ANNUALAFDBCSOFORUM26-27May,2016—Lusaka,Zambia

PARTNERINGWITHCIVILSOCIETY

ORGANISATIONSTODELIVERTHEHIGH5S

SUMMARYREPORT

June2016

TABLEOFCONTENTS1. CONTEXT 22. CSOFORUM 3 2.1WELCOMEADDRESSANDKEYNOTESTATEMENTS 3 2.2PRESENTATIONOFTHEBREAKOUTSESSIONS 5 2.2.1BREAKOUTSESSION:ENERGY 5 2.2.2BREAKOUTSESSION:AGRICULTURE 7 2.2.3BREAKOUTSESSION:JOBSFORYOUTH 9 2.3PLENARYSESSION:REPORTINGONBREAKOUTSESSIONS 11 2.4CLOSINGREMARKS 123. CONCLUSIONANDRECOMMENDATIONS 134. ANNEXES 14 4COMMENTS/QUESTIONSRAISEDDURINGTHESESSIONS 14 5ROADMAPS/ENGAGEMENTMODALITIES 18 6CSOFORUMLUSAKAVIRTUALREPORT 25 7 LISTOFPARTICIPANTS 36

ACRONYMSAFAWA AffirmativeFinanceActionforWomeninAfrica AfDB AfricanDevelopmentBankCO2 Carbondioxide COP21 21st UnitedNationsCl imateChangeConferenceCSO Civi l SocietyOrganizations ECOWAS EconomicCommunityofWestAfricanStatesNGO Non-governmentalorganizationPTF PartnershipforTransparencyFundRMCs RegionalMemberCountriesONEC Energy,EnvironmentandClimateChangeDepartment ORQR QualityAssuranceandResultsDepartmentOSAN AgricultureandAgro-IndustriesDepartment OSHD HumanandSocial DevelopmentDepartment OSVP SectorOperationsComplexSDG SustainableDevelopmentGoal

1.CONTEXT1. OnThursday,May26th,2016,theAfricanDevelopmentBankGroup(AfDB)helditsannual

AfDB Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Forum alongside its AnnualMeetings. The Forum,whichwas held in Lusaka, Zambia, brought together over 200participants, including civilsociety representatives, AfBD’s senior management and Staff Members, governmentofficials,aswellasaglobalvirtualaudience.

PURPOSEOFTHEEVENT

2. TheoverallobjectiveoftheForumwastoengageahigh-leveldialoguebetweenCSOsandAfDB’s seniormanagement on the Bank’s strategic focus in three priority areas: energy,agricultureandjobsforyouth.

3. Through theCSOForum, theBank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting andworkingwith civil society and civil society organizations in pursuing the continent’s development,andinidentifyingappropriatetoolsforeffectiveengagementby:

• StrengtheningthepartnershipbetweentheBankandCSOs acrossAfricabyprovidingaplatformfordialogueandinformationexchangearoundtheHigh5s.

• Promoting closer cooperation and engagement among CSOs, the Bank, and RegionalMember Countries (RMCs)with the aim to optimize development results and sustaindevelopmentimpact.

• Fostering participation of CSOs in contributing towards the Bank’s strategic thinking,planningandoperations.

FORMATOFCSOFORUM

4. OversixtyrepresentativesofAfricanCSOswereinvitedtoparticipateintheForum,selectedbygeographicalrepresentationandareasofinterestfocusingontheHigh5s,andasizeablenumberfromZambia.

5. Namakau Mukelabai, Director of Indigo Events and Media Solutions, was the generalmoderatorforthetwo-dayevent.

6. The Forum was structured along the following lines: welcome address and keynotestatements,twoplenarysessionsandthreebreakoutsessionstakingplacesimultaneously.The first plenary session provided the guiding principle underlying the breakout sessionsand the second allowed moderators to report back to the plenary on the deliberationsemergingfromeachofthethree-roundtablediscussions.

7. TheCSOForumfocusedonthreepriorityareasoftheHigh5s–energy,agricultureandjobsforyouth.Foreachthematicarea,aroundtablediscussionwasorganizedtodiscusstheme-specific issues and identify general themes and points of agreement on areas ofcollaborationbetweentheBankandCSOs.Eachpanelfeaturedcivilsocietyrepresentatives,aswellasAfDBstaffandstakeholdersfromrelevantinstitutions.

