On July 7, multi-stakeholder consultations for the World Bank’s Africa Action Plan were held at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Bonn. The consultations were co-organized by the World Bank’s Berlin Office and BMZ. Approximately 20 participants from government, German development agencies, CSOs, and German political foundations participated in the meeting.

Following welcoming remarks by Thomas Albert, Director for Africa at the BMZ, Colin Bruce, Director for Strategy and Operations for the World Bank’s Africa Region, provided introductory comments. Jan Walliser, Sector Manager of the Africa Region at the World Bank, presented the background for the strategy.

The discussion covered a broad array of topics, including for example the World Bank’s role vis-à-vis regional development banks and economic associations, the rise of new partners for Africa, how to better engage with the private and civil society sectors, and what strategies are required for fragile states.

For more information on the World Bank’s Africa Action Plan and how to participate, please see www.worldbank.org