Abdoul Salam Bello, a senior official representing 23 African countries on the executive board of the World Bank, has stressed the importance of balancing the institution’s ambitious climate agenda with the pressing development needs of African nations. In an interview on Friday, Bello expressed support for the World Bank’s climate plans, but highlighted the need to avoid sidelining other crucial priorities in the fight against climate change.
Bello acknowledged that developing countries, including those in Africa, will require an estimated $2.4 trillion annually for the next seven years to address the costs of climate change, conflict, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, he emphasized that the climate agenda should not come at the expense of the development agenda, including the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eradicate poverty and hunger, and promote gender equality.
Bello identified the lack of access to affordable and reliable electricity as the most pressing issue for many African countries. With around 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity, he highlighted the need to address this fundamental challenge in order to achieve economic transformation and inclusivity.
Bello also expressed support for Ajay Banga, the US candidate expected to replace David Malpass as the head of the World Bank. He hoped that Banga would strengthen the institution’s focus on Africa and help mobilize private capital to meet the financing needs posed by climate change, as he believed that the private sector would play a crucial role in addressing the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, Bello emphasised the need to align political ambition with the necessary resources to effectively address the challenges of climate change and development in Africa. He urged the World Bank to ensure that its climate agenda does not dilute its development agenda, and to continue supporting African countries in their pursuit of sustainable development.