The CSO Forum benefited from live tweets from bloggers representing the five AfricanregionsandanonlinediscussionmoderatedbyMs.JemilaAbdulai,ConsultantwithORQR.Remote participants were able to follow the plenary sessions of the Forum via webstreamingontheAfDBwebsite.Thevirtualaudiencewasabletointeractwiththespeakersand other guests by submitting their questions/remarks through social media channels.HighlightsoftheeventweresimultaneouslyreportedthroughTwitterandpicturessharedonFlickr.

2.CSOFORUM

2.1WELCOMEADDRESSANDKEYNOTESTATEMENTS

PRES IDENT OF THE AFR ICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK , MR. ADES INA, C LOS ING THE PANEL . CRED IT 2016, CERD-

AFDB

8. H.E.MaryRobinson,PresidentoftheMaryRobinsonFoundation,openedtheCSOForumbycongratulatingPresidentAkinwumiAdesinafordevotingadayfordiscussingimportantthemessuchasjobcreationforyouth,women/genderequalityandagriculture.ShefoundthediscussionsattheAnnualMeetingsencouragingwithgoodanalysesofissuespresented,injustices identified and solutions offered. She commented on the need to ‘reach thefurthest behind first’ by linking social protection systems to the Bank’s discussions. Sheconcluded her address by encouraging civil society to hold the Bank accountable fordelivering on the High 5s and emphasized that civil society can make the difference inAfrica.

9. MamadouToure,CEOandFounderofAfrica2.0,beganhisstatementbythankingtheAfDBfordevotingthetwo-dayeventtocivilsociety.HediscussedhowAfrica2.0cameoutofthefrustration of young talented Africans looking to contribute to their society but facingconstraints.TheunderlyingobjectiveofAfrica2.0wastogatheryoungAfricanleadersfrom

thecontinentandtheDiasporawhosharedonecommonvisionforAfricaandwhoadoptedaproactiveapproach tosolutionsbypublishing itsManifesto,cataloguingexpertsby taskforce,bysector,by industryandby locationwithaviewto facilitatebringingsolutionstoAfrican problems and allowing the continent to leapfrog towards a prosperous andsustainableAfrica.TheemphasiswasoncreatingAfrica’sagendaforAfrica.

10. He highlighted that onemain failure of civil societywas its inability towork together, inhaving one common message and in prioritizing that message. He stressed on theresponsibilityofcivilsocietytochangethatgoingforward.Hestressedontheexceptionalopportunity theCSO Forum represents in providing a platform for civil society to engageleadersandcalledforacivilsociety/government/privatesectorconsensustoworktogetherandachievetheAfricandream.

11. EngwaseMwale, ExecutiveDirectorofNGOCC, shareda statementonbehalfof the civilsocietyorganizationsthatmetonthesidelineoftheAnnualMeetings.Shehighlightedthatcivil society recognized its need to be proactive and its critical role for nationaldevelopment.Thesidelinemeetingwasusedtocriticallyanalyzetheissuesbeingdiscussedat theAnnualMeetings.MwalethankedtheAfDBforallowingcivil society toengageandshare the outcomes of the critical analysis and the reflections on the High 5s. The civilsocietyorganizations’mainstatementpointstotheneedoftheAfDBtoinstitutionalizeCSOengagementprocessesformoreeffectiveresultsontheBankpriorityareas.

12. ResolutionsmadeduringthesidemeetingweresharedandcalledupontheBanktoaddressissuesonenergyandclimatechange,agriculturaltransformation,privatesectorfinancing,infrastructureand inclusivedevelopment,natural resourcegovernanceand illicit financialflowsfromAfrica,trendsinAfDB/CSOengagement,andtransparencyandaccountabilityintheBank’soperations.PleaserefertoAnnex4forthefullstatement.

13. President Akinwumi Adesina gave the opening CSO Forum speech. He stressed on theimportanceoftheCSOForuminrepresentingthevoicesandfacesofthepeopletheBankistrying to help, who are often absent from these discussions. He expressed that beingPresident of theAfDB is not a job but amission to ensureAfrica develops fast for thesevoices and faces. He stressed on the importance of civil society in: holding the Bankaccountable; ensuring transparency and good governance; engaging in inclusive growthprocesses; and empowering African people. He emphasized the AfDB’s commitment tostrengtheningcivilsocietyengagementbybuildingcapacityforAfrica-basedcivilsociety.

