 units per year. “We are developing the city in phases local government, nongovernmental And in transportation, Rwanda has the (short, medium and long term), with the organisations, civil society and investors highest transport costs in the region, esti- first phase spanning 2013 to 2018, under are expected to support these efforts. mated at 40% of the value of its imports which we are developing the Kigali Cen- In 2015, Kigali was selected as one of or its exports, against 12% and 36% for tral Business District (CBD), which is the six African cities out of 67 cities worldwide Kenya and Uganda respectively, according most attractive area of the city in terms of for the 100 Resilient Cities initiative of to a review by the African Development commercial activities,” said city engineer the Rockefeller Foundation. The initiative Bank. The hope is that current efforts will Alphonse Nkurunziza, who coordinates focuses on helping cities address urbani- soon begin to bear fruit. the departments of urban planning and sation, climate change and globalisation “By 2040 we want to have Kigali as construction; infrastructure development; challenges through infrastructure devel- a city of affordable homes. We also want and master-plan inspection. opment that can cope with population a city of green transport, ensuring we “This phase includes high-rise build- growth. The provision of adequate water, reduce air pollution and congestion and ings and commercial complexes that match sanitation and public health services is conserve the city’s environment,” says the demand, as we want to decongest the CBD part of this initiative. city engineer. through eliminating unplanned commer- In addition, Colombia, , Mozam- For a city many already consider one cial buildings,” Mr. Nkurunziza told Africa bique, the Philippines and Rwanda were of Africa’s most beautiful, the future looks Renewal in an interview. selected to host a pilot sustainable urban promising.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 7 FOCUS ON CITIES

Lagos Island from Apogbon, overlooking Apapa Wharf. Africa Media Online/Ademola Akinlabi

CITIES ON THE MOVE Lagos now wears a new look City transforming from chaos of traffic congestion, rickety buses and pickpockets

BY KINGSLEY IGHOBOR

n oft-told tale of Lagos’s once- as positive changes can be seen in Afri- A fast-growing population (600,000 notorious traffic jams is that ca’s most populous city, with 21 million people added annually), without commen- of a taxi passenger stuck in a people. These days the greeting “Welcome surate improvements in snarl-up who left the vehicle, to Lagos” portends better news. such as housing, water and transporta- Awandered into a roadside restaurant to tion, had pushed Lagos to the cliff’s edge. eat, drank a beer, took a nap and returned Transformation foundation to the vehicle that had not moved an inch. The transformation of Lagos started “Manhattan” rises offshore He reached his destination several hours during the tenure of Bola Tinubu, Lagos There have been impressive infrastruc- later. State governor from 1999 to 2007. Mr. tural developments, but the plan to First-time visitors to Lagos about 10 Tinubu set forth a rescue operation that create a “new city” at the edge of Lagos years ago were warned, “This is Lagos.” That his successor, Babatunde Fashola, later is probably the most audacious. Dubbed meant that you should not expect help from continued. the “Manhattan of Africa,” Eko Atlantic anyone — but brace up for hard times ahead. There were political and economic ben- on Victoria Island consists of 10 million Fast-forward to 2016 and the traffic efits for such efforts. “Lagos is ’s square meters of land reclaimed from congestion, high crime rate, clogged gut- richest state, producing about $90 billion the ocean and protected by an 8.5 km ters and roads filled with garbage could a year in goods and services, making its seawall. Construction began in 2008, and soon become just a bad dream. These economy bigger than that of most African it consists of seven districts along the days Lagosians still regale each other countries, including and Kenya,” oceanfront, including a business district with anecdotes of the dystopian city even notes the Economist. that is expected to host major banks and

8 AfricaRenewal April 2016 insurance and oil companies, as well as realities of Lagos may thwart Mr. Tinubu’s Molues, were replaced by swanky new ones the Nigerian stock exchange, once con- ambitious plans; the city is collapsing as fast that use designated bus lanes. With sup- struction is fully completed. as it grows, disappearing under a mountain port of private operators, the government Lagos’s government reduced crime rates of rubbish.” But after 15 years of painstak- procured about 1,300 to run in by providing logistical support to the police ing efforts, that image of Lagos is slowly the city. force run by the federal government. It changing. In addition, an ambitious multibillion- installed closed-circuit television in most dollar light rail project that began in 2010 parts of the city and established skills acqui- Fashola’s strategy is set to be completed by December of this sition programmes for the “area boys”— After Mr. Tinubu exited, Mr. Fashola’s year. The project consists of seven lines, youths, mostly jobless, who extort money strategy was focused on three fronts. which, on completion, will further ease from drivers and passengers. It also set up First, he solicited citizens’ support for a Lagos city traffic. mobile courts to summarily try cases. new vision of Lagos. The slogan Eko o ni Oshodi market, located about five miles baje (Lagos must not spoil) rallied Lago- The journey is not finished from Murtala Mohammed International sians against the status quo. Second, he Nowadays Mr. Fashola’s efforts have won Airport, used to represent the good, the reformed the system, which resulted bipartisan praise, a phenomenon rarely bad and the ugly of Lagos: thousands of in an increase in tax revenues to $115 seen in Nigeria. Nobel laureate and social people to-ing and fro-ing; a cacophony of million per month in 2015, up from $3.2 critic Wole Soyinka says, “Fashola diag- voices at the highest decibels; rickety buses million in 1999. Tax compliance increased noses the problems and goes at it like a meandering through a sea of human beings; to 80%, up from about 30% in 2005. Third, skilled mechanic.” pickpockets on the prowl; people fighting at Mr. Fashola used the tax revenues to “There is no finish line in this journey,” one end, others dancing to loud music at the undertake ambitious transportation and says Mr. Fashola, whose term expired other end. Currently, most of what used to sanitation projects, including the creation in 2015 and who now oversees Nigeria’s be Oshodi market has been demolished, to of a rail network, bus lanes and a waste federal ministries of energy, works and make way for a “world-class bus terminus,” collection system, as well as massive road housing. Both he and his predecessor Mr. according to government officials. rehabilitation. Tinubu set a high bar. The jury is still “The place [Oshodi] was harbour- Under the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) out on the current governor Akinwunmi ing criminals and a number of untoward system, Lagos transportation “became Ambode, who took the reins in May 2015. activities,” said Steve Ayorinde, the current faster, safer, predictable, relatively cheaper But for Lagos, the city of the late Afrobeat Lagos state commissioner for information and more comfortable,” reported Van- icon Fela Kuti and the city from which and strategy, according to the Nigerian guard. The BRT itself created jobs for 2,500 Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, newspaper Vanguard. Mr. Fashola himself people. Most of Lagos’ notoriously old manages his business empire, the mantra regards Oshodi’s transformation as a water- and dangerous commercial buses, called continues to be Eko o ni baje indeed. shed moment. During his tenure, he often reminded Lagosians that, having trans- formed Oshodi, there was nothing they couldn’t achieve. Lagos is becoming a clean city. Thou- sands of workers can be seen late every night sweeping the roads and taking away the dirt. An efficient garbage collection service supports the cleaning efforts. More than one million tons of waste was deposited in public landfills in 2015, up from 71,000 tons in 2004. About 72% of Lagos residents cur- rently use a government-regulated waste disposal service; in 2005 only 42% used such a service. Nigerians are generally in disbelief regarding the new Lagos. “This is not the Lagos I used to know,” says Sanusi Turay, who manages a private security firm in the city. The new Lagos is a bit of an anomaly, Mr. Turay explains, with a tinge of sarcasm. “But, honestly, we are very happy things are changing for the better.” Just before Mr. Tinubu took over as governor in 1999, the BBC reported that “the Banana Island, Ikoyi, was reclaimed from the waters of Lagos Lagoon. Panos/George Osodi

AfricaRenewal April 2016 9 INTERVIEW Urbanization is a tool for development — Joan Clos

oan Clos is the Executive Director of the Nairobi-based United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). In this J interview with Newton Kanhema for Africa Renewal, Dr. Clos talks about the effects of urbanization in Africa and the forthcoming Habitat III, a major UN conference on housing and sustainable urban development to be held in Quito, Ecuador, in October 2016. The following are excerpts:

Africa Renewal: What are the conse- quences of Africa’s fast-growing urbani- zation, and should Africa control this phenomenon? Joan Clos: The share of the population living in African urban areas now is about 30%, but will rise to 50% in a very short period of time. That will present several challenges in both governance and the capacity of cities or even national gov- ernment to react. It’s important to have a national urban policy which can be trans- formed into local initiatives. Urbanization is more of an opportunity than a challenge because it goes in parallel with develop- ment. If governments plan and design urbanization well, they will enjoy the ben- efits that urbanization brings to a society. Urbanization will be a big opportunity for Africa in the coming years.

So what you are saying is that urbaniza- tion can bring benefits? Yes. In the way and pace that African societies are going, urbanization is a consequence of development and also the driving force for accelerating this development.

Many African governments tend to FOCUS ON CITIES develop new megacities in order to decon-

gest existing cities. Is this sustainable or Dr. Joan Clos is the Executive Director of the Nairobi-based United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN- Habitat). UN Photo/Rick Bajornas a fire brigade solution? Megacities tend not to be sustainable but not the size but the capacity of the cities What kind of support does UN-Habi- they are good evolutions for economic to develop, not spontaneously but in a tat provide to national governments to prosperity if they are well planned. In fact, well-designed and well-planned manner. develop environmentally sustainable there are many big cities around the world The problem is not the emergence of human settlements? that are much bigger than the megacities megacities, but the lack of planning. The We provide advice to member states on of Africa. , for example, has more challenge is how to transform megaci- strategies that can be applied to urbaniza- than 35 million people, compared to some ties so they can be productive without tion to increase efficiency and productiv- of Africa’s megacities that have around accumulating the problems of unplanned ity. This includes suggesting a national 10 to 12 million people. The question is urbanization. urban policy composed of three pillars.

10 AfricaRenewal April 2016 The first pillar is rules and regulations; livelihoods of people, such as employ- experiences on transforming urbaniza- this is important because urbanization is ment, income, training and human capi- tion as a tool for development. Very often about the rule of law. The second pillar is tal. Authorities need to provide affordable we approach urbanization as a problem about the quality of urban design, and the houses for the middle class. It’s a long of poverty, lack of services, etc., and not third is financial planning. Urbanization and difficult process; there’s no radical as an opportunity to accelerate the pace is a costly exercise which requires a lot of solution. of development. Habitat III will align resources. urbanization as a development tool Are there best practices in the world that with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable New cities are springing up in Africa African countries can adopt? What can we Development. but so too are slums. What kind of poli- learn from Kigali or Lagos? cies should African governments adopt to Well, there is a lot of experience in and Many African countries face huge urban- address the proliferation of slums? outside the region. There are no easy and ization problems. Without resources, Slums are a natural consequence of spon- quick solutions to urbanization because how can such countries implement poli- it is a process of transforming a society cies that provide for adequate human and it requires time. What is important settlement? is to approach the question with a good The issue of financing urbanization is strategy and a midterm and long-term a very complex one but economists say vision. And this is what we provide—a the wealth that urbanization generates is framework of ideas that address different much more than the cost of urbanizing. problems that cities face. We are help- The question is how to share the wealth ing Kigali to introduce new concepts for created by urbanization among all stake- city extension, well-planned urbaniza- holders. One of the tricky points that need tion, quality public spaces and a balance to be addressed is that urbanization is not between public spaces and buildable plots. just building buildings, but finding a bal- In Lagos we have a very interesting case of ance between the art and science of build- a big city that, although it’s mentioned as ing cities and building buildings. To many, the opening of a shopping mall with one of the mega-capitals of Africa, has the European and American brands is proof that the capacity to initiate policies that can gen- Are there elements of the recently signed erate income, sustain domestic services Paris agreement on climate change that city can now rival the trendiest world capitals in and transform the wealth of its habitants. illuminate the work that you do? fashion and quality consumer goods. Lagos is a good example of the approach Yes, climate change is important to other African cities should adopt. urbanization. This is particularly so in the developed world, where cities are a The major event on your calendar this source of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet year is Habitat III. How significant is this the effects of climate change are most felt event for the African continent? in the cities that do not have sufficient This is a very important meeting taking infrastructure. It’s a complex equation place in Quito, Ecuador, 20 years after that needs to be addressed globally. It Habitat II, which took place in Istanbul, means taking measures to reduce the Turkey. Habitat III will be a review of emission of greenhouse gases and helping urbanization over the past two decades. cities that suffer from the consequences It will also be the beginning of a process to adapt to new conditions. In some parts to implement agreed strategies on urbani- of the world cities are the main emitters zation for the next 20 years. There is no of greenhouse gases and in others cities doubt that urbanization is going to accel- suffer the worst from climate change. erate over the coming years and Africa

Dr. Joan Clos is the Executive Director of the Nairobi-based United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN- Habitat). UN Photo/Rick Bajornas will experience the most rapid pace in the Lastly, what is your message for Africa? world. I am happy that African leaders are Africa has a huge opportunity to address taneous urbanization. In that sense they mobilizing their governments for Habitat the new challenges of urbanization. It’s a should be considered a temporary out- III, as they will be actively participating, wave and it’s a process. They should devise come of development. In order to prevent engaging and deepening the debate on strategies that focus on the capacity of the slums, we need to accelerate develop- urbanization over the coming years. urbanization to generate prosperity. The ment. Slums should be integrated in a big question is how to direct this process, much better manner with proper rights What outcome can African leaders expect and with which objective and vision. I urge to housing. You cannot fight slums in from Habitat III? people in Africa and their governments to an isolated manner. What you need is Habitat III would provide an important take urbanization as an opportunity and an integrated policy that addresses the opportunity for African leaders to share as a tool for development.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 11 RECOVERING CITY Abidjan regains it glamour Spurred by Côte d’Ivoire’s current economic growth, the city is turning a corner

BY FRANCK KUWONU

FOCUS ON CITIES

Aerial view of the district of Plateau in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. UN Photo/Basile Zoma

it by an elaborate display of the fun and the dazzling fireworks, there the Deux-Plateaux area of Cocody took orange lights, one of the three are signs that Babi (as Abidjan residents just 35 minutes; in the past such a distance colours of Côte d’Ivoire’s flag, affectionately call their city) is getting back during rush hour would have taken two the city of Abidjan ushered in its lustre and rebuilding its infrastructure in hours or more. L2016 with a spectacular fireworks display. dozens of construction sites across the city. The new Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, For 25 minutes revellers in the commer- The combined effects of an armed con- named after a former president, and its cial capital that calls itself the “perle des flict, which began in 2002, and an intense connecting bypass on the Valéry Giscard lumières” (pearl of lights) were treated post-election crisis in 2011 left much of the d’Estaing Boulevard in Marcory are other to dazzling displays of colour in the sky city infrastructure dilapidated. The swift major infrastructural developments. New above the Ebrié Lagoon. completion in 2014 of a much-needed bridge hotels under construction and old ones On the lagoon shore, in the towering on the Ebrié Lagoon was the first sign of the being rehabilitated are part of the city’s hotels along the shallow waters and in the city’s renewal. Construction of the bridge urban renewal programme. Treichville Cultural Palace, some of the Ivo- had been delayed for almost two decades. A growing number of foreign travel- rians Africa Renewal talked to were upbeat lers are once again flocking to the city, and hopeful for a good year ahead. The cel- Infrastructure renewal attracted by the country’s economic per- ebrations apparently captured the mood in Linking the north and the south of the formance. In 2015 Côte d’Ivoire posted an the country and the official narrative is that city, the 1.5 km toll bridge saves commut- economic growth rate of about 8%, accord- Abidjan is now “back in business.” ers hours they would have spent in slow- ing to the . The economy is “Pheno-me-nal!” was how Fraternité moving traffic. In early January 2016, forecast to maintain the same rate in 2016. Matin, the main daily newspaper in Abidjan, for example, after a holiday weekend, a The ’s described the fireworks show. But beyond rush-hour 17-km ride to the airport from (AfDB) decision in 2013 to bring back its

12 AfricaRenewal April 2016 headquarters from to Abidjan was was often referred to as “the Paris of West clothing store with a huge photo of the considered one of the earliest signs of Africa” and its business district “the Man- Eiffel Tower in the background. “A very international institutions’ renewed con- hattan of ” because it was fitting spot,” he said, striking a pose. “The fidence in Côte d’Ivoire. considered one of the foremost African developed world has come to Babi and I The AfDB, which helped finance cities in terms of fashion, culture and the need to show people that I was here.” the new bridge in Abidjan, along with . To many, the opening Yet despite the festive New Year’s cel- the World Bank, the ECOWAS Bank for of a shopping mall with European and ebrations, chronic problems of income Investment and Development (EBID), American brands is proof that the city can inequality continue to fester. Gbich, a the China Exim Bank and several French now rival the trendiest world capitals in satirical and arguably the most popular companies, has invested heavily in infra- fashion and quality consumer goods. news magazine in Abidjan, carried a head- structure financing, including for road “Let me tell you,” Sonia Ngoyet told line: “Before we knew it, 2015 is over. rehabilitation and construction. Africa Renewal, “the quality and taste of Yet we have nothing to show for it.” Not the burger or the hot dog at the food court all Ivorians have shared in the nation’s High-end retail is as good as the ones I’ve tasted in . new wealth. “Some of us are left behind,” With the economic boom and the city’s Having a Burger King here in Abidjan is Anselme Kouadio, a street hustler on Rue growing influx of expatriates, and a just fantastic.” Ms. Ngoyet and Christelle des Jardins in Cocody, complained. “Talks flourishing middle class with disposable Amou, both salespersons at the Aseke Oro of bridges and roads being built don’t fill income and a willingness to spend, the service industry, including restaurants and high-end retail shops, is picking up. To many, the opening of a shopping mall with In December 2015 a new 20,000-square- European and American brands is proof that the metre shopping mall opened in the city can now rival the trendiest world capitals in southern neighbourhood. Named the PlaYce Marcory, the mall comprises 55 fashion and quality consumer goods. shops, in addition to a hypermarket and a food court. The shops include a Car- Jewellery store, one of the locally owned the belly. Real jobs are what we need, so refour hypermarket, the first branch of stores in the mall, said they were happy to we also can enjoy what the city offers. the French retail and grocery group to be working at the mall. But unfortunately, they are few and far be opened in sub-Saharan Africa, and between for young people like us.” branches of L’Occitane en Provence, an Youth employment lags Even the World Bank observed in 2015: international skin care and fragrance Aly Diallo, a regional correspondent for “There are disparities in access to basic retailer, and Brosway, an Italian jeweller. the state-run Fraternité Matin, travelled services, and gender disparities across “PlaYce represents something good from the countryside to spend the holi- wealth and urban-rural groups”. It is for Africa. It shows that Africa has now days with his family. He went window- estimated that only 57% of the Ivorian entered the consumption market,” trade shopping and ended up buying a few items population had access to clean water and minister Jean-Louis Billon said at the from the French Carrefour hypermarket. improved sanitation by 2009, far below the opening. But what he wanted most was to have his 81% target of the MDGs”. In its golden days during the 1980s and picture taken in the mall to show that A recent World Bank report, “The up to the early , Abidjan, with its he “was a part of history.” After trying a Might of the Elephant — Benefitting from towering skyline and surrounding lagoon, few photo spots, he finally settled for a Strong Growth to Create Better Jobs,” says about 9 out of 10 young graduates are still struggling to make a decent living. Campaigning in 2010, “President Ouat- tara promised to create a million jobs for the youth,” Kobri Borgia, the editor of the biweekly La Tribune de l’Economie told Africa Renewal. “Five years later, the jury is still out,” he says. Again in 2015, President Ouattara pledged to make youth employment a pri- ority for his last mandate. While time will tell, Mr. Borgia asserts that “making sure the strong economic growth works for all, including providing employment, is key to Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable growth.” The World Bank report came to the same

President Alassane Ouattara visiting the PlaYce mall. Reuters/Thierry Gouegnon conclusion.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 13 INTERVIEW SDGs: No one will be left behind — David Nabarro

avid Nabarro is the new special adviser to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on sustainable development goals D (SDGs), a plan of action for ending poverty adopted by UN member states in September 2015 to replace the Millennium Development Goals. Dr. Nabarro will work with member states to implement SDGs by 2030. The following are excerpts of his interview with Masimba Tafirenyika for Africa Renewal.

Africa Renewal: Let me start with the significance of your appointment. This NO POVERTY is probably one of your most challenging tasks. What came to your mind when you first heard about your new assignment? David Nabarro: Well, the secretary-gen- ZERO eral telephoned me in December asking HUNGER whether I would be ready to do this job. The first thing I thought was: I’m being asked to succeed Amina Mohammed who was an extraordinary, charismatic leader GOOD HEALTH who helped the UN give birth to sus- AND WELL-BEING tainable development goals. So it was an honour to be asked to do this job. It is a huge and daunting responsibility. At the same time, it’s a job that is enormously QUALITY important because the SDGs set out a plan for the future of the world’s people and the planet. It’s a tough job because I’m being asked to help the secretary-general to ensure that the ambitions of world leaders GENDER are properly fulfilled. EQUALITY

Your main task will be to work with member states and other stakeholders to implement the 2030 Agenda. What does this involve? Most of the work to implement the 2030

Agenda for Sustainable Development is David Nabarro, UN Secretary-General’s special adviser on the sustainable development goals. UN going to be done by the member states themselves —governments and the differ- ent institutions within countries. We’re Who is responsible for implementing It is estimated that trillions of dollars already seeing signs that countries are SDGs? Can governments be held account- will be required over the next 15 years moving fast to get their national plans able if they do not implement them? to finance SDGs. Where will this money aligned with this agenda. They’ll be sup- The goals are owned by world leaders come from and are you going to advocate ported by the UN and backed by a big on behalf of their people. So in truth, for more resources for poor countries? movement of civil society, business, faith the accountability is between national The SDGs apply to every country in the organizations, academic groups, the media governments and their people, with the world. The concept that world leaders had and others. My job is to help the secretary- people having the right to expect that when they developed these goals was that general keep an eye on who’s doing what the goals will be addressed in their own they would underlie every national devel- and where he can put his energy to try and countries and to demand this of their opment plan of all countries. That means advance the process. leaders. existing spending by governments should

14 AfricaRenewal April 2016 be adjusted to align to the SDGs. find themselves being attracted to and country-centred. It’s up to CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION A lot of the money will come from extremist behaviour. I see invest- the countries to decide on the tar- existing national budgets. But of ment in the SDGs as an absolute gets and indicators to use. It will course extra money will be needed. prerequisite to reduce the risk of not be for some external group to Some of these goals are going to be violent extremism. prescribe. AFFORDABLE AND expensive. But they will be needed CLEAN ENER GY particularly in poorer countries to One of the challenges that faced the As the saying goes “if everything is help ensure that there are oppor- MDGs was the absence of regular important then nothing is.” What tunities for everybody and nobody national performance reports. Are would you consider to be the most gets left behind. For that, develop- there plans to ensure citizens are important SDGs that African coun- DECENT WORK AND ment financing is critical, supple- informed through regular reports tries could prioritize? ECONOMIC GROWTH mented in some cases by private on the SDGs? I’ve worked in development for sector investment. To ensure that The 2030 Agenda is going to be more than 40 years and I’ve seen development funds are available, regularly followed up and reviewed the reality of life particularly for [donors] will be asked to maintain by all countries. This will be done poor and vulnerable people. Their INDUSTRY, INNOVATION their assistance and not to reduce through an annual mechanism lives are interconnected. Issues in AND INFRASTRUCTURE it because of domestic pressures. called the High-Level Political agriculture, in climate, in gender One of our jobs within the UN is Forum which will provide an oppor- equity, in health and education tend to advocate for continued develop- tunity for nations to explain what to be linked in a very intense way. ment assistance for poor countries. they have done on the SDGs. It’s You can’t take one area, one aspect REDUCED a transparent way so people can of human existence and deal with it INEQUALITIES Experts say some of the money question the performance of their out of sync with another aspect. So needed to finance SDGs could come governments and seek to under- I actually do believe that all the dif- from curbing illicit financial flows. stand why certain activities might ferent issues identified in the SDGs The 2030 agenda calls for reduc- not have performed as well as they are important and if you take one SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES tions in illicit financial flows and should have but also to appreciate part out it is like taking a big stone the need to strengthen the recovery areas which have performed well. out of the middle of the arch of the and the return of stolen assets. bridge; the whole of the bridge will What are your views on this? Many countries or regions have fall down. I believe all of them are RESPONSIBLE The most important requirement their own development plans. For important. CONSUMPTION for governments is for fair and example, the has the AND PRODUCTION transparent systems to ensure Agenda 2063. How will the SDGs What makes you optimistic that 15 money needed for the public sector square up with these plans? years from now, for the most part, benefits the people. This is the core The SDGs were agreed to by all the world will attain the SDGs? CLIMATE set of principles underlying the world leaders, and they knew I am optimistic because I have seen ACTION SDGs. If, by any chance, [money already that there were some activi- the incredible capacity of people is] moved from countries without ties in their countries that directly all over the world to come together proper accountability or if there is reflected what’s in the SDGs. The around agreed objectives that diversion of money [to avoid paying] idea is not to completely redesign improve human conditions and to LIFE not just in poor countries, national plans but instead to align work hard to achieve results. In BELOW WATER then this undermines the realiza- them with the SDGs. In some places the news we hear about situations tion of SDGs. That’s why proper that means leaving things as they where things are not good. But for use of tax revenue and proper use are. In others, it means changing every account of things going badly, of government finance is absolutely them so that they are better aligned. there are thousands of accounts of LIFE key for the SDGs to be realized. things going well. They just don’t ON LAND Let’s now talk about SDG targets. get in the news. It’s an optimism Are you concerned that the global Who is involved in drawing them that makes me feel certain that fight against terrorism and extrem- up? Are the targets the same for people will come together and ism could pull resources away from both rich and poor countries? achieve the goals by putting spe- PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG funding SDGs? The SDGs targets are offered to cial emphasis on climate change, on INSTITUTIONS When I talk to governments in countries to help them judge pro- gender equity, on protracted crises, countries affected by extremism gress on achieving the goals. The on human rights, and on financing and terrorism, I hear that they indicators, which apply to each for development. PARTNERSHIPS would like to have more resources of the targets, are also available FOR THE GOAL S to fulfil the SDGs so that younger for countries to assess progress. people, particularly those that have The [process] is country-first, it’s received some education, do not country-based, it’s country-focused

AfricaRenewal April 2016 15 Africa looks to its entrepreneurs A useful strategy in the toolbox to reduce youth unemployment

BY RAPHAEL OBONYO

ith a majority of Afri- Today, is seen as one that is focused on skills development, can nations diversifying of the most sustainable job generation resource provision and access to markets. from traditional sources tools in Africa. Roselyn Vusia, a human This seems to be bearing fruit,” she says. of income, entrepreneur- rights advocate, points out that Uganda’s The importance of entrepreneurship Wship is increasingly seen as a key to eco- youth unemployment estimated to be 83% was underscored at the July 2015 Global nomic growth. So far, entrepreneurship according to the African Development Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) held in has yielded huge returns for entrepre- Bank’s 2014 report, is one of the highest the Kenyan capital Nairobi, attended by US neurs, and according to experts, there in Africa. President , entrepreneurs lies great untapped potential to drive the Unemployment around the continent from over 100 countries and a group of African continent into its next phase of is also worrying. A 2013 study by Brook- American investors, among others. development. ings Institution, a Washington DC-based Speaking at the summit, President A study released in June 2015 by think tank, found that African youth Obama lauded entrepreneurship for its Approved Index, a UK-based business net- (15-24 years) constitute about 37% of the promise for Africa with participants at the working group, ranked Africa as among working age population. The same age GES agreeing with him that entrepreneur- the top of the entrepreneurship chart. As group, however, accounts for about 60% ship is one of the key ingredients in the a testimony of the continent’s rising star, of jobless people in Africa. toolbox to address youth unemployment the Entrepreneurship around the World Kwame Owino of the Institute of Eco- in Africa, the region with the youngest report listed Uganda, Angola, nomic Affairs (IEA), a think tank based population in the world. and among the top ten on the in Nairobi, says: “High youth population, “Entrepreneurship creates new jobs entrepreneurship list. The group sees poor policy choices and a lack of com- and new businesses, new ways to deliver entrepreneurship as a ‘necessity’ at a prehensive employment plans in many basic services, new ways of seeing the world time of high employment, saying: “When African nations precipitate the high rates — it is the spark of prosperity,” Mr. Obama unemployment is high and the economy of unemployment.” told the summit. is weaker, people are forced to start small Ms. Vusia comments on one proactive According to Evans Wadongo, listed by businesses to provide for themselves and approach: “The government of Uganda has Forbes Africa as one of the most promising their families.” implemented an entrepreneurship strategy young African entrepreneurs, many Afri- can governments have not been keen on developing policies that would avert unem- ployment among the youth in a big way. “Governments are not doing enough. The private sector is trying, but most goods brought into the African market are from China. This denies the youth the much needed manufacturing jobs, which are more labour intensive,” he says.

Success breeds success Kenya’s cabinet secretary in the Minis- try of Industrialization and Enterprise Development, Adan Mohammed, however, defends the policies of most African gov- ernments, saying that their efforts have been spurring confidence in the continent

Scorpio R. Khoury, the 26-year old Rwandese, owner of fashion house ‘Made in Kigali’.

Panos/Sven Torfinn

16 AfricaRenewal April 2016 and are enabling more young people to turn toward entrepreneurship. “Success breeds success — as many entrepreneurs make headway, others get on board. Also, technology-based inven- tions are pulling entrepreneurs,” says Mr. Mohammed. “The mindset has changed and many young people now think as employers. Many African governments have created opportunities in terms of finance and access to markets.” Commenting on the increase in for- eign investment and economic growth in Africa, Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said his govern- ment’s efforts to promote entrepreneur- ial culture have produced “remarkable results.” For instance, the state-run Youth Steve Muthee, director of Daproim, a data processing company in Kenya. Panos/Sven Torfinn Venture Capital Fund trains and pro- vides money to young people with good business ideas. The government also “Entrepreneurship, if well managed, is linked to entrepreneurship. Moreover, helps young entrepreneurs to market their can create more jobs on the continent and the government is organizing robust skill products. increase the middle class which is essential acquisition and training programmes for Most importantly, with youth com- in sustaining economic growth. There is entrepreneurs and making credit facility prising more than 75% of its population, need to integrate entrepreneurship train- easily accessible to people with innovative Uganda has remodeled its education ing in formal to prepare technological and business ideas. system to include entrepreneurship as one the youth for the future,” says Mr. Wadongo. of the subjects of instruction in secondary In Cameroon, Olivia Mukami, the Facing challenges schools and colleges. Also, with the help president and founder of Harambe-Came- For entrepreneurship to strongly impact of the private sector and development roon, a social entrepreneurship organiza- Africa’s economy, governments must agencies, the government has established tion, insists that Africa needs to prioritize tackle some of the greatest challenges information, communication and technol- youth unemployment: “African countries that impede its progress, including lack ogy innovation hubs which help entrepre- are sitting on a powder keg and if they of funds, relevant mentorship and poor neurs to launch successful startups. don’t change, it is going to explode”. government policies. In addition, Afri-

Creating an enabling environment In Kenya, Eric Kinoti, the group manag- ing director at Safisana Home Services, When unemployment is high and the economy is a company that provides cleaning ser- weaker, people are forced to start small businesses vices, hopes the government will follow to provide for themselves and their families. Uganda’s example by creating an enabling environment to support entrepreneurship that could create jobs for youth. “Many financial institutions in Kenya Ms. Mukami says that in addition con- can governments should consider giving expect young people to provide collateral, tributing to job creation, entrepreneur- the private sector incentives through tax yet only a few investors are ready to invest ship can also help the continent to solve relief to create more jobs. Laws and regu- in young people’s ideas,” notes Mr. Kinoti, some of the social problems that under- lations should favour entrepreneurs. who mentors other young entrepreneurs mine progress. “I am encouraged that the Mr. Mohammed says Africa is on and is listed among Forbes Top 30 under government of Cameroon has prioritized the right path. But to reap the fruits of 30 in Africa. entrepreneurship as a key pillar of Cam- entrepreneurship, effective strategies Lack of access to working capital has eroon Vision 2035,” she said. and policies are required to create more hampered entrepreneurship in Kenya. Andrew Wujung, a lecturer of Econom- employment opportunities within small Even though the government has created ics at of Bamenda in Cameroon, and medium enterprises. the Youth Enterprise Development Fund attributes the country’s entrepreneurship (YEDF) and Uwezo Fund to support youth effort to its unique poverty reduction Raphael Obonyo is Africa’s representative entrepreneurship, budgetary constraints strategy. Unlike other countries in Africa, to the World Bank’s Global Coordination limit their impact. Cameroon’s poverty alleviation strategy Body and a Ford Foundation fellow.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 17 Mbeki panel ramps up war against illicit financial flows Tax evasion by multinational companies, drug trafficking, smuggling, and embezzlement are the main conduits

BY KINGSLEY IGHOBOR

n matters pertaining to Afri- The former president has laid bare his ca’s socioeconomic and politi- sharp criticisms in a provocative foreword cal development, former South written for a report published in 2015 by African president Thabo Mbe- his panel. “Africa is a net creditor to the Oki’s voice, tempered by age and experience, rest of the world,” he maintains, implying continues to be heard. that illicit financial outflows from the con- Seven years since leaving office, Mr. tinent far outstrip official development aid. Mbeki doesn’t hide his impatience with In February, Mr. Mbeki led his panel to Africa’s failure to fulfill its great poten- the United States to promote its report and

tial. At the moment Mr. Mbeki is leading consequently raise global awareness about Mr. Thabo Mbeki (middle) led a High-Level Panel on IFF to the United States. Africa Renewal/Paddy Ilos a war against illicit financial flows (IFFs) IFFs from Africa. A recurring theme in his from Africa, as the head of African Union’s speeches at the various forums in New York 10-member High-Level Panel on IFFs. and Washington, D.C. was the urgent need His panel has twice met with officials Africa is losing at least $50 billion to tackle these IFFs. of the US government (in 2014 and in annually to illegal transactions. Some As billions are earned and extracted 2016), including Vice President Joe Biden. reports suggest the continent may have from the continent, more than 400 mil- “The US government gave us their own lost up to $1 trillion in the past 50 years. lion Africans live on less than $1.25 a day reports regarding what they are doing Global Financial Integrity, a Washing- (the threshold for absolute poverty), and about tax issues, corruption, and domestic ton, D.C based nonprofit research and the per person legislation. So we agreed to work together advisory organization heavily involved in on the continent is just $2,000, which is in a structured way to pursue these issues the IFF fight, lists the main channels for a fifth of the global average, according to and work is going on.” IFFs as: nefarious commercial activities of multinational companies, drug trafficking and smuggling, and bribery and embez- Africa is losing at least $50 billion annually to zlement. Some companies also engage illegal transactions. Some reports suggest the in over-invoicing or underpricing trade deals, transfer pricing (avoiding taxes by continent may have lost up to $1 trillion in the past setting prices in trading between their 50 years. divisions), offshore banking and the use of tax havens. In view of the scale of IFFs from Africa, Mr. Mbeki’s panel’s report, titled Track It! In its advocacy for a global alli- isn’t Mr. Mbeki swimming against the Stop It! Get It! ance to combat IFFs, the success of Mr. current? Is the West ready to cooperate with Mbeki’s panel will depend on how effec- Africa to fight IFFs? “Yes,” Mr. Mbeki tively it can communicate that a victory Shared interest responded, because “[cooperation] is of concerning IFFs is potentially a win- “Illicit financial flows are a challenge material relevance to the West; not so win for everybody. The former presi- to us as Africans, but clearly the solution much that they have suddenly fallen in dent is upbeat about progress made in is global. We couldn’t resolve this thing by love with the Africans or the developing enlisting the support of international just acting on our own as Africans,” Mr. world, but because there is a shared inter- institutions such as the United Nations, Mbeki began, in an interview with Africa est between the developed and developing the World Bank, the International Mon- Renewal in New York. countries to deal with this matter.” etary Fund, the Organisation for Economic

18 AfricaRenewal April 2016 Notwithstanding this insufficiency of capacity, African leaders are determined to confront IFFs, Mr. Mbeki said. The establishment of his panel demonstrates a political will. “We are convinced that there is a keenness on the part of the African governments to act on this matter.”

How to safeguard recovered funds An undeniable perception of corruption afflicts many governments and institu- tions in Africa. What would Mr. Mbeki say to critics who argue that monies tracked and recovered could be embez- zled once back in Africa? “What drove this whole initiative was how to gener- ate more resources to address develop- ment challenges,” he argued. Given that his panel is expected to submit to the AU an annual report on IFFs, in the future such reports could include information regarding the use of recovered funds. “Let’s say that the continent is able to recover $25 billion. It would be natural to say that from that $25 billion, two bridges

Mr. Thabo Mbeki (middle) led a High-Level Panel on IFF to the United States. Africa Renewal/Paddy Ilos were constructed and 20,000 km of road were built,” he says. Mr. Mbeki’s panel understands the Co-operation and Development (OECD) The panel is soliciting global sup- enormity of the task ahead. Before the and so on. port, but Africans are also picking up the interview with Africa Renewal ended, In addition, “The G7 and the G20 have gauntlet, he said. “We have interacted with he sought to highlight the relationship been discussing how to deal with the illicit African civil society and there is a great between IFFs and natural resources. financial flows because it is a matter of enthusiasm to act on IFFs.” He referred to “Natural resources are important concern to everybody,” Mr. Mbeki said. the “Stop the Bleeding” campaign to end sources of these illicit outflows. Remem- IFFs, led by Trust Africa Foundation, as ber that during the war in Liberia, ille- Picking up the gauntlet an example of civil society’s commitment gal logging was one of the sources While in the United States, Mr. Mbeki and to the cause. “It’s not that the African of funds to perpetuate the war. So the his team held talks with the World Bank continent is saying to the rest of the world, elected government hired an international and IMF in Washington, D.C. They met ‘You do this about illicit financial flows.’ firm to mark every log exported from Libe- with United Nations officials in New York, What we are saying is, ‘We as a whole have ria and follow such a log until it is offloaded including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to act on this.’” in Rotterdam [in Holland] or somewhere and the UN Economic and Social Council The former president said that Africa’s in Europe. (ECOSOC). Earlier they had been in Paris, customs authorities, the police, central “It’s more challenging with other , to meet with the OECD, and to the banks, the banking system, and financial resources. For example, a country that European Parliament in Brussels to engage intelligence units must step up, although he produces copper may refine it to a certain with the World Customs Organization. The did not deny that a lack of capacity in these degree, not completely, and then export it results of their outreach are impressive. institutions will inhibit overall efforts. to somewhere else for final processing,” The World Bank is currently preparing a “The capacity of these institutions is he said. “Such a country cannot know how programme of action on IFFs, the IMF has insufficient. The action agenda that came much copper has been exported because it expressed its commitment to fighting IFFs, out of the Financing for Development Con- had not been completely processed locally. and the UN is ready to help. ference in [in July 2015] calls So we need a similar tracking system so “The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- on the rest of the world to assist the Afri- that the country of origin knows exactly moon indicated the commitment of the can continent to deal with this capacity the quantity of exported copper.” whole UN system, not just ECOSOC, to issue,” he said, adding that tax informa- Despite such difficulties, Mr. Mbe- make sure that at various levels they have tion exchanged within the global finan- ki’s bottom-line message is that Africa a practical focus on this matter,” Mr. Mbeki cial system “may become of very little use cannot afford any further depletion of its confirmed. without the capacity to process it.” resources through IFFs.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 19 Boost in Japan-Africa ties Japan is increasingly eager to support Africa’s transformation

BY KINGSLEY IGHOBOR

o many Africans, Japan is a coun- attended by a majority of African leaders, as try acclaimed for economic and well as investors and development experts, technological prowess. Johnson these gatherings have been opportunities Obaluyi in Lagos, Nigeria, says to negotiate international trade and to TToyota, the ubiquitous automotive manu- attract investors and official development facturer, comes to mind whenever Japan aid (ODA). is mentioned. For Kwesi Obeng, a Ghana- Japan’s decision to hold the sixth TICAD ian living in Nairobi, Kenya, it is technol- in Kenya in August, the first ever in Africa ogy. Beageorge Cooper, a consultant for the (previous conferences were all held in World Bank in , Liberia, says she Japan), will likely stoke global interest in Japan’s senior vice-minister of agriculture, forestry and fish eries Taku Eto tries out a Japanese-made tilling machine in thinks of Japan as “a former world economic Japan-Africa relations. A prior visit to Africa Cameroon. The Government of Japan power.” by the prime minister in 2013 (with stops in But it’s a different matter when Afri- Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and ), cans are asked about Japan-Africa relations. the first by a Japanese leader since 2005 longer an aid recipient but rather a partner “I will have to read up on that,” says Ms. and the first ever to a francophone country, for growth.” Cooper. “I think we are importing their highlighted Africa’s investment opportuni- Increasing investor confidence has led Toyotas,” recollects Mr. Obaluyi. “They ties, particularly for Japanese companies. to a quadrupling of cumulative FDI since support research into tropical diseases in The prime minister’s visit also triggered 2000 to about $470 billion. In short, Africa Africa,” says Mr. Obeng. a scrutiny of Japan’s strategic intent and seems like a beautiful maiden attracting the Such scant knowledge of the full gamut its policy towards Africa, with Stratfor, a attention of investment suitors worldwide. of Japan-Africa relations hardly reflects US-based geopolitical intelligence firm, All the same, a feeling exists that Africa’s the true picture on the ground, considering economic growth has also forced a subtle that it was as recently as 2013 that Japan’s change in the international rules of engage- prime minister Shinzō Abe announced a ment. Forbes notes that China and whopping $32 billion five-year support for $10.5 billion now concentrate on the construction of Africa’s development projects. roads, bridges, railways and other com- Before Mr. Abe’s announcement, Japan’s The amount Japan’s mercial activities, rather than offering only many interventions in Africa were mostly cumulative foreign direct ODA, as was the case in the past. The ration- under the radar, attracting little fanfare. investment in the continent ale is that infrastructure projects, often For example, not many know that Japan’s reached in 2014 commissioned with fanfare, can be touted cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) as evidence of constructive relations. in the continent rose from $758 million Unlike China’s and India’s, the major- in 2000 to $10.5 billion in 2014, according ity of Japan’s flows to Africa continue to be to Forbes, a US publication. Indeed, Japan explaining that Japan is making invest- “focused on development assistance rather was Africa’s largest Asian economic partner ment forays into Africa because it is expe- than on commercial investment by Japan’s until 2000, when China took the lead. riencing “resource insecurities” even as its private sector,” notes Harry G. Broadman, “economic growth challenges have become director of US-based Johns Hopkins Uni- A pioneering initiative more urgent after the 2011 disasters and versity’s Council on Global Enterprise and By launching in 1993 the Tokyo Interna- nuclear shutdown.” Emerging Markets in Baltimore, Maryland. tional Conference on African Development (TICAD) with the United Nations Develop- Attracting suitors Japan’s competitive advantage ment Program and the UN’s Office of the Africa’s untapped resources and its resilient In Mozambique, Mr. Abe announced a $570 Special Advisor on Africa, Japan pioneered economy are a powerful magnet for inves- million ODA to develop the Nacala cor- efforts by Asian countries to engage directly tors. The continent’s GDP growth averaged ridor region that stretches from northern with African leaders. The Chinese followed 5% in the past decade, according to the Mozambique to . The project will in 2000 with the launch of the Forum on World Bank, while its economy was resil- include roads rehabilitation in Malawi and China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), while ient against the global financial crisis of the establishment of a single border post India joined the bandwagon in 2010 with the 2007–2008. This prompted Prime Minister between Malawi and Mozambique, and India-Africa Business Forum (IBF). Often Abe to express the view that Africa is “no another between Malawi and Zambia.

20 AfricaRenewal April 2016 Mr. Abe’s pitch reiterates Japan’s eager- About 20 top Japanese business execu- ness to support Africa’s transformation tives accompanied the prime minister on through quality projects and transfer of his visit to Africa. “Japan, with economic knowledge. His speeches indicated a strat- rival China in mind, is looking for new egy consisting of a mix of ODA and empow- overseas markets where it can sell its cars, erment. The African power plants and generators and buy fuels Initiative for Youth, which offers opportu- and other raw materials,” writes the Wall nities for Africans to undertake graduate Street Journal, a US daily. studies in 58 Japanese , is one of Japan’s human resource development Beyond the economy programmes for Africans. The first batch Meanwhile, hundreds of Japanese peace- of 156 African students began their degree keepers are in , South , pro- programmes in September 2015. “We want viding critical engineering and logistical to utilize our huge and excellent technol- support to United Nations peacekeeping ogy to support African countries to trans- operations. Japan’s help in airlifting equip- form,” Mr. Abe said in the margins of the ment and supplies to and UN General Assembly debate in New York Entebbe in Uganda, where the UN has a Japan’s senior vice-minister of agriculture, forestry and fish eries Taku Eto tries out a Japanese-made tilling machine in in September. logistics hub, is viewed as critical to peace-

Cameroon. The Government of Japan Relations between Africa and Japan keeping operations. The Asian giant is also cannot be one-way traffic, says Mr. Broad- actively coordinating with Ethiopia and man, meaning that opportunities exist for other regional players to end hostilities in Due to the volatility in commodity both. The plunge in the price of oil ($26 South Sudan. prices, Africa’s developing economies need a barrel as of mid-February) and other In addition, Japan plans to support Japan’s support, says Stratfor. However, commodities and the slowdown of the conflict resolution and disaster mitiga- while projects such as the one in the Nacala Chinese economy may stem FDI flows to tion efforts in Africa with $320 million. corridor may be worthwhile, “It is illustra- Africa, offering Japanese companies much- This includes $25 million to facilitate the tive of Japan maintaining a traditional aid- needed space to operate. “Japan would peaceful resolution of the South Suda- for-Africa approach,” argues Mr. Broadman. certainly benefit from increased access nese crisis. “Japan believes mediation from Mr. Broadman’s critique is dismissive of to African oil,” suggests Mr. Broadman. neighbouring states such as Ethiopia is Japan’s somewhat new pragmatic approach And rather than buying copper from Latin vital and should be supported,” Mr. Abe to its relations with Africa. Japan’s Foreign America, Japan may now opt for Zambian said during his visit to Ethiopia. Ministry notes that its prime minister wants copper. Cultural and sporting ties are also Africa to “choose Japan as its true partner” because Africa needs “Japanese assistance and the organizational culture of Japanese Japan, with economic rival China in mind, is looking companies which value human resources for new overseas markets where it can sell its cars, and place importance on creative ingenuity.” power plants and generators and buy fuels and other Japan’s competitive advantage is its high-quality products, concurs Mr. Broad- raw materials. man, and Africa can gain in areas such as transport, power generation and distribu- tion and the manufacturing of construction Tsuneo Kitamura, the parliamen- being strengthened. Ahead of the 2020 equipment and machinery. He adds that tary vice president at the ministry of Olympics, Japan is conducting a “Sports for Japanese firms are “notable for sharing economy and trade, admits Japan is cau- Tomorrow” programme and enlisting the know-how and technology transfer.” tious in its approach to foreign invest- participation of African youths. While addressing the African Union in ments. The Mail and Guardian, a South As Japan and Africa prepare for the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mr. Abe recalled African publication, quotes Mr. Kita- sixth TICAD summit, Kenya’s President that one of the African leaders told him, mura as saying, “Japanese companies Uhuru Kenyatta says Africa will use the “Only the Japanese companies teach us the take time to decide where to invest, occasion to “showcase our own growth morals of what it means to work and what but they never give up in the middle.” initiatives and expose to Japan the avail- the joy of labour is.” The leader said further, Christophe Akagha Mba, ’s able opportunities for cooperation, trade “Japanese companies that come to Africa minister, says that while the Chinese are and investment.” never fail to bring with them this type of taking advantage of falling commodity If Japan can help accelerate Africa’s managerial philosophy.” This philosophy, he prices, “The Japanese are still at the same transformation, as Mr. Abe has promised, further explained, means that “companies stage. They have not even started signifi- perhaps more Africans may soon have seek to elicit ingenuity by enhancing the cant investments yet,” reports Reuters, a a better-than-peripheral knowledge of competency of each individual.” news service. Japan-Africa relations.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 21 Bamboo: Africa’s untapped potential The new economic force is generating income, creating jobs and protecting the environment

BY ZIPPORAH MUSAU

t is a “wonder plant” that is uniquely “It is an amazing plant that provides a blessed. Agronomists in Africa great opportunity for making an income believe it can restore degraded land- because it grows incredibly fast and a farmer scapes while economists think it is a can sell it as a raw product or can make prod- Ipotential “green gold,” and a silver bullet ucts out of it,” Mr. Friederich told Africa for design and architecture that is already Renewal. “It also does not require any fer- attracting a global market. tilizers or pesticides because it has no real Bamboo—the highly versatile giant threat from diseases or pests. Once it is grass that can grow in almost any kind of planted, you can leave it.” climate and thrive in the poorest of soils— Bamboo is used to make a long list of has been in existence for hundreds of years high-value products. In fact, according in , Latin America and parts of Africa. to the United Nations Environment Pro- Yet for a long time the potential of this fast- gramme (UNEP), the plant has over 2,000 est-growing plant on earth, with recorded different uses, China reckons there are growth rates of up to one metre per day for nearly 10,000 uses and can fetch even more some species, remained largely unexploited. money if processed. It was not until recently that widespread Commercially bamboo is used for fur- commercialization of bamboo began taking niture and a variety of building and roofing root, spurring hopes of generating income materials, from fencing poles to veneer, and creating jobs for the rural poor. floor tiles, panels for walls and ceilings, scaf- The world bamboo market is growing, folding material, door and window frames led by China and an increasing demand and window blinders. for sustainable products in Europe and In the paper and pulp industry, bamboo the United States. According to the Inter- can be made into newsprint, toilet paper and national Network of Bamboo and Rattan cardboard, which would help to conserve (INBAR), an intergovernmental organiza- Africa’s finite resources, such as its forests. tion registered with the United Nations that The textile, food and chemical industries promotes the growing of bamboo and rattan convert bamboo into fabrics, T-shirts, wine, for economic and environmental gains, the vinegar, biochemicals and pharmaceuticals. global bamboo economy is now valued at Domestically bamboo is used to make $60 billion, and is a potential income gen- mats, baskets, canoes, fishing kits, bicycles, erator for rural communities. fences, toothpicks, school desks, pencils and To tap into this lucrative green economy, rulers, to name just a few products. African governments and the private sector Bamboo is also a source of bio-energy. have begun positioning themselves to com- A majority of sub-Saharan African house- mercialize bamboo. The profit potential has Bamboo products: Houses, furniture, lamp holds use firewood or charcoal made from

become even greater as environmentalists shades and a bicycle. INBAR/Lou Yiping timber for cooking, often leading to defor- link bamboo with climate change mitiga- estation, land degradation and indoor pollu- tion, and the possibility of increased income tion. As the population in Africa increases, through carbon credits. countries, like Angola, Gabon and Zambia, the massive harvesting of firewood and So far 18 African countries with natu- are expected to join the network. charcoal will be unsustainable, according ral bamboo—, Burundi, Cameroon, According to INBAR’s director general, to INBAR. Bamboo provides a clean and , Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Hans Friederich, bamboo can be a strong renewable energy alternative in the form of Malawi, , Mozambique, Nigeria, pillar of Africa’s future green economy. He charcoal briquettes and wood for domestic Rwanda, , , Tanzania, says it can help reduce poverty and protect and industrial use. , and Uganda—have joined INBAR, the environment, and that it provides a On protecting the environment, some which is assisting them with bamboo practical and rapid solution for some of the swear the bamboo plant is “magic” in miti- information, technology transfer, capac- natural resource and poverty challenges gating the effects of climate change through ity building and policy formulation. Other facing many African countries today. rapid reforestation, slowing soil erosion and

22 AfricaRenewal April 2016 repairing damaged ecosystems. Bamboo also serves as an excellent large-scale carbon sink, each plant taking in almost double the carbon dioxide of a tree. Commercial bamboo farmers may also benefit from acquiring carbon credits. INBAR, the China Green Carbon Founda- tion and Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University have developed a methodology that will enable project developers to quan- tify the carbon fluxes within a bamboo plantation, which can allow the calculation of carbon credits earned. This would mean more income for bamboo farmers. Commercial bamboo farming has the potential to create thousands of jobs, since it is labour intensive. Bamboo plants are typi- cally planted, maintained and harvested by hand. In Ghana, about 1,500 people A farmer measuring the thickness of a bamboo tree in Madagascar. INBAR/Lou Yiping were employed when a commercial pro- ject started recently. In China, the bamboo industry employs nearly 8 million people, a As awareness grows, more countries are potential for invasiveness but recognizes number that is expected to hit 10 million by turning to bamboo. “The use of bamboo is that some running bamboo species can be 2020, according to INBAR. dramatically increasing,” says Mr. Hunde, aggressive spreaders if not well maintained. A bamboo plant matures in four to adding: “Up to 36 countries in Africa have INBAR is providing its member states with eight years, depending on the species; how- natural bamboo-growing regions and information on the issue, such as what spe- ever, it can be harvested as a perennial INBAR is working with other organiza- cies are best for different soils and how to crop, without deforestation, three to five tions on bamboo technology transfer and maintain, intercrop and harvest bamboo years after initial planting. It can be sus- training farmers in the region developing a plants. tainably harvested for well over 40 years. bamboo value chain—from farmers to mar- Other organizations such as WWF, GIZ Once it starts growing, bamboo remains kets—requires national policies, technology and SNV, and UNEP, FAO, UNDP, NEPAD rooted in the soil, producing new shoots transfer and investment”. and ICRAF are also showing interests each year. This helps secure the soil and African governments also face the chal- in bamboo, mostly through South-South maintain slope stability. lenges of equipping farmers with bamboo cooperation, according to Mr. Friederich. “Unlike forests, where everyone says, planting and maintenance skills, supplying Already China and The Netherlands have ‘Don’t cut that tree,’ bamboo grows back seedlings and teaming up with the private agreed to fund a joint project in Africa. fast when you cut it. The more you cut, the sector for processing and value addition. INBAR is currently talking to the Euro- more it grows,” says Mr. Friederich. Africa, Moreover, despite promising market pean Commission, the Canadian govern- he says, boasts huge reserves of largely potential, those who wish to commercial- ment, the International Fund for Agricul- untapped indigenous bamboo, amounting ize bamboo products still face hurdles such tural Development (IFAD) and the City to some 8% of the world’s bamboo resources, as a lack of research, product innovation Foundation about possible collaboration. and excellent weather conditions for grow- and marketing skills. Another challenge To fully benefit from the bamboo ing commercial species. is to accurately designate bamboo to meet boom, the private sector needs to be at international trade and forestry standards. the heart of green economy development Challenges “Bamboo shows big potential but suf- in order to drive demand and provide That bamboo is versatile and has lots of fers from an image problem,” Gary Quince, investment. Again, value addition needs to potential is not in doubt. So why have the European Union’s ambassador to the be more innovative if African bamboo is to African countries overlooked the plant’s African Union, was quoted as saying. “Many take the global market by storm. potential for so long? farmers see it as a pest because it grows fast However, there are those on the con- “The biggest challenge is a lack of when in fact this is its real benefit.” tinent calling for proper planning before awareness,” Tesfaye Hunde, the head of the The question is whether bamboo spe- going full blast on bamboo. Nigerian Regional Office of INBAR in cies are invasive, considering their char- environmentalist Nnimmo Bassey sees a Addis Ababa, told Africa Renewal, adding acteristics, such as rapid growth. There unique problem: “Bamboo, which is nor- that lack of finances and the absence of a is fear about bamboo’s ability to displace mally a free resource throughout rural national policy and strategy programme native vegetation, alter habitat and upset Africa, could fall into private hands that to develop and use bamboo resources were food chains. A statement by the American would deny villagers access and use of this also hampering progress. Bamboo Society says the plant has a low resource.”

AfricaRenewal April 2016 23 Bamboo taking root in Africa BY ZIPPORAH MUSAU

Kenya: A trove of green opportunities

amboo, nick- country maximize the commercialization is active in more than 10 counties across Bnamed the of bamboo. the country. wonder plant, is So far the organization has farmers For Kenya, Green Pot selected three the strongest and covering over 1,000 acres of land in Narok main varieties of bamboo—moso, giant fastest-growing County, with another 2,000 acres to be bamboo and Dendrocalamus membrana- woody plant on planted this year. It is targeting 4,000 acres ceus—because they are highly suitable for Kenya earth, and supplies by the end of 2016. the chosen areas and have more economic a global trade worth Green Pot has two principal develop- viability than other varieties. an estimated US$2 bil- ment plans. With a “gated community of “When we began the project, we did a lion per year. The lion’s share is forests,” the organization buys a large parcel strategic plan to ensure we have a ready earned by Asian countries, whose bam- of land then subdivides it into 10-acre and market for our growers. We are building boo-based industries span a vast range 2-acre plots for lease by Kenyans at “afford- factories with three main areas of focus: from paper making and scaffolding to able rates,” according to its website. construction materials such as flooring, luxury flooring and foods. But Africa is Each buyer gets a title deed (the bamboo block boards and veneer; bamboo textile also witnessing a boom in bamboo. farm is managed as one whole unit despite products; and bamboo energy products In African countries that produce the multiple owners) and a 30-year sublease. ranging from generation of to bamboo, research and development is usu- The company plants and fully maintains briquettes for mass domestic use,” said Ms. ally the work of the forestry or agricul- the forests and markets the produce once Kariuki. “Considering that more than 70% tural sectors. However, scaling up requires it is ready. of Kenyans use wood and wood-based prod- expertise in specialized areas — such as A parallel community outreach pro- ucts as their main source of fuel, this is a micro-enterprise development, small-scale gramme ensures that for every acre of massive market.” or industrial bamboo growing, and produc- bamboo planted in the gated communities The group has partnerships with county tion of bamboo products — that might be programme, a corresponding acre is planted governments, NGOs, government agen- better found in the private sector. by members of the local community. This cies and even local universities and is now In Kenya, the bamboo industry involves programme finances the supply of seed- seeking partnerships with climate change– a multi-stakeholder approach, with con- lings, Green Pot explains. focused funds for the rehabilitation of the sultations among relevant government “Globally, there is a big push for Mara River and Njoro River. ministries, NGOs, research institutes bamboo because of its immense finan- “We are keen to establish partnerships and universities and others, facilitated by cial and environmental benefits. It brings with strong technology expertise and key the Kenya Forestry Research Institute wealth to the people, cleans rivers, stops buyers of our products to ensure that we are (KEFRI). soil erosion, and so on,” Green Pot’s on track to deliver the promise to our cus- One of the largest stakeholders to take chief executive officer, Caroline Kariuki, tomers upon maturity of our bamboo in four up bamboo development so far is Green Pot told Africa Renewal. She says the gated years’ time,” said Ms. Kariuki, who is also Enterprises, launched in 2014 to promote communities programme is mainly in the finance/administrative director of the bamboo farming in Kenya and to help the Narok County, but the outreach campaign Open Society Initiative for East Africa.

Tanzania: New income for 5,000 rural women

amboo has been increasing in impor- Bamboo farms should be established to Today some Btance as a non-timber forest product in ensure a sustainable supply for the handi- 5,000 women Tanzania over the last two decades, accord- craft, construction and horticultural indus- in these rural ing to INBAR. Locally bamboo is sought tries, among others. communi- for handicrafts, residential fencing, flower INBAR, in partnership with the Inter- ties produce farming, farm props for banana plantations, national Fund for Agricultural Develop- crafts and furniture and other minor cottage industry ment, helped establish 100 bamboo nurs- desks for products like basketry and toothpicks. eries and set up micro-enterprises, and local schools Tanzania Almost all the bamboo products made trained 1,000 locals in a specially created and sell charcoal in the country are used domestically. Bamboo Training Center. briquettes.

24 AfricaRenewal April 2016 Ethiopia: The potential of Ghana: Once ignored, now big business bamboo as a strategic crop hana currently has about 400,000 ith about 1 mil- Ghectares of bamboo, a mostly natural Wlion hectares of stand in the western region. Some exotic indigenous bamboo, species have been introduced into Ghana, Ethiopia is the big- including the thick-walled Beema bamboo gest bamboo grower from India, and the near-solid Oxytenan- in Africa. It is home thera abyssinica from Ethiopia. These two Ethiopia to 67% of all African are particularly useful for biomass energy bamboo. and are well adapted to drier areas. Ghana The country has two According to Michael Kwaku, direc- species—Yushania alpina, tor of INBAR (International Network for planted and managed by farmers in the Bamboo and Rattan) Ghana, 18 species highlands, and Oxytenanthera abyssinica, of exotic bamboo were first introduced Challenges to commercialization which grows naturally in the lowlands. into the country from Hawaii in 2004 Challenges to the development of commer- Despite the size of its natural bamboo by the Ghanaian branch of the Bamboo cial bamboo planting include the slow pace forest, Ethiopia has only recently started and Rattan Development Programme of state uptake and support as the sector is to tap its potential and is now eager to (BARADEP), as part of a project with the still young and financial institutions are embrace bamboo technologies and knowl- Opportunities Industrialization Centre. reluctant to grant credit facilities, includ- edge transfer, mostly from INBAR and a The project was also extended to neigh- ing loans. The micro-enterprises are still range of Chinese experts. bouring Togo. considered poorly organized, according to “Bamboo should be considered the most BARADEP-Ghana distributed the spe- Mr. Kwaku, which makes receiving support important, fast-growing, strategic inter- cies to some institutions and nongovern- from stakeholders difficult. The skills and vention for afforestation and deforestation mental organizations, which propagated technology gap is a challenge. in the mountainous and degraded areas of them and monitored their growth condi- INBAR is helping in western Africa the country,” said Ethiopia’s state minister tions and adaptability in Ghana. It aims with an awareness campaign about the for agriculture, Ato Sileshi Getahun, at a to provide adequate planting materials for economic potential of bamboo and about recent event. private and commercial bamboo plantation forming partnerships with governments. In Ethiopia bamboo is being used for developers in Ghana. Currently eight member countries in West protecting watersheds, for intercropping, to “Until recently, bamboo was a noncom- and have conducted train- create shade for other crops, as a windbreak mercial open-access resource in Ghana. ing workshops and educational tours to and as a natural mulch to provide Over the past few years, the usefulness of China to acquire firsthand experience of protection. People also use it for fuel, fenc- bamboo and its commercial value is being the bamboo economy. ing and furniture, and sometimes bamboo appreciated. Commercial exploitation has “Bamboo is a big plus for building green shoots are used for food and animal fodder. begun for such products like bamboo bicy- economies. It is the promise of earnings However, bamboo value-addition in the cles, bamboo charcoal, furniture, bamboo at the household level that will attract the country is still relatively small, hence lim- boards and building support poles,” Mr. most interest across the population,” said ited export earnings. Kwaku told Africa Renewal. Bamboo is Nii Osha Mills, Ghana’s minister for lands The country has three factories and the also being used to restore degraded mining and natural resources, at a recent INBAR sector employs more than 1,000 people. areas. event.

Zambia: Innovation at its best

n Zambia, a local company, Zambikes, is Despite bamboo’s potential, Dr. Hans I producing bamboo bikes, bike trailers Friederich, INBAR director general, says for transporting agricultural goods, and many decision makers, planners and innovative bike-drawn “Zambulances” Zambia national sustainable development action to be used at clinics around the capital, plans have not yet taken into account this . resource and the benefits it can bring to In addition to its prospects for manu- society. Looking Ahead facture, bamboo can make a major contri- “Properly applied, bamboo will help Bamboo’s untapped potential to restore bution to reducing carbon emissions, the many low- and middle-income countries degraded lands and forests, store carbon article said. In China alone, the plant is achieve their sustainable development and supply energy to millions of rural projected to store more than one million goals,” says Friederich. communities is immense. tons of carbon by 2050.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 25 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses a summit of local leaders at the climate change conference in Paris. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

SEIZING THE MOMENT: The Paris climate deal and Africa BY RICHARD MUNANG AND ROBERT MGENDI

frica’s development and climate According to the deal, however, while Considering Africa’s comparably negli- change experts are confident the rich countries will dig deeper into their gible emissions over the years, while climate that the historic Paris Agree- pockets, developing countries are required change will impact Africa more than many ment on Climate Change that to make some contribution too. The second other continents, the Paris Agreement’s Awas unanimously adopted last December Africa Adaptation Gap Report of the United adaptation financing plan and its strong in Paris will be a win for the continent. At Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) review mechanism convey powerful state- the Paris summit, 195 countries agreed to says African countries must raise up to $3 ments of intent. The goal is for African coun- cut greenhouse gas emissions and enhance billion per year between 2016 and 2020. To tries to tap existing opportunities in adap- adaptation in a way that will keep global ensure transparency, the climate deal calls tation and mitigation and to consequently temperature increase to “well below 2° C” for prospective financing information to be achieve sustainable industrial development and, more optimistically, to attempt to limit communicated every two years. with minimal to zero emissions. it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Prior to the Paris Conference, 189 coun- For example, tapping the continent’s For Africa, the sweet spot in the deal tries — including every African country, vast renewable energy resources, such as is an agreement to allocate money to the submitted a national climate plan, known as solar and wind, could bridge the energy adaptation and climate mitigation needs of the Intended Nationally Determined Con- gap, support climate change adapta- developing countries. African negotiators tribution, that spells out what they will do tion and unlock income opportunities had urged rich countries to build on the to address climate change, and what they in Africa, according to the International promise by developed countries to ramp up will further do if financing is available. Policy Digest, an independent foreign climate financing by $100 billion by 2020 for In Paris, countries agreed that they will policy publication. The Digest advises Afri- developing countries, in line with the 2012 submit updated plans every five years which can leaders to enhance agro-value chains Cancún commitment. They got their wish, will detail ongoing activities and efforts to through Ecosystem-Based Adaptation plus more, because the Paris deal stipulates achieve the goals in the Paris Agreement. (EBA) approaches, including agro-for- that the $100 billion commitment will be Each plan is expected to be more ambitious estry, efficient irrigation and conservation revised upward from 2025. than the preceding one. agriculture, in which soil is managed in

26 AfricaRenewal April 2016 savings and create jobs, maintains the Inter- Ecosystem-Based Adaptation–driven national Policy Digest. approaches enhance agricultural produc- On solar, representatives from govern- tivity and ensure that ecosystems are not ments, business and civil society announced damaged but continue to provide water, many new initiatives and commitments in soil formation, insect pollinators, hydro- Paris that included plans to mobilize up to logic regulation and other benefits. Apply- $1 trillion per year—the so-called Clean Tril- ing these techniques in farming can boost lion—in solar investments worldwide, which yields by up to 128%, enhance ecosystems is more positive news for Africa. In 2015 the capacity and climate adaptation, lower renewable energy sector created 7.7 million climate-induced crop failure risks and jobs globally, an 18% increase from 2014. increase farmer incomes. Though its share of renewable energy is still Experts suggest that by providing farm- paltry, Africa can create a thriving electricity ers who practice Ecosystem-Based Adapta- industry in addition to adding an estimated tion with affordable financing, reliable and 2.5 million temporary and permanent jobs, efficient access to markets and clean energy, according to the McKinsey Report, a global agro-industrialization can be spurred to management consulting firm. create as many as 17 million jobs and boost Africa has abundant sunshine, yet Africa’s agricultural sector, projected to be over 600 million Africans are energy poor. worth $1 trillion by 2030. The World Bank Demand for solar home systems (SHS) states that a 10% increase in crop yields should continue to increase. Bangladesh’s translates to approximately a 7% reduction example is inspiring: despite being one of in , and that agricultural the least-developed countries, Bangladesh’s growth is at least two to four times more

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses a summit of local leaders at the climate change conference in Paris. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe SHS sector has created over 115,000 direct effective in reducing poverty than commen- jobs and an additional 50,000 indirect jobs surate growths in other sectors. ways that do not destroy its structure and through investments in solar in rural areas. biodiversity. Africa’s governments can emulate Bangla- Implementing the deal The 2015 Africa Progress Panel (APP) desh by providing financial and technical While commending the Paris Agreement, The Paris climate deal and Africa report, issued by a group of 10 distin- support to renewable-energy businesses. Africa’s development experts also acknowl- guished Africans that includes former UN In addition, Africa’s poor households edge that the continent’s implementation Secretary-General Kofi Annan, advocates can save up to $8 billion annually through record hasn’t been stellar. However, the for sustainable development in Africa and access to renewable options such as solar. general consensus is that Africa appears reinforces the need for a focus on renewable By switching to clean energy, sub-Saharan determined to implement the agreement. To energy. The report states that sub-Saharan African can lift between 16 million and 26 start with, the African Union Commission Africa’s is high, with over million people out of poverty, according to (AUC) and UNEP have already established 60% having no access to electricity while the APP report. the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Food 80% lack access to clean cooking facilities. Clean energy benefits the environment. Security Assembly (EBAFOSA) as a policy In the rural areas, where 70% of Africa’s Leading up to 2040, Africa could achieve a and an implementation platform. This plat- poor reside, access to grid electricity is esti- 27% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, form is expected to promote and support mated at between 1% and 8%. Still, people in according to various projections. The Paris agro-value chains through an EBA-driven these areas pay 20 times more (estimated to Agreement provides a policy framework as agriculture approach. To achieve sustain- be $10 billion annually) for unclean lighting well as technical and investment support for able and inclusive growth, countries will be sources, mostly kerosene lamps, than rich the continent’s emissions-reduction efforts. urged to integrate these techniques in their households connected to the grid spend on agricultural policies and implementation. lighting, which further entrenches poverty. Agro-value chains Overall, the consensus is that the Paris In addition, Africa spends $50 billion Given that the climate deal hammers on Agreement is a win for all. For Africa in yearly on oil subsidies, which mostly benefit the need to restore no fewer than 127 mil- particular, it presents a unique opportunity the richest 40% of households. Consider- lion hectares of degraded land in Africa to create and implement strategies that ing that $50 billion is 5.7% of Africa’s GDP, and Latin America, mostly through agro- use new approaches and technologies to which exceeds spending on health, redirect- ecosystems, the net gain for Africa could be realize the dream of an environmentally ing such funds to low-carbon initiatives increased agricultural productivity lead- sustainable and economically flourishing could go a long way toward improving living ing to food security, climate adaptation continent. standards and even lead to environmental and income and job creation. Agriculture sustainability. Investments in clean energy employs about 64% of all Africans, provid- Richard Munang is an Africa climate change such as solar and wind are the most eco- ing livelihoods for 70% of the rural poor, and development policy expert. Robert nomical for electrification in remote areas, according to the International Fund for Mgendi is an adaptation policy expert. They and such investments enhance household Agricultural Development. are both with UNEP.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 27 Harvesting the sun Scaling up solar power to meet Africa’s energy needs

The world’s largest solar power plant in will eventually provide 1.1 million people with electricity. World Bank/Dana Smillie

BY FRANCK KUWONU

n ’s eastern region of Diffa in the huge energy potential in the . To Power shortages remain common south of the Ténéré Desert — a vast some extent the Nigerien case illustrates throughout Africa mainly in the main urban sandy area across Niger and up in the paradox of a continent where relatively centres, while vast swaths of rural areas the Sahara desert — are the ruins of a little is harvested although sun radiation have no electric power at all. Icentury-old colonial fort. The area around abounds. “Sub-Saharan Africa is desperately short it, an oasis called Agadem, is one of the sun- Africa has 7 of the 10 sunniest countries of electricity,” the Africa Progress Report niest spots on earth, behind only a patch on earth: Chad, Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, 2015, an annual publication of the Africa in the middle of the Pacific Ocean around Niger, and Sudan. A few solar Progress Panel chaired by former UN Secre- Hawaii and Kiribati Island, according to the projects have sprung up in the last few years tary-General Kofi Annan, reported in June US National Aeronautics and Space Admin- on other parts of the continent, and interest 2015. “The region’s grid has a power genera- istration (NASA). in building new projects has been growing tion capacity of 90 gigawatts (GW) and half From 1983 to 2005, data from NASA steadily. But solar power development in of it is located in one country, South Africa,” researchers showed that Agadem received Africa remains modest. the report added. That is less than the capac- sun radiation averaging a sweltering 6.78 ity in , where the population is kilowatt hours per square metre per day, Desperately short of electricity only 5% that of sub-Saharan Africa. enough energy then to produce electricity According to HIS Technology, a US-based Across sub-Saharan Africa, only a to heat water each day in a typical American economic and energy market research com- couple of countries, such as Togo, provide home. pany, Africa’s total solar power–generating uninterrupted electricity supply all year Niger, and by extension the Sahara capacity, estimated at 312 megawatts in round. As a consequence, the region is losing desert, is like a giant solar panel, and now 2013, grew to 1,315 megawatts in 2015, and 2–4% of its annual gross domestic product. experts say the discovery will be a bonanza is projected to reach 3,380 megawatts by And while South Africa has half of all sub- for the region’s energy prospects. Harvest- 2017—a tenfold increase over a period of Saharan electricity, residents have not been ing solar energy, including through the use four years. spared load shedding. The power blackouts of large-scale photovoltaic panel installa- “The big jump occurred in 2014,” Jose- negatively affect economic productivity, and tions, could help power much of Africa. fin Berg, the IHS Technology senior solar the situation is expected to last through However, except for the Ouarzazate power analyst, told Africa Renewal. “Around 2017, with the South Africa Reserve Bank Solar Power Station in Morocco, no other 900 megawatts’ additional capacities were anticipating a loss of 0.6% in economic major projects have emerged to exploit the added in that year alone.” growth in 2015 and 2016.

28 AfricaRenewal April 2016 that affect hydroelectric and Mr. Coleman point out that this is In August the South African Coun- dams, higher fuel costs that make it more because the South African market is more cil for Scientific and Industrial Research expensive to run thermal generators, poor developed and mature. “Elsewhere, poli- (CSIR) reckoned that the country saved maintenance of existing infrastructure cies and regulations are still being devel- the equivalent of $584 million — a tenfold and lack of investments are some of the oped,” said Mr. Coleman. increase over last year — from wind and causes of the poor state of Africa’s power According to the World Bank, market solar energy just in the first six months of sector. fragmentation, high transaction costs, 2015. The CISR expects the savings to grow perceived risks and the cost of capital are as more projects come online. Tapping the potential some of the obstacles holding back private Fortunately, as Africa’s solar prospects More than other countries, South Africa investors. continue to improve, several companies is looking at solar energy as part of the Earlier last year the World Bank have shown interest in developing solu- response to its power crisis. Installed launched the Scaling Solar initiative to tions. Last August, SkyPower, an American capacity is expected to reach 8,400 mega- reduce “the development time and uncer- solar company, entered into an agreement watts of solar power by 2030, and an addi- tainty for bidders and investors, while low- with Kenya to build a gigawatt plant over tional 8,400 megawatts of wind power. ering tariffs for utilities.” The programme, the next five years. Several solar photovoltaics have been managed by the International Finance “Such big announcements are very commissioned, including the 96-megawatt Corporation, an arm of the bank, will offer common,” Mr. Berg of HIS Technology Jasper Solar Energy Project, one of Africa’s tendering and financing expertise and help says, however, they take time to material- largest photovoltaic power stations, which make privately financed projects opera- ize, if they ever do. aims at providing enough solar power for tional within two years. As the price of pho- With other sub-Saharan African coun- 30,000 homes. The country has ramped tovoltaic panels continues to decline on the tries embarking on the solar journey, both up production capacities in the last two international market and as solar projects the World Bank initiative and the South years, and the growth accounts for about start generating profits, new renewable African experience show that renewable 90% of the jump in continent-wide solar energy markets will have a greater appeal energy, despite today’s constraints, could capacity from 312 megawatts in 2013 to for private investors, says the Bank. have a bright future on the continent. 1,315 megawatts in 2015. Morocco is building one of the world’s largest solar energy projects, having launched its first phase in February 2016. Solar power gaining a foothold in Africa At the same time, the country embarked on the second phase of the project, which, BY ERNEST HARSCH Some countries have the capacity to greatly once completed by 2018, would provide expand hydropower generation, some have electricity to 1.1 million people and cover oadside shops along the main high- potential sources of thermal energy, and 14% of the country’s energy needs by 2020. R way from , Burkina many could develop wind power. But all With its Nzema project, Ghana was Faso’s capital, to the northwest offer African countries have plentiful sunlight. supposed to lead the solar revolution in the diverse wares: leather goods, wooden However, economic reality — the region. An ambitious solar farm about 270 furniture, colourful plastic buckets, high cost of solar technologies — long kms from the capital, , it was to go grilled chicken, motorcycle parts and a conspired to keep solar power beyond the online in 2015 and generate 155 megawatts relatively new product—solar panels. reach of ordinary Africans. — enough to power 100,000 homes. It was The area, Bassinko, with its ongoing In Burkina Faso, Prime Minister Paul designed to be connected to the national construction of affordable housing, is Kaba Thiéba says the government has grid and to strengthen Ghana’s energy attracting a growing population. But power decided to focus specifically on solar exports to its neighbours. Its promoters supply here remains insecure and there energy, as part of a planned transition touted it as a game changer for Africa. are repeated blackouts, hence a demand “toward clean and renewable energies.” However, four years after the project was for additional sources of power. Merchants Besides building solar plants and announced, Nzema has yet to materialize. make brisk sales of replacing solar panels, encouraging businesses to install solar According to reports, construction of the and some businesses have emerged units, the government is working with plant will commence soon, with a possible that specialize in installing and servicing banks and financial institutions to develop completion date in 2017. solar systems for small businesses and new lines of credit for purchasing solar Delays continue to affect most of Afri- households. installations. ca’s solar projects. In West Africa it takes Development experts across Africa World Bank vice-president for Africa five to six years on average for a solar have long pointed to the potential benefits Makhtar Diop — whose institution is project to be completed, Doug Coleman, of solar energy. Although a few African helping to finance Burkina Faso’s solar the project director for the Nzema solar countries have significant oil reserves, efforts — believes that the country’s solar plant, told Africa Renewal. In contrast, the electricity is not always reliable, while their generating capacity will eventually reach average turnover in South Africa is 9 to 24 carbon emissions harm the environment. “dozens of megawatts.” months. Both Mr. Berg of IHS Technology

AfricaRenewal April 2016 29 A new Burkina Faso in the making A new agenda of democractic and economic changes

BY ERNEST HARSCH

urkina is proud,” declare the billboards along the capital Oua- gadougou’s major “Bthoroughfares. When they were first put up in December 2015 to mark the election of a new government, many citizens were not only proud, but also hopeful that they could at last start building the “new Bur- kina Faso” they had long imagined. The country had been through a lot. An authoritarian regime that had been in place for more than a quarter of a century was finally ousted in October 2014 in what the Burkinabè call the “popular insurrection.” The fire-blackened ruins of the old National Assembly building still stand in the city centre as a stark reminder of the public fury that forced then-president Blaise Com- paoré to flee to neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.

The subsequent year of transition was a A building under construction in Ouagadougou. Ernest Harsch troubled one, with important reforms but also missteps, punctuated by a failed coup attempt in September by Compaoré’s noto- Striking a balance And he pledged, as development efforts rious presidential guard. When President Kaboré was inaugurated continue, security is being reinforced. When elections were finally held in at the end of December, people’s hopes Reforms are ongoing to restructure the November 2015, they were greeted with were pinned on tangible improvements: army following the dissolution of the presi- relief. Observers certified them as the most lower living costs, expanded schooling dential guard regiment that tried to seize open and democratic ever in the country. and , jobs, prosecution of the power last September. Not only should the They also brought in the first elected civil- corrupt, greater social and political jus- reforms ensure that the military stays out ian leader in nearly 50 years, President tice. In his first speeches, the president of politics, as the president told his generals Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. Hearing his focused mainly on how he would meet in early February, but they should lead to pledges to fight corruption, pursue further those expectations. better coordination, an upgrading of arms democratic reforms and tackle poverty and Before his cabinet ministers were even and equipment and specialized antiterrorist hunger, many believed that things would at sworn in, however, the terrorist attack made training for security forces. last begin to improve. security a clear priority for both govern- Ouagadougou and the other main cities But then came an unexpected attack ment officials and ordinary citizens. Yet are on high alert, with armed checkpoints at on 15 January this year by fighters loyal strengthening security would not mean key facilities, roads and hotels, night patrols, to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic , who minimizing or postponing other goals for video surveillance and so on. France and the had infiltrated the capital from across Bur- the population. United States — whose special forces joined kina Faso’s northern borders. More than In a French television interview, Mr. Burkinabè units against the terrorists in 30 people, foreigners and Burkinabè, were Kaboré outlined the path ahead. “If we January — have pledged more assistance. slaughtered in the heart of the city. It was do not ensure that there is development, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, by far the worst terrorist assault the coun- hope and work for young people, then the during an early March visit, assured the try had experienced. Once the initial shock ground on which terrorists operate—pov- Burkinabè of the international organiza- lifted, a somber mood remained. Popular erty and misery—will remain,” he said. “So tion’s firm support. “The stakes are high,” hopes did not vanish, but there was a sober it is important that while struggling for said Mr. Ban. “The country is on the path of realization that the road ahead would not, security, we must also work for the develop- prosperity and long-term reforms, including after all, be straight. ment of our country.” that of the security sector.”

30 AfricaRenewal April 2016 Safeguarding the country must not be mining is now the biggest economic sector, launch a “Présimètre” (“president meter”), left solely to those in uniform, says Hervé producing more than 36 metric tonnes in online, to periodically track how well the Ouattara, a leader of one of the move- 2014 and earning $1.6 billion in foreign sales president fulfills his promises. When it is ments that helped topple Mr. Compaoré. that year. But the previous government’s operational, the results will be available to “Burkinabè are organizing themselves in rapid mining push also brought major prob- everyone on the web (www.presimetre.bf). their arrondissements [districts] to watch lems, including water contamination and The activists sent a delegation to inform Mr. what is going on and expose anyone work- persistent social conflicts around mining Kaboré about the initiative. “He said he likes ing with the [jihadist] fronts from the sites. The new code is intended to strengthen the idea,” Mr. Diallo laughed. “But even if he north,” he told Africa Renewal in Ouaga- environmental safeguards, ensure higher doesn’t like it, we will do it.” dougou. “Security in our country is not for revenues for the state and oblige companies Women’s rights will be one area under the army alone, but for everyone.” to invest much more in local health, educa- scrutiny. While gender equality is pro- tion and other community facilities. tected under Burkina Faso’s constitution A struggling people and law, in practice, female genital mutila- Meanwhile the population’s economic Monitoring officeholders tion, forced and early marriage and domes- and social needs remain daunting. In The ouster of Burkina Faso’s former leader tic violence are widespread, says Amnesty 2014, according to recent estimates by and the successful November elections International. Decisions about pregnancy the National Institute of Statistics, just stirred expectations that the new authori- and marriage are often taken by male family over 40% of all Burkinabè lived in pov- ties would not only conduct themselves members. As a result only 17% of women in erty, a rate that reached 70% in the arid with greater integrity and openness, but Burkina Faso use contraception and more north. That was better than the 46.7% also support more democratic reforms. than 2,000 die in childbirth every year, registered nationally five years earlier, but Yet activists are aware that Mr. Kaboré according to Amnesty International. still leaves the country one of the poorest and several of his closest colleagues long Despite an increase in women voters on the continent. served in the old government before join- in November, only 12 women were among The UN Office for the Coordination ing the movement for . the 127 deputies elected to the National of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that While acknowledging the authorities’ Assembly — half the number chosen in the this year some 660,000 Burkinabè will repeated promises to govern differently, last parliamentary election, in 2012. The need food aid and that half a million of many remain cautious and watchful. “We political parties generally met the official the country’s children will continue to are not giving them any honeymoon,” says quota of 30% female candidates, but tended suffer from acute malnutrition. Although Ismael Diallo, spokesperson of the Front for to rank them lower on their slates, so few a slightly better cereal harvest than last the Reinforcement of Citizenship, one of the were actually elected. year’s is anticipated, the government still country’s main civil society coalitions. “We To partially address parliament’s expects that a third of Burkina Faso’s 45 have to be vigilant.” gender imbalance, Prime Minister Thiéba provinces will experience deficits, and is Just a day earlier, Mr. Diallo said named seven women to his 29-member budgeting about US$52 million to assist the a number of civil society groups plan to cabinet, including Finance Minister food insecure. Rosine Coulibaly, a former UN Develop- In a policy speech to parliament on 5 ment Programme resident representative February, Prime Minister Paul Kaba Thiéba in Benin. Mr. Kaboré has promised that in focused on a “new social contract” with areas where the government develops new the people. Besides improved security, it land for farming, between 25% and 30% is to include resolute action to combat cor- will be allocated to women. ruption (and thus conserve scarce state Marie Madeleine Somda, a women’s resources), measures to stimulate economic activist who served as a deputy in the growth and investment, the introduction interim transitional parliament last year, of universal medical insurance, and the is disappointed but still optimistic about construction of hundreds of new primary the future because women, especially health clinics, secondary schools and young women, “are beginning to become teacher training colleges. engaged,” she told Africa Renewal, adding, The government will begin implement- “They are starting to see that if they them- ing a new mining code, adopted last year as selves don’t do politics, politics will just be required by the World Bank, for the release done to them.” of $100 million in budget support for the More generally, Ms. Somda is pleased West African country. It abolishes a pre- to see the emergence of a generation of vious 10% tax break on mining company youth “who are conscious, active, deter- profits and obliges firms to pay into a local mined. Youth are becoming more and more development fund. responsible. They see themselves as a force In a country known mainly for cotton able to take their place among decision and livestock exports a decade ago, gold Monument in honour of martyrs. Ernest Harsch makers.”

AfricaRenewal April 2016 31 Terrorism overshadows internal conflicts As African countries scramble for solutions

BY LANSANA GBERIE

s terrorism becoming the dominant mode of conflict in Africa? This is a question many are asking following the recent surge in terror attacks Iacross Africa. Since January about a dozen African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, , , Nigeria, CÔte d’ivoire and Somalia, have suffered terror attacks in which thousands of civil- ians have been killed. The attacks at the beginning of the year in Burkina Faso, in which 30 people died, reveal a new pattern in that the attackers — without any apparent base or network of support in the country, and with no clear strategic local goals — came from elsewhere and targeted dis- tinct tourist attractions with no known connection to either government or the military. The groups perpetrating these attacks are embryonic: their only definable char- acteristic is that they profess extremist Islamic tendencies. For this reason they respect neither political nor geographical boundaries; and, except perhaps for Al- Shabaab militants in Somalia, the attack- ers do not articulate clear local political goals. From what societal wellspring does this deadly militancy arise? And how is Africa tackling it?

Now a key security threat A guest is checked with a metal detector at the entrance of a hotel in Yaounde, Cameroon. In the 1990s, terror attacks in Africa Panapress/Jean-Pierre Kepseu were somewhat episodic and limited to relatively well-defined local contexts (in , Liberia, Sierra Leone and Uganda, 37% of the 39,286 violence-related fatali- people, including the 250 girl students of for example). But now the emergence of ties recorded in Africa in 2014 occurred Chibok over a year ago. That’s more than groups like in Nigeria (with in Nigeria, mainly as a result of attacks by the 6,073 deaths attributed to the Islamic its regional reach), and the spread of Boko Haram. This is followed closely by State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Somalia’s Al-Shabaab attacks into Kenya the percentage of such fatalities related to In all, Boko Haram has killed more and Uganda, have made terrorism a key attacks by Al-Shabaab in Somalia. than 15,000 people and displaced more security threat in Africa. In 2014, for example, Boko Haram than 2.1 million Nigerians since it began According to research by veteran Afri- killed 6,664 people — mostly civilians — its extremist activities a few years ago. can security analyst Jakkie Cilliers, head in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, not to Mr. Cilliers’s research shows that largely of the Institute of Security Studies, about mention the kidnapping of hundreds of due to terrorist activities, armed-conflict

32 AfricaRenewal April 2016 incidents in Africa rose from 40% of the even Nelson Mandela was once described that the MNJTF headquarters was moved global total in 2013 to 52% in 2014. This by major Western powers as a terrorist. to N’Djamena, Chad, and troops were is despite the fact that Africa has barely As a result the African Union has increased. 16% of the world’s population. adopted a fairly convoluted definition of A new concept of operations, under the Africa currently hosts several ter- terrorism, describing it merely by implica- supervision of the Lake Chad Basin Com- rorist groups that are affiliated with or tion. Armed struggles waged by people in mission, was also recently agreed upon, influenced by Al-Qaeda. They operate accordance with “the principles of inter- and in October 2015 the United States across the vast expanse of the Sahel in national law for their liberation or self- deployed 300 Special Forces personnel to Libya, , and Algeria, as well as in determination, including armed struggle Cameroon to help in the surveillance of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Somalia, Mali against , occupation, aggres- Boko Haram and to support the MNJTF. and Kenya. sion and domination by foreign forces” News reports also suggest that US presi- The deadly attacks on the Radisson shall not be considered as terrorism, it dent Barack Obama might be considering Blu Hotel in Mali’s capital, , on 20 states. The burden is therefore to deter- increasing counterinsurgency activities November 2015, which killed 22 people, mine the causes, determinants and course against the Islamic State in Libya. including two attackers, and an eerily of each violent action or manifestation of Meanwhile the UN Security Council similar attack on the Splendid Hotel in extremism. continues its support for AMISOM as well Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, Some experts assert that some terror- as for the African-dominated UN Multidi- on 15 January this year, which killed 30, ist acts are due to some unresolved local mensional Integrated Stabilization Mis- have been claimed by Al-Qaeda in the issues. Most of the attacks may be terror- sion in Mali (MINUSMA)—both of them Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). istic, but are the militants therefore ter- combating militant activities. Militant rorist groups by the oblique definition of attacks, including against peacekeepers, African armies fight back the African Union? These experts believe continue in both countries. Nigeria has spent billions of dollars and it might be better to isolate each group’s Security Council resolution 2231 of dedicated tens of thousands of troops to distinct social roots — what it draws upon July 2015 urged the African Union to fight Boko Haram, as have other Afri- and what makes it persist amid the power- undertake “a structured and targeted can countries, with significant outside ful forces ranged against it. reconfiguration of AMISOM to boost its support. These efforts have blunted the power of these groups. Since the elec- Armed-conflict incidents in Africa rose from 40% of tion of President Muhammadu Buhari in Nigeria in March 2015, Boko Haram the global total in 2013 to 52% in 2014. This is despite appears to have been pushed out of large the fact that Africa has barely 16% of the world’s swaths of territory it once occupied—but population. the militants remain active in Nigeria and surrounding countries. In eastern Africa powerful armies Boko Haram started as a local rebel- efficiency, in particular by strengthening from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda are lion in northern Nigeria and for many command and control structures, and confronting Al-Shabaab in Somalia and years remained so. It has roots in the enhancing cross-sector operations.” Kenya. The presence of regional troops widespread resentment of economic and All that notwithstanding, the 12 operating under the African Union Mis- social dereliction and official neglect in November 2015 UN report on the UN sion in Somalia (AMISOM) has prevented the largely impoverished northern half Integrated Strategy for the Sahel paints a Al-Shabaab from taking over the country. of Nigeria. The election of Mr. Buhari, a grim picture, noting that “terrorist groups Except for the failed bombing of a Daallo northerner, has undermined the group’s have intensified asymmetric attacks in the Airlines flight departing Mogadishu ear- appeal, which is partly why it has lost north and have even moved southwards lier this year, the group has lately been territory. with attacks in the centre too, including in unable to carry out any serious attacks on the Malian capital, Bamako, at the border the neighbouring countries. Counterstrokes with Burkina Faso and , as well In West Africa the recent reorganization as in the south at the border region with Who is a terrorist? of the Multinational Joint Task Force Côte d’Ivoire.” Within the African Union, discussions (MNJTF) by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Despite an increase in terror- about what constitutes a terrorist group Chad and Benin to tackle Boko Haram ist activities, many believe that Africa are highly contentious. Countries in west- offered immense hope in many quarters. should still celebrate the end of major ern and eastern Africa that are directly The force was set up in 1994 by the Nige- wars—in Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia affected by such attacks are more ready to rian government to “checkmate banditry and Sierra Leone, and elsewhere. The label militant groups as terrorists; south- activities and to facilitate free movement” efforts by African governments and their ern African countries whose liberation along its northern border. But an early armies, with international support, to struggles against white domination were setback for the force came in January defeat terrorism should ensure the impor- routinely described as terrorist are invari- 2015, when Boko Haram fighters overran tant achievement of ending many wars ably wary of the term. After all, they argue, its headquarters at Baga, Nigeria. After is not undercut.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 33 South Sudan because that is the key for us to perform better. UAVs do a better job in protecting civilians because they provide real-time pictures of situations as they develop on the ground. You can act more quickly and more decisively. They also provide better security to our people because you get prior warnings that an ambush or an attack is about to happen. You are then in a position to prepare for it. And sometimes you can actually save people’s lives. For example, a year and a half ago one of our machines was flying over to Airport in the DRC. The pilot in his bunker saw on the screen a boat which had just capsized. That allowed us to send rescuers and we were able to save 16 people from drown- ing. That was of course a bit of luck but it shows that UAVs are very versatile and necessary tools in our operations. UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous (centre) tours the Dutch

camp of the UN Mission in Mali. UN Photo/Marco Dormino It’s been about two years since the UN deployed UAVs in eastern DRC. How has that changed the dynamics of the fight ervé Ladsous is the United Nations under-secretary-general for peacekeeping against anti-government forces? H operations. He oversaw the first deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or We get much better information about drones in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) two years ago. what is happening on the ground. We can Africa Renewal’s Masimba Tafirenyika spoke to him about the UN’s experience in using see groups on the prowl. I saw some of the UAVs in peacekeeping operations. These are excerpts from the interview. photos captured by the drones. In certain circumstances, we can actually recognize the faces. We now have knowledge of what is happening on the ground and how to INTERVIEW mitigate or to proactively intervene. We have lots of enablers in eastern Congo. We have attack helicopters, we have artillery Drones are effective in and we have a robust mandate. It’s really about putting an end to the incredible damage that the so-called harm groups protecting civilians have done over the years, forcing millions of people to run away as refugees or inter- — Hervé Ladsous nally displaced persons, raping hundreds of thousands of women, recruiting tens of thousands of children into their ranks Africa Renewal: First of all, I would like to You’re right in saying the UAVs are the and plundering the resources of the Kivus. know your views about the recent inde- more visible part of this array of sugges- That had to be put to an end. That is why pendent report on peacekeeping opera- tions. I just want to make it very clear the UN Security Council gave us a man- tions, which recommended, among other that our UAVs are unarmed. They are date to neutralize armed groups. That’s things, the use of high-tech equipment for surveillance purpose only. It is now what we are trying to do, but it’s not an including UAVs or drones in UN missions. becoming a relatively common tool. We easy task. Hervé Ladsous: Actually that report started just over two years ago in the DRC. picked up initiatives taken over a year But we are now deploying surveillance Besides UAVs, what other high-tech ago when I tasked a group of experts to drones of every denomination — tacti- equipment are you using? look into the use of technology and inno- cal and strategic. For instance, we have Well, it’s more about gathering informa- vation in peacekeeping. It came up with a also deployed them in Mali and in CAR tion: we did it just in time for the election number of recommendations, a large part []. Of course I process in the Central African Republic of which we are already implementing. would very much want to deploy some in and also during the pope’s visit to the

34 AfricaRenewal April 2016 country. We were able—for the first time in one of our missions — to deploy in the capital, , a system of tethered bal- loons which carry an array of sensors, cameras, infrared and other equipment to keep watch over the city. We had the ability to see real-time if there was a demonstration starting somewhere or some hostile groups getting together so we could act in a more timely fashion. We are in northern Mali right now and we are in the process of deploying counter battery radars, which will allow us to retaliate against terrorists or jihadists who regularly lob mortar shells or rock- ets at our camps. They killed three of our people recently. Counter battery radars allow us to retaliate immediately. There are a number of important things we can do with high technology. The [UN] Sec- retary-General is committed to it. It also allows us to reduce the carbon footprint of peacekeeping, to be more environment- friendly and to consume less fuel, among other things.

There has been some hesitance on the use of high-tech equipment in peacekeeping missions from some member states fear- ing they could probably collect much more than intelligence. What is being done to allay such fears? Well, first I would say there are less fears today than two or three years ago, when people didn’t know much about [UAVs]. We have also learned more about UAVs as we make progress. It’s not really so much about intelligence gathering as informa- UN surveillance equipment under test attached to a truck. UN/Nektarios Markogiannis tion gathering. We have to be aware of what is happening around us. In northern Mali, for instance, if we are deaf, if we are In the past the UN had problems getting Finally, having been using UAVs and other blind, how can we do our job? It’s simply a countries to contribute fighter helicop- high-tech equipment over the past few matter of acquiring the right tools. And I ters. Do you think UAVs could be one way years, what lessons has the UN learned? think this is now being widely recognized of replacing attack helicopters? Is this the way to go? by member states. Well, I think, precisely, as you say, this is No, we make it very clear that UAVs are the way to go. But this is something that So do you see this as the way to go in for surveillance purposes only. They is in constant evolution. I just signed a twenty-first-century UN peacekeeping? are unarmed and will remain unarmed cooperation agreement with the Repub- That is certainly one way to go. It’s because the fact that they are remote- lic of Singapore. They are going to help not the only one, but I think it has to controlled creates potential risks. We us develop a new software tool that will be recognized that we need the right, don’t want to go into that. Attack heli- provide real-time images of the security modern tools. UAVs, for example, can copters of course have very precise rules situation in a given country. We don’t have now be bought off the shelf even for rec- of engagement. They step in or fly in under that now. For instance, in Mali, we will be reational purposes, and even businesses very precise types of circumstances and able to know the security situation at any are increasingly using them. Why should always under the direct control of the time in a given area. This is something we deprive ourselves of readily available force commander. And we apply very rig- we should have had long ago. But we’re technologies? orous procedures. addressing these issues as they come.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 35 Somalia rising from the ashes “Incredible progress” noted by the IMF

BY SULAIMAN MOMODU

Somalis prepare coffee for customers in a Mogadishu restaurant. AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh

hese days Somalis reminisce about life lending credence to the new Somalia narrative. Its before the war. With a sense of nostalgia review of the Somali economy, the first by the IMF in they reflect on the carefree days of swim- over two decades, noted that between 2012 and 2014, ming, picnics and cinema; when children Somalia’s real GDP grew by 3.7%. Although Somalia Twere in school, the economy was growing and busi- cannot yet seek financial assistance from the IMF ness was booming, providing jobs for thousands of due to long-standing arrears — amounting to US$328 Somali citizens. million in late 2015 — renewed recognition by the That golden period was to end abruptly in 1991 IMF is a critical first step and demonstrates the 5mn with the onset of a debilitating war that ruined the country is putting its administrative house in order. livestock were economy and obliterated the banking system. Today Somalia’s economic growth has been fueled the mention of Somalia invokes chilling images of in part by an increase in agricultural production. exported from the deadly activities of Al-Shabaab militants, suicide According to the Food and Agriculture Organization Somalia in 2014 bombers or pirates. (FAO), in 2014, Somalia exported over five million to markets in But the horrors that defined Somalia during the livestock to markets in the Gulf States—its highest the Gulf States, are slowly giving way to a new Somalia, one annual number of live animal exports in the past 20 its highest that is becoming relatively peaceful and is making slow years. These consisted of 4.6 million goats and sheep, annual number but steady socioeconomic and political progress. The 340,000 cattle and 77,000 camels, and the total esti- problem is that few people are noticing this change. mated value of $360 million contributed 40% to the of live animal “Somalia is an emerging success story, but country’s gross domestic product. exports in the momentum needs to be sustained,” said Nicholas “The country has made incredible progress,” says past 20 years Kay, the former UN special representative to Somalia, the IMF’s Somalia mission chief, Rogerio Zandamela, at the turn of the year. adding, “The IMF has not been alone in helping And the Somali foreign affairs minister, Abdu- Somalia—the African Development Bank, the World salam Omer, concurs: “Major progress has been made. Bank and bilateral donors such as the European Somalia is coming out of its dark past.” Union, and countries like Kenya, Norway, Turkey, the The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which and the United States are extremely resumed relations with the country in April 2013, is active.”

36 AfricaRenewal April 2016 The impact of renewed economic joint operations to enhance security. But than 6,000 Kenya-based refugees between activity is easy to discern in Mogadishu, experts caution that the country’s poli- December 2014 and December 2015. the country’s capital, where eye-catching tics, if not handled properly, could throw From an economic viewpoint, return- office buildings and residential apart- a spanner in the works. A report to the ing refugees are likely to put a strain ments are replacing bullet-riddled, dilapi- UN Security Council by the Monitoring on limited social infrastructure such dated structures. Group on Somalia, released in October as housing, health facilities, and water, Once a no-go area for commercial air- 2015, levels allegations of ineptitude and among others. However, some economists lines, Mogadishu is now receiving daily corruption against the transitional gov- maintain that refugees’ returning to their flights again. Restaurants, taxi compa- ernment, questions the effectiveness of original homes can be a net positive for the nies, employment agencies, dry cleaners, AMISOM and warns of the consequences economy. Their return enhances social gyms, real estate offices and fast food of a resurgent Al-Shabaab. cohesion and many can go into productive courts are springing up throughout the Somalis are expected to go to the polls activities such as farming, which could capital and in other cities in the country. in August 2016 to elect a new government. contribute to the country’s overall eco- The economy is being accelerated by The current president, Hassan Sheikh nomic well-being. growth in livestock and fisheries and a Mohamud, who was elected in 2012 and resurgent private sector, notably in the has been credited with overseeing a grad- Security concerns services industry, which includes tele- ual return to normalcy, has indicated his Although the African Union and Somali communications, construction and money intention to seek another term of office. forces have driven the Al-Qaeda-linked Al- transfer. “If improvement in security con- Although President Mohamud appears Shabaab militants, who once ruled most tinues, the entrepreneurial private sector to be sending investors the right signals of Somalia, out of Mogadishu, officials will continue to be the most dynamic by indicating he will peacefully hand admit that security is still a difficult issue. contributor to economic growth,” says an over power if defeated at the polls, his Currently not all investors are enthusi- upbeat Mr. Zandamela. government has not been clear on what astic about putting money into longer- Somalia’s resource potential makes it form the elections will take, stating that term projects, which may be a reason for possible that socioeconomic conditions it will depend on the security situation. disproportionate growth in the services may show even greater improvement. According to the IMF’s country head, “The More than two million Somalis remain displaced, of country has natural resources, including gas and petroleum, fisheries, and more. which 1.1 million are inside Somalia and 967,000 are Proper management of these natural refugees in neighbouring countries. resources is vital to Somalia’s success.” Last October the World Bank announced a partnership with the Central The president told a group of Somalis in industry, which produces frequent cash Bank of Somalia (CBS) to facilitate the flow the diaspora, “If elected I will continue. flows, as opposed to sectors where returns of remittances to Somalis, and appointed If not, I will hand over power to whoever on investments are likely to be realized in an agent to work with the CBS in provid- is elected.” the longer term. ing the right regulatory and supervisory In addition to the forthcoming elec- In January 2016, Kenyan forces pulled oversight for remittances. “This is a very tions, a humanitarian crisis and fallout out of two military bases in Somalia after important initial step towards improving from the war continue to challenge the Al-Shabaab attacks in which dozens of supervision and formalizing the money government. More than two million troops were killed in El-Adde and set transfer business sector in Somalia,” Somalis remain displaced, of whom 1.1 up new camp near the Kenya-Somalia said Bella Bird, the World Bank country million are inside Somalia and 967,000 border. Kenya contributes about 4,000 director for Somalia, whose portfolio also are refugees in neighbouring countries. troops to the 22,000-strong African Union includes Burundi, Malawi, Somalia and Kenya alone hosts about 420,000 Somali force battling the militants. Although the Tanzania. “We anticipate these measures refugees, mostly at the Dadaab Kenyan government referred to the change will build confidence in the international settlement, located in the northeast of of base as a “routine military maneuver,” community with regard to the Somali Kenya and one of the world’s largest refu- the development accentuates Somalia’s financial sector.” gee camps of its kind. A further 250,000 precarious security situation. Somalis are refugees in Ethiopia and an The UN acknowledges the link between Politics and the humanitarian situa- estimated 200,000 in Yemen. security and political and economic stabil- tion still matter In a sign of Somalia’s growing sta- ity in Somalia. “We will do everything Somalia is slowly becoming an attractive bility, Kenya, Somalia and the United possible to ensure that Al-Shabaab does business destination in East Africa, due in Nations High Commissioner for Refugees not succeed in its desperate attempts to part to the improving security situation. (UNHCR) in 2013 reached an agreement frustrate the hopes of the Somali people,” Since 2012 the Somali government and the for the voluntary return of refugees to says Michael Keating, the special repre- African Union–run peacekeeping mission Somalia. Already the refugee agency has sentative of the UN secretary-general in in Somalia, AMISOM, have carried out supported the return to Somalia of more Somalia.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 37 RECOVERING CITIES

From strife to revival, Mogadishu holds hopes and dreams The Somali capital is in recovery mode despite many challenges

BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

he mere mention of Mogadishu, clan-based militias that would go on for A vibrant night life has returned to the Somali capital, conjures up years. It changed my life in so many ways: the streets of the city’s once-fashionable disturbing images: pockmarked The staccato bursts of small-arms fire Shingaani district, and families and young shells of roofless buildings that became the aural backdrop of my adoles- couples have reclaimed Lido Beach as their Tevoke memories of the ruins of Dresden cence and the early years of my adulthood. weekend playground. A peace garden in the () in the waning days of World A nephew was kidnapped and later killed heart of Mogadishu boasts cafés, two foot- War II. Or the sound of pickup trucks because he belonged to the wrong clan in ball fields and park benches where Somalis equipped with heavy machine guns and the eyes of his abductors. can read local newspapers or exchange the manned by khat-chewing militiamen who Once renowned for the wide boulevards latest political gossip. race through rubble-strewn streets amid and Italianate colonial architecture that Mogadishu is in recovery mode. “The makeshift camps of destitute families dis- made it one of Africa’s most beautiful capi- city is like a patient who was in a deep placed by the chaos and carnage of a civil tals, Mogadishu was divided and shared coma, and then suddenly he moves his fin- war that has been raging for decades. among rival warlords. Government-built gers and opens his eyes. Now he is moving I lived through all that. I remember viv- schools and hospitals became prime targets his limbs and unfolding his legs,” says idly the day when the lives of us Mogadishu for looters bent on destroying all remaining Dr. Mohamed Yusuf, director of Madina residents began to turn upside down. I was vestiges of Siad Barre’s 22-year rule. Hospital, which was reduced to a camp for a 16-year-old high school student taking a internally displaced persons in the 1990s geography test when I heard the thudding Back from the brink at the height of the civil war. sound of artillery shells for the first time Today a new Mogadishu is rising from The outside world is beginning to notice. in my life on 27 January 1991. We were Somalia’s turbulent past. From the time In a recent survey of the world’s fastest- to learn later that the country’s longtime that Al-Shabaab militants pulled out of the growing cities with a population of at least military dictator Maj. Gen. Mohamed Siad city in August 2011, the Somali capital has 1 million, the US-based consulting firm Barre had been overthrown. been undergoing an economic renaissance Demographia ranked Mogadishu second, The fall of Siad Barre triggered a bloody that few would have conceived of only five behind only the Indonesian struggle for control over Mogadishu among years ago. city of Batam. Demographia

38 AfricaRenewal April 2016 From strife to revival, Mogadishu holds hopes and dreams

estimated Mogadishu’s annual growth rate was inaugurated in January 2015 in a cer- district is once again a beehive of com- at 6.9%, fueled in large part by the return emony attended by Turkey’s President mercial activity. Some of the street scenes of growing numbers of diaspora Somalis Recep Tayyip Erdogan. along the city’s main boulevard, Maka- who have come home to reconnect with I know this city of over 2 million people Al-Mukarama, could match any in Dar their roots and explore investment oppor- still has a long way to go before it can fully es Salaam in Tanzania or Addis Ababa tunities following improvements in the regain its past glory. Dozens of war-scarred in Ethiopia. On some mornings I can see security situation. buildings still remind us of the fighting foreign-flagged container ships offshore One of the glitzier showcases of the new that engulfed the city for years. The Somali on the distant horizon, waiting their turn Mogadishu is an upmarket housing estate capital continues to make the headlines for in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean to located 7 km outside the capital, which all the wrong reasons: two of Mogadishu’s enter Mogadishu’s main seaport. opened its gates in August 2015. The Daru better-known hotels were attacked by Al- The rooftop of one of the tallest build- Salaam suburb will consist of 500 houses Shabaab extremists in July and November ings in Mogadishu affords a bird’s-eye view when it is completed. About 50 dwellings, 2015, and a Lido Beach restaurant and the of the city, with some of its best-known with prices starting at around $70,000, had city’s peace garden were targeted by the landmarks under my feet: the Turkish hos- been completed by the end of 2015. The ini- group in January and February, respec- pital, the Jazeera Palace Hotel, the offices tial phase of construction cost an estimated tively. Many high-profile politicians and of the Hormuud telecommunications com- $20 million; a local bank has provided businessmen routinely arrive at meetings pany, and the Konis football stadium. the financing for the development of Daru in the company of heavily armed body- As I watch a modern jet take off from Salaam, which means “House of Peace.” guards. However, there is hope that things the seaside runway of Aden Adde Interna- The gateway for most foreigners are turning around. tional Airport, I look into the future and entering Mogadishu is the shiny terminal see a thriving Mogadishu that embodies building of the city’s Aden Adde Interna- A bird’s-eye view the resilient spirit of its inhabitants. That tional Airport. Refurbished by a Turkish A stroll through some of its once-devas- is the city that my generation of Somalis company that has a 15-year contract to tated districts reveals how much Moga- will hopefully bequeath to our children and manage the airport, the terminal building dishu has changed. The central business grandchildren.

People walk inside the recently opened Peace Garden, in Hamar jajab district of Mogadishu, Somalia. UN Photo/Ilyas Ahmed

AfricaRenewal April 2016 39 INTERVIEW be possible because the security situation in the country and political progress has not been sufficient to allow elections to Somalia charts a new path happen. So in the absence of that, what we have done is to help Somalis put together — Nicholas Kay a process that is more inclusive and more representative than what happened in 2012.

icholas Kay, a former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for How inclusive and representative will the N Somalia, completed his assignment at the end of 2015. For over two years, he was process be? actively involved with Somalis in charting a new path for a country that is trying to come It will involve electoral colleges meeting in back from years of conflict. In this interview with Africa Renewal’s Franck Kuwonu, he talks the federal member states that are now in about his time in Somalia and what lies ahead for the country. place. There will be several hundred people in each location and there will be a choice of candidates to vote for, with guarantees that women and youth will be represented in a poses a real threat not just to UN staff but future parliament. I think it’s a good step also to any other international presence forward but it’s not the whole nine yards. on the ground. What we have shown is However, there are some stakeholders who that with the right security measures and are not content with the model that’s been support, it is possible to stay in Somalia chosen. There is need to agree on a very and deliver. Now the UN has established clear and detailed roadmap for the period a firm presence in Mogadishu and across 2016-2020 before the elections. the country and we are there to stay, there is no doubt about it. The Somali people are At the end of your mission you warned greatly encouraged by the UN presence that a lack of economic advancement could there and by the commitment, courage and imperil the progress made? dedication of the UN staff. More than 70% of the Somali population are under the age of 35 and for them a whole The country is also known for its perennial generation has suffered from the civil war. political squabbling fuelled mainly by clan levels are very low. Certainly the Nicholas Kay, former Special Representative rivalry. Were these easy to manage? country is making political progress and of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN It was easy to manage for two reasons: seeks to become a functioning federal state Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). Somalis are actually very political people. with institutions accountable to the people They are used to sitting down together and delivering better services. It is a slow and talking, negotiating and making deals. and painful process but it is happening. Africa Renewal: What was it like helping Secondly, it’s fortunate that after about 26 Security is improving and the economy is chart a new path for a country that has suf- years of conflict, Somalis have decided now reviving. But outside of Mogadishu, up in fered for so long from conflicts? is the time to turn the page and commit the northeast and parts of the south and Nicholas Kay: This is the first time in more themselves to building a new country. central part of Somalia, the people are still than 25 years that the United Nations has very desperate and poor. So, security and been able to play a strong, constructive Arrangements that led to the creation of a political progress will disappear if in the role in helping a political process put the parliament in 2012 were criticised. Some next five to 10 years the economic recovery country back together. In 1996, the UN say they lacked proper legitimacy. Were does not happen and children cannot go to left Somalia in real disarray. In 2013 we these criticisms justified? school and graduates cannot get jobs. returned with the political mission of the The transition in 2012 that established UN Assistance Mission in Somalia which I the Federal government, parliament and Going forward, are there any benchmarks led. It was a time full of hope and challenges the installation of the President was of the or landmark events to watch out for? of a country coming together rather than a traditional type, with elders and their clans The big event in 2016 should be the elec- country falling apart. Personally, it was a selecting the members of parliament, who tions — parliamentary elections in August fantastic professional opportunity. then selected the president. So, the organi- and then presidential elections in Septem- zations that I was working with had a great ber. It will be a great landmark for Somalia How challenging was it to provide security deal of legitimacy in local terms and they if they achieve those on time and stick to to the people? were certainly nationally represented, but the rules that they themselves have cre- Somalia is one of the most dangerous I would not say it was democratic. When I ated for this process. It will be a process places in the world for the United Nations was in Somalia we were aiming at holding owned, led, and conducted by the Somalis to operate. The Al-Shabaab terrorist group democratic elections in 2016. That may not themselves.

40 AfricaRenewal April 2016 Speaking SDGs in African languages BY KINGSLEY IGHOBOR

s Ntiokam Divine from Cam- co-chair for the Climate Development Afri- eroon sees it, the Millennium can Youth Platform, which mobilises young Development Goals (MDGs) people on climate change issues along with and the Sustainable Develop- the Forum for Agricultural Research in Ament Goals (SDGs) are high-sounding con- Africa. In this role he moderates discus- cepts crafted in the specialized parlance of sions on community climate-smart agri- development experts. cultural activities. He is also a global youth To make the concepts comprehensible digital advocate for the SDGs. to a wider audience, especially among the Translating the SDGs into indigenous grassroots population, 33-year old Divine African languages appears both enterpris- is on a mission to translate the SDGs into ing and ambitious. Despite current fund- Africa’s many local languages using termi- ing challenges, Mr. Divine maintains that nology understandable to all. “there is no other way for the majority of His strategy involves training influ- Ntiokam Divine Africans to be rallied in support of the ential community members, particularly SDGs…I have had to use mostly my own young people, who will in turn educate main ethnic languages. There is also a little resources to organize trainings and their communities using translated texts. Swahili version, which will be distributed public communication campaigns. The On December 29 of last year, Mr. to communities in Swahili-speaking coun- young people who have bought my idea Divine launched training for 30 members tries such as Kenya, Tanzania, , have volunteered to assist in translation of various youth, women’s and civil society Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Demo- in the various countries. But more needs groups in the capital, Yaoundé, as part of cratic Republic of Congo, as well as parts to be done.” the African Youth SDGs Training Program. of Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia, Mr. Divine intends to continue to Although the training was in English, he and the Comoro Islands. organize training for young people in vari- told the trainees that the SDGs need to be ous countries and hopes to enlist the sup- taken to the people’s doorsteps. Inspired youth port of the UN and other organizations After the group translates the SDGs into Mr. Divine’s wanderlust makes him a good working to raise awareness of the SDGs. Cameroonian local languages—Ewondo, fit for his current undertaking. He has While translation has been going apace, Shupamum, and Basaa—the training pro- travelled over the back roads of Cameroon ensuring that the translated texts elicit the gramme will work on establishing SDG and to close to 100 countries around the desired feedback from the target audience clubs in primary, secondary and tertiary world. “I was inspired by my mother to is the bigger quest. schools and get influential community be a committed community development members to be SDG ambassadors in their worker like her,” he says. “She encouraged respective localities. me to empower youths in rural communi- Slow progress in Burundi ... “By ensuring that youths understand ties across Africa.” from page 3 that being part of the global discussion is Mr. Divine’s breakthrough moment an opportunity for them to address issues was in 2009, when he successfully organ- deteriorate, could cause greater relating to their future, African youths can ized the Stand Up campaign to promote tragedy for civilians in a region with a better appreciate the SDGs,” Mr. Divine the MDGs in Cameroonian schools. The history of ethnic conflict. The African told Africa Renewal in an interview. Each success of that campaign alerted the vari- Union and human rights groups have of the trainees signs a pledge, committing ous UN agencies to his unique mobilization called for stronger international police to intense community mobilisation in sup- skills. Later he took part in the Voices of and military presences in Burundi. port of the SDGs. Youth project of UNICEF. However, the UNHCR said in a So far Mr. Divine, a longtime activist who He also supports the work of the UN recent published statement, “Despite has participated in the International Youth Commission for Sustainable Development, recent high-level efforts to engage the Council, Earth Charter and Children of the raising awareness of the environment in government, we have not seen signifi- Earth, has translated the SDGs into 20 local communities as well as engaging young cant improvement in the security and languages in his native Cameroon, as well as people in ways to address climate change human rights situation on the ground. into local languages of Ethiopia, the Demo- challenges. The deteriorating economic situation cratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria. Mr. Divine, who holds a degree in envi- is also a cause for concern which could In Nigeria the SDGs were translated ronmental chemistry and grants man- trigger further displacement.” into Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, the country’s agement from the University of Buea, is

AfricaRenewal April 2016 41 AFRICA WIRED Drones: keeping a watchful eye on Africa BY PAVITHRA RAO

In an article for the magazine sub-Saharan Africa. Experts National Geographic, Oliver believe that drones can identify Payne writes that drones can pertinent information, including complement the efforts of park the details of tyre treads, license rangers and others to provide plates and even bullets, all of comprehensive poaching data. which are vital for troops’ opera- “New data is acquired daily from tional preparedness. drones, tour operators, rangers A UN expert panel on tech- on patrol, and GPS collars on nology and innovation reports, individual animals. In aggregate, “The capacity of aerial visualisa- the analytics reveal patterns of tion is coming to everyone, in poaching attacks and can predict every setting — agriculture, dis- with 90% accuracy where aster response, conflict — and poachers will strike.” we say that the member states In addition to saving the lives need to take a look at empower- of elephants and rhinos, the ing peacekeeping missions more drone technology is being tested broadly as part of an overall

A UN unmanned aerial vehicle in the DRC. UN Photo/Abel Kavanagh in Uganda and parts of Europe orientation towards technology to deliver vital agricultural to strengthen their hand.” information to farmers through Despite their often useful perated either autono- crops, and as an intelligence high-resolution pictures. Such purposes, drones come under Omously based on a pre- tool to help the military information includes exact acre- strict and in some cases pro- programmed flight plan or anticipate and prepare age of land and what portions of hibitive regulations in Africa. by remote control, unmanned against danger. the land are under- or overused. Countries that regulate drones aerial vehicles (UAVs), popularly For the endangered Although some farmers can include Kenya, and known as drones, are now being elephants in the Congo region also rely on satellite imaging, South Africa, although the rules deployed in Africa for a variety of sub-Saharan Africa, drones drones have better capabili- are often muddy. of missions. could just help end the current ties because they fly closer to In South Africa, drone Mostly found in military and elephant and rhino poach- the land and can bypass visual rules enacted in 2015 impose a special operation applications, ing crisis. In a 2015 test by Air obstructions such as tree 10-year jail sentence for illegal UAVs are increasingly finding Shepherd Technology, a US- canopies and clouds to get high- drone use — and are considered uses in civil and recreational based non-profit organization, in resolution pictures. by some residents as unfriendly applications. partnership with the Lindbergh The International Potato to private development. Dating back to the early Foundation, drones were found Centre (CIP), a Peru-based A total ban on drones for 20th century, drones initially to be effective in spotting poach- organization that focuses on civilian use was imposed by provided practice targets for ers and alerting nearby rangers food security in the developing Kenya in January 2015. training military personnel. Their over giant areas of parkland. world, conducted drone tests in In Nigeria, however, the gov- development moved into high About 20,000 elephants January on potato farmlands in ernment intends to incorporate gear for combat missions during were killed in 2014 alone, Tanzania. The drones captured drone technology into existing the conflicts in Vietnam and the according to the Convention on images of 14 varieties of sweet security systems for efficiency Middle East. International Trade in Endan- potatoes, as well as detected while also seeking the support A typical drone weighs no gered Species of Wild Fauna diseases that can potentially of the international community more than 25 kg, travels at a and Flora (CITES), a non-profit destroy the crops. to help combat insecurity of the speed of 160 km per hour and group, and there are fears that Drones are also increasingly country’s waterways. can fly to a height of 150 metres. the death toll could rise in the being used to monitor conflict It was not long ago that Drones are being used in coming years. areas around the world. Currently drones were a figment of a sci- Africa today to track poachers, In many areas park rangers the United Nations plans to use ence fiction writer’s imagina- to gather vital agricultural infor- are incapable of covering big drones for surveillance purposes tion, but now they have gained mation to help farmers with their swaths of the park. (see page 34) in war zones in popularity.

42 AfricaRenewal April 2016 BOOK REVIEW Made in Africa: Industrial Policy in Ethiopia by Dr Arkebe Oqubay OUP, 2015, 384p; £55.00

or years, African countries have been sector-specific. industrial policy based on continu- Ftold that the road to industrialization In other words, ous policy learning is a sine qua non for is long and full of intractable obstacles. policies that diversification into more dynamic sectors This view has now been challenged in a work in one such as manufacturing. Manufacturing in book written by someone who has been industry or turn is critical for economic transforma- at the centre of policymaking in one of sector may not tion because it lends itself to productivity the continent’s fastest-growing econo- necessarily work improvements and learning by doing, and mies — Ethiopia — for more than two in another. because of its potential for linkages and decades. These are economies of scale. The book is an insightful scholarly work significant and The author’s overall message for Afri- based on detailed research covering three useful policy can countries is simple: know where you important economic sectors in Ethiopia: messages, but want to go first, and with a development- cement, floriculture, and leather and the book’s most striking and perhaps most focused proactive state willing to keep its leather products. original contribution is how the author policy independence and to learn from Although the book concerns industrial links all these findings with the importance others and its own mistakes, you will reach policymaking in Ethiopia, the findings and of “policy independence”, which enables your destination. policy conclusions “have a wider relevance a developmental state to learn by doing, In other words, determine your own beyond Ethiopia”. In fact, the originality by copying and by making mistakes and destiny and don’t expect others to do it for and the value addition of the book lie in its learning from failure. “Government policy you. This book should thus be required implications for other African countries and learning” as well as “collective learning” of reading for policymakers in Africa. in the lessons it offers to those engaged in government and key stakeholders in the policy formulation and implementation. economy is seen as critical for effective Taffere Tesfachew is the director, Division Using concrete examples, the book policy formulation and implementation. for Africa, LDCs and Special Programmes, demonstrates that industrial policies Indeed, the book’s ultimate message UN Conference on Trade and Development work better when they are designed to be can be summarized as follows: Active (UNCTAD).

APPOINTMENTS

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki- Jeremiah Nyamane Kingsley Mamabolo of moon has appointed Lieutenant-General South Africa has been appointed as deputy Balla Keïta of Senegal as force commander of Joint Special Representative for the African the United Nations Multidimensional Inte- Union - United Nations Hybrid Operation in grated Stabilization Mission in the Central Darfur (UNAMID). Mr. Mamabolo has served UN Photo African Republic (MINUSCA). Lt-Gen. Keïta UN Photo/Rick Bajornas as ambassador and Permanent Representa- has most recently served as acting force commander of MINUSCA. tive of South Africa to the United Nations since 2013. He succeeds He succeeds Maj-Gen. Martin Chomu Tumenta of Cameroon. Abiodun Oluremi Bashua of Nigeria.

Major General Hassen Ebrahim Mussa of r Mahamat Saleh Annadif of Chad has been Ethiopia has been appointed as force appointed as special representative for Mali commander of the United Nations Interim and head of the United Nations Multidimen- Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Previ- sional Integrated Stabilization Mission in ously he was the head of the Peacekeeping Mali (MINUSMA). Most recently, Mr. UN/Pierre-Michel Virot UN/Pierre-Michel Coordination Centre in the Ethiopian Armed Information Public AMISOM Annadif served as the African Union special Forces since 2009. He succeeds Lt-Gen. Birhanu Jula Gelalcha, representative and head of the African Union Mission in Somalia also of Ethiopia. (AMISOM). He succeeds Mongi Hamdi of Tunisia.

AfricaRenewal April 2016 43 www.un.org/africarenewal facebook.com/africarenewal twitter.com/africarenewal

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