Utilising sustainable hydropower in Africa, and other news (14 February 2020)

Each week we highlight some of the international development stories from across the globe that have caught our attention:

• As part of efforts by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations plans to use new financial tools to enhance agricultural investment over the next 10 years. Working with banks and to fund small agricultural businesses in the world’s poorest countries, IFAD aims to reduce hunger and poverty through providing accessible support to small-scale producers. Read more in All Africa.

• A high-level round table has been held by the International Hydropower Association and the African Development Bank on sustainable hydropower development. At present existing hydropower plants only provide around 11% of the technical potential for hydropower in Africa. The roundtable noted that the utilising the potential hydropower will significantly contribute to increase electricity access across Africa. Read more in ESI Africa.

• The UAE has given $2 billion to support financial development projects in Mauritania. A high level committee has been formed in Mauritania to oversee the implementation of projects in partnership with the UAE. Read more in The Arab Weekly.

• A five year memorandum has been signed between USAID and the county government of Kisumu, Kenya, to bridge resource gaps in order to boost service delivery and economy in the the region. Read more in The Star (Kenya).