14. HeexpressedtheBank’scommitmenttoholdingmoreforumsliketheCSOForumtodiscussandlistentocivilsociety’scontributions,andalsotheneedforcivilsocietytoadvocateforwhat Africa needs with a sense of urgency. He went over the pressing issues impactingAfrica’s development, including in energy, agriculture, women empowerment, youth,climatechange,greengrowth,naturalresourcesandillicitcapitalflows.

15. ThePresidenttouchedonthestrategiesandinitiativeslaunchedbytheBank,includingtheBank’scommitmenttoAFAWAtoleverage3billionUSDforwomenentrepreneursacrossthe continent. He noted that when you get women right, you get everything right. Heconcludedby reiteratinghowmuch theBankvalues itspartnershipwithcivil societyand

reaffirmeditscommitmenttodeeperengagementastheybothsharethesamevision.Heencouraged civil society representatives to revise their statement after listening to him.Kapil Kapoor - Acting Vice-President, responsible for sector operations (OSVP),Mr. AlexRugamba–DirectorofEnergy,EnvironmentandClimatechangeDepartment,ONEC,Mr.ChijiOjukwu–DirectorAgricultureandAgro-IndustriesDepartment,Mrs.SunitaPitamber– Director Human Development Department, OSHD, Mr. Kevin Urama – Senior PolicyAdvisoronInclusiveandGreenGrowthwereinvitedtojoinMr.MamadouToureonstagetorespondtoquestionsandcomments.

16. Duringthequestionsandanswerssession,MamadouTouresharedthesuccessstoryoftheAfrica2.0Manifesto.HediscussedthefourkeyaxesofAfrica2.0vision,whichwere:upliftAfricans, inclusivegrowth, infrastructureandgrowth-enablingenvironment,with the fourkey drivers of growth being youth, women, diaspora and technology. He recalled beinginvited by the G20 to make key recommendations, of which two – the Diaspora-bornscheme and regional commodity exchanges -were endorsed. Africa 2.0was again calledupon by the G20 in 2015 to make recommendations on off-grid energy, renewable andcleanenergy.HementionedcontributionstotheAfricaProgressPanelandCOP21.

17. The latter represents themost powerful positionAfrica has taken in termsof addressingclimate issues.HeevokedmeetingPresidentAdesinawhenhe first joinedofficeandhowthe outcome of the discussion can now be found in the Employ Africa strategy. Heconcludedhiscontributionbypressingformorecollaborationandcoordination.

18. Finally, Kevin Urama commented on the need to address access aswell as sustainabilityissueswhenitcametoenergy.ThefocusshouldbeonproducingmoreandbetterwithlessCO2emissions.

2.2PRESENTATIONOFTHEBREAKOUTSESSIONS

NoelKulemeka,ManagerofORQR4,brieflyexplained thepurposeof the threebreakoutsessions and encouraged participation based on civil society organizations’ comparativeadvantage.ThebreakoutsessionswereorganizedaroundthreepriorityareasoftheHigh5s:energy,agricultureandjobsforyouth.ThePowerPointpresentationsfromeachsessioncanbemadeavailableuponrequest.

2.2.1BREAKOUTSESSION:ENERGY

MODERATOR:NeilCOLE,ExecutiveSecretaryoftheCollaborativeAfricaBudgetReform Initiative

DISCUSSANTS:AlexRUGAMBA,Director,AfricanDevelopmentBank SheilaOPARAOCHA,InternationalNetworkonGenderandSustainableEnergy TjaardaSTORMvanLEEUWEN,PartnershipforTransparencyFund

BreakoutsessiononEnergyledbyNeilCOLEfromCollaborativeAfricaBudgetReformInitiative.

Photocredit:2016CERD–AfDB

19. TheobjectiveoftheroundtablediscussionwastoencouragefocuseddiscussionsonhowbesttoleveragetherelationshipbetweentheAfDBandCSOstomeettheobjectivesoftheBottomofthePyramidEnergyAccessPrograminitiative.Thediscussionfocusedonspecificways in which CSOs would participate and/or assist in implementation of relevantinitiatives,prioritizingareaswhereCSOspossesscomparativeadvantageswithregards toenergyaccessandcleanenergysolutions.

20. KevinUramadidapresentationonthesourceofCO2emissions inAfricaandhighlightedthatAfricasuffersfrompoverty-engenderedemissions.HepointedoutthatAfricaneedsanew energymix to better care for the environment and invest in sustainable solutions,which isproposedthroughtheNewDeal; ifAfricatransitstoamixtureofcoalandotherenergy sources, theemissionof sootwill go from5 tons to1 ton.Heexplained that thereductionofcharcoalusecouldbeafirststepinaddressingtherootsoftheproblem.

21. AlexRugambapresentedthePowerandLightUpAfricaStrategyandsummarisedthekeyfeaturesoftheBottomofthePyramidEnergyAccessProgramsandhowthesearealignedwiththeSDGs.HereportedthattheBankisworkingonfinancingsolutionstorolloutthe

clean cooking solutions and that a major component on delivering on the New Deal isbasedonformingcollaborativepartnerships.

22. SheilaOparaochoamentioned thathercontributionswereonbehalfofherorganisation,InternationalNetworkonGenderandSustainableEnergy.SheemphasizedthatCSOswerethefirsttoengageincleancookingandarewellplacedtoassistonthedelivery,uptakeandsustainabilitycomponentsoftheinitiative.CSOscanhelpraiseawarenessandaddressthemajor gap between rural and urban access. She highlighted that off-grid and mini-gridsolutionswere keyelements. She stressedon theneed to leveragewomen tobuild anddeliverontheNewDealandgavetheexampleofECOWAS’genderedpolicyonenergyandhowcountryagendasarenowbeingdevelopedthroughamulti-prongedconsultationwithCSOs.

23. Tjaarda Storm van Leeuwen fromPartnership for Transparency Fund (PTF) presentedonthechangingtrendsincivilsocietyandtheirimplications.HecommentedonthespaceforCSOengagement varying fromcountry to country and the impact this hason funding insome countries. His presentation recognized the different roles played by developmentpartners from implementer, facilitator, third party monitor and voice in policydevelopment.

24. CSO representatives found commendable the Bank’s initiative. Key discussions includedtripartite collaboration (government, civil society and private sector) to deliver on theBank’sprogramandon theneed for theBank to tap into theexistingCSOnetwork.Mr.Peter Eigen from Transparency International made reference to the magical triangle ofinteractions among government, civil society and the private sector as the essentialingredienttomakedecisionssuccessful.

25. AnthonyNyonginchargeoftheSafeguardsandComplianceDivision(ORQR3)atAfDBemphasizedtheneedforthecooperationofcivilsocietyandthatAfricaneedstechnologytransferandnottechnologydumping.Thefocusshouldbeondevelopingtechnologythathelpscreatejobslocally.Mr.SimonMizrahi,DirectoroftheQualityAssuranceandResultsDepartmentORQR,presentedtheCSOEnhancedEngagementFrameworkandthedifferententrypointspossibleatcorporate,regionalandcountrylevels.HeusedtheexampleofcleancookingtoshowcasehowtheFrameworkcanbeadaptedtoaspecificissue.

26. CSOrepresentatives identifiedways inwhichtheycanpartnerwiththeBankandhowtoinstitutionalise the way of engaging with the Bank. The modalities of engagement thatwerediscussedcanbefoundinAnnex2.1.

2.2.2BREAKOUTSESSION:AGRICULTURE

MODERATOR:MamadouGOITA,AfricanCivilSocietyOrganisations’CoalitiononAfDB

DISCUSSANTS:ChijiOJUKWUCHINEDUM,Director,AfricanDevelopmentBank ElizabethMPOFU,InternationalSecretary,LaViaCampesina BarbaraKAFKA,PartnershipforTransparencyFund

BreakoutsessiononAgriculture.Photocredit:2016CERD–AfDB

27. ThesediscussionslookedforspecificwaysinwhichCSOswouldparticipateand/orassistinimplementationofrelevant initiatives,prioritizingareaswhereCSOspossesscomparativeadvantageswithregardstoagricultureandtobestmeettheobjectivesoftheTransformingtheAgricultureSectorInitiative.

28. Chiji Ojukwu presented the Feed Africa strategy, focusing on its objectives and the keyinitiativesunderthestrategy.HeannouncedthatthestrategywouldbepresentedtotheBoardofDirectorsforapproval inJune2016.Henotedthatfourkeyinitiativesunderthestrategy were agro-industrial parks and corridors; enabling youth in agri-business; risksharingmechanismforagriculturalfinance;andtechnology.

29. Mpofu discussed the difficulties faced by farmers. She mentioned the lingering andnegative impact of structural adjustment programs on the standard of living of farmers,whichlimitedgovernmentassistancetofarmers.Shestressedontheneedtoincorporateindigenousknowledgeintoproposedmodels.Herrecommendations includedfocusingonlocalmarkets,researchinglocalseedstoavoidbuyingfromcorporations,facilitatingaccessto natural resources for farmers, and sticking to diversification in crop production. Shestressedontheneedforfarmerstobeautonomousinchoosingwhattoproduceandhow

toproduce it.Thebiggestchallengeaccordingtoherwas to identifywhereto invest theresourcesandhowtoensureaccesstosmallfarmers.

30. KafkafromPTFfocusedonglobaltrendsforthe2030SDGagendaandforcivilsociety.Thenumberofcivilsocietyorganizationshasbeenincreasingwithnewrolesinservicedelivery,advocacyandinfluence.Shediscussedtheneedforcivilsocietytoaddressitsowninternalissues, while taking into account that the enabling environment for civil society differsacross the continent. The main challenges are to: find an appropriate mechanism toidentify the CSOswith comparative advantage for the Bank to engagewith, ensure thatCSOsareproperlyengagedintheimplementationofthe2030Agendaandidentifyingthemosteffectivemodalitiesofengagement.

31. Keydiscussionsincludedtheemergenceofcartels inAfrica,theabilityofsmallproducerstobeprofitable, the creationof value chains in theabsenceofpoliciesand frameworks,andaccesstofinancingandtheconditionsforcommercialloans.DiscussionsincludedthealignmentofAfDBand the regionaleconomic communities (RECS)withnationalplans.Astrongemphasiswasplacedonimplementationandtheneedfortransparency.

32. The recommendations includedproviding further assistance to small farmers;prioritizinglocal, national and regional markets and supplying these with local products; furtherresearch seeding and the use of technology; and the promotion and consolidation ofagriculturalcooperatives.

33. The session endedwith CSOs listing their comparative advantage in terms of advancinghuman rights, the rights of small farmers, women and youth, ensuring environmentalsafeguards are respected, the development of sustainable agriculturalmethods, creatingbusiness partnerships that favour small producers and integrating social responsibility inbusinesspartnerships.FurtherstudiesarerequiredonthepartofcivilsocietytodeterminehowbestitcanassisttheBankinimplementationoftheBank’sprogramme.ThediscussedmodalitiesofengagementcanbefoundatAnnex2.2.

2.2.3BREAKOUTSESSION:JOBSFORYOUTH

MODERATOR:KaridiaSANON,SustainableDevelopmentDepartment,Ouagadougou University

DISCUSSANTS:SunitaPITAMBER,Director,AfricanDevelopmentBank SobelNGOM,ExecutiveDirector,SocialChangeFactory Noel KULEMEKA,ManagerofGenderandSocialDevelopmentDivision,AfricanDevelopmentBank

BreakoutsessiononJobsforYouth,ledbyKaridiaSanonfromOuagadougouUniversity.

Photocredit:2016CERD–AfDB

34. TheJobsforYouthdiscussionslookedatspecificwaysinwhichCSOswouldparticipateandassist in implementation of relevant initiatives, prioritizing areas where CSOs possesscomparativeadvantageswithregardstojobcreationforyouthandonwaysCSOscanbringresources (technological and financial) to the Bank. The objectivewas to focus on howCSOsandtheBankcandelivertheJob’sforAfrica’sYouthinitiative.

35. Sunita Pitamber presented an overview of the Employ Africa strategy, emphasizing theneed to provide opportunities for the unemployed and the disadvantaged. The mainchallenge isamismatch in thesupplyofskillsof theyouthanda lackofdemandfor theskills being offered. To address this, the Bank is focusing on three sectors: energy,agricultureandindustrialisation,andonthreeflagshipmodels:integration,innovationandinvestment. She invited participants to consult Bank documents relating the backgroundworkwithrespecttothestrategy.Theflagshipmodelswillallowforregional integration.The fundamentalapproachunderlying the strategy is throughpartnershipamongprivatesector,publicsectorandcivilsociety.Mr.SobelNgom,DirectorofSocialChangeFactory,

presented Voix des Jeuneswhose aim is to create awareness among young people andtrainyoungpeople.HementionedhowengaginginentrepreneurialactivitiesischallenginginAfricaandthatthe innovatorsand leadersofopinionsaretheones leadingtheway increating an enabling ecosystem. Voix des Jeunes uses themedia as a powerful tool forincreasing capacity and as a tool for development by providing access to informationpreviouslyunavailable.

36. Noel Kulemeka, concluded the presentation by providing an overview of the changingtrends in civil society and their implications for international aid.He commentedon thespaceforCSOengagementvaryingfromcountrytocountryandhowthathasanimpactonfunding in somecountries. Thenumberof civil societyorganizationshasbeen increasingwithnewrolesinservicedelivery,advocacyandinfluence.

37. CSOssaidthatthemostrelevantandimportantareasofengagementareinmonitoringandevaluation and in providing feedback. It was recommended that the Bank shouldinstitutionaliseitsCSOengagementandidentifyCSOrepresentativesforinputs.BothCSOsandtheBankshouldengageinadvocacyandcommunication,especiallytoeducateyoungpeople on theAfDB and its initiatives. Itwas recommended thatmore youngpeople beengagedinthediverseareaswhencraftingtheroadmap.TheJobsforYouthroadmapcanbefoundinAnnex2.3.

2.3 DAY 2 PLENARY SESSION: KEY POINTS FROM ROADMAPS OF THE BREAKOUTSESSIONS

SheilaOPARAOCHA,MamadouGOITAandSobelNGOMrespondingtoquestionsfromtheaudience.

Photocredit:2016CERD–AfDB

38. Theday2plenarysessionstartedwiththereportingbackfromthemoderator/rapporteurfromeachsession.Eachpresentedtheagreedmodalitiesofengagementgoingforward.

39. The roadmaponEnergy focusedon the levelsandareas forCSOengagement, that is,atcorporate, regionalandcountry levelsand inadvocacy, implementationandconsultationrespectively.Keydiscussionsincludedlevelingtheplayingfieldtoscaleupcookingenergyand off grid solutions, leveraging AFAWA to support women energy enterprises andproductiveusesofenergy,developingtheenablingenvironmenttofosterinclusivebottomof the pyramid interventions, and supporting multi-stakeholder processes & CSOparticipationinenergypolicymakingandplanning.

40. The roadmaponAgriculture focused on four key issues, namely, the setting up of agro-industryprocessingzonesandcorridors,agribusinessesasasourceofyouthemployment,the need for a risk sharing mechanism for agriculture finance and the need to havetechnology adapted for African agriculture. The challenges and roles of CSOs werediscussed,withalistofsuggestedpartnerstodeliverontheseissuesidentified.Challengesincludetheneedforcapacitydevelopmentatalllevelsandtheneedforsoundinstitutionalframeworkstodeliverpoliciesandprogrammes.

41. TheroadmaponJobsforYouthidentifiedareasforCSOengagement,namely,monitoringandevaluation,capacitybuilding,communicationand information,advocacy,partnershipandinnovation.TheoutcomesandactionstodeliverontheJobsforYouthobjectiveswerediscussedandpotentialimplementingpartnersandstakeholdersidentified.

ThereportingbacksessionwasfollowedbyComments/Q&Asession.

VIRTUAL ONLINE D ISCUSSION

42. JemilaAbdulaisummarisedtheonlinediscussiononTwitterthroughthefollowingpoints:(i) the young should not be on the side line or viewed as an afterthought. Newcommunicationtoolsshouldbeusedtotargetthem;(ii)wenotonlyneednewtechnologyinagricultureandenergysectorsbutshouldalsofindwaystointegrateyoungpeopleandtheirideasinsuchsectors;and(iii)thereisageneralsensethattheBankandwhatitdoesremainunknowntoyoungpeople,hencepreventingengagement.

43. An estimated 800,000 Twitter accounts were reached using the hashtag (keyword)#CSOForumLusaka, engaging 5.5 million views worldwide with 487 published posts. Incomparisonwithlastyear’sForum,thesefiguresrepresentanincreaseof85%intermsofpeoplereachedacrosstheworld.

2.4CLOSINGREMARKS

44. Following thePresident’s request in his opening statement, CSOs edited their statementandsharedthenewversionwiththeaudience.TheCSOrepresentativeexpressedthecivilsociety’s gratitude to the President and his team for the effort in putting together theForum and in the genuine commitment to ensure a legitimate relationship between the

Bank and CSOs. The renewed commitment for a more functional and enhancedrelationship ishighly appreciatedandwill allowCSOs towork togetherwith theBank toachieve the transformation that Africa is looking for. The statement called for sustainedeffortatnationalandregionallevelsthroughdebatesandconsultations.SuggestionsweremadeonthepossibilityofhavingtheCSOForumbeforetheAnnualMeetingssotheycanengagefurtherinothereventsandonsubmittingashadowreportontheprogressoftheBank.

45. Sipho Moyo officially closed the CSO Forum. In her thanks, she reaffirmed the AfDB’scommitment to work and further engage with civil society. She emphasized that themodalities of engagement are being crafted with the help of CSOs themselves. Sheconcludedbysayingthatweareallinthistogetherandthatwearenowoperatinginanewerawheredevelopmentisasharedresponsibility,nolongertheroleofthegovernmentbutwith every actor having a role to play. She thanked CSOs for their participation andconfirmedthattheCSOForumwillbefollowedbytheregionalstakeholderconsultationsforfurtheranddeeperconsultations.

46. NoelKulemekathankedtheaudienceforitsparticipationandinvitedallpresenttoattendtheReception.

Mrs.SiphoMoyofromtheAfDBclosingtheCSOforum.Credit:2016CERDAfDB

3.CONCLUSIONANDRECOMMENDATIONS

47. TheCSOForumattheAnnualMeetingsoftheAfDBGrouphasallowed:(i)frankexchangesbetween the Bank and CSOs on modalities of engagement on how to deliver on threepriority areas of the High 5s, namely energy, agriculture and jobs for youth; and, (ii)reaffirmed theBank’s commitment toenhancingCSOengagementandappease lingeringfrustrationswithrespecttopastfailures/inadequacies.

48. It is recommendedthat theBankcapitalizesonthemomentumcreatedthroughtheCSOForum to further deepen consultations with CSOs and finalize the modalities for CSOengagementby:

• Holding five regional consultations for further discussions on delivering on selectedinitiativesandcraftingadetailedroadmapforeachregionallevel.

• Establishing the different ways with whichmember countries will work with CSOs atnationallevelandhowthesemodalitieswillfeedintotheregionalroadmap.

• Updating CSO database and aligning them with the priority areas of the Bank.Classificationbyregion,country,sectorandcomparativeadvantagesshouldbeavailableto facilitate AfDB staff identifying potential partners for project conceptualization,designandimplementation.

• EstablishingaMonitoringandEvaluationFrameworkthatwillallowtrackingofprogressat national, regional and corporate levels. This stratification will allow for areas ofweaknessestobeaddressedandareasofstrengthstobereplicated.

4.ANNEXES

COMMENTS/QUESTIONSRAISEDDURINGTHESESSIONS

PLENARYSESSIONONE:

QuestionsRaised Responsesfrompanelists

How can civil society practically engage oncombattingillicitcapitalflows?

CSOswereurged toattend toevent speciallyaddressingtheissueofillicitcapitalflows.

TheBankisassistingRMCsindevisingnationalplanstoaddressissuesfrombothgovernmentpolicy standpoint, as well as from aninvestment standpoint to avoid creativeaccounting.TheAfDBwillbehostingawebsitewhere the plans will be available and willencourage an interactive electronic dialogue.Civil society will be encouraged to holdgovernments and organizations like AfDBaccountable and to monitor the progressbeingmade.

It was suggested that civil society engagemorewithresearchinstituteswhoarelookingintoillicitcapitalflows.

How will different stakeholders ensure thatthe program on Jobs for Youth is effectivelyimplementedandthatresultsaredelivered?

Thestrategywasbuiltontheweaknessesandlack of coordination and impact that allstakeholders havebeenunable to address sofar. The plan includes information about theinvestment needed, the sectors to beprioritized and the impacts to be expected.Delivering on the programwill require policyreformsandinvestmentfromgovernmentandprivate sector. The youth was broughtonboard at the design phase, resulting in astrategythatisdemand-driven,differentfromprevious initiatives. Implementation will becountry-specific.

Other strategies will integrate youthunemployment as well. The Feed Africastrategy specifically targets youngunemployed graduates as one of itscomponents, helping to reorient them

towardsagricultureasabusiness.

How will the Bank manage the relationshipbetweenanimalrightsandhumanrightswhileencouragingagriculturalexpansion?

Agricultureencompassesmorethanjustcropsbut includes fisheries and forestry. The focusoftheBank’sinitiativewillbeonclimatesmartagricultureandongreeningtheinvestment.

HumandevelