African Development Bank announces framework to support Guinea-Bissau

The African Development Bank said it would support Guinea-Bissau in “strengthening its governance” and in “development of infrastructure that will foster inclusive growth”.

The bank unveiled last week a strategy paper for Guinea-Bissau covering the period of 2015-19, providing “a framework for the bank’s post-crisis support to the country” after last year’s general elections.

Political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau, including a military coup in 2012, “resulted in a significant decline in economic growth in recent years”, the bank said in a statement. Economic growth in Guinea-Bissau fell from 5.3 percent in 2011 to -1.5 percent in 2012.

The strategic paper “aims at improving the situation by strengthening the rule of law and providing the population with the necessary infrastructure,” the African Development Bank said.

The bank’s support includes encouragement of regional integration and of participation by the private sector in the development process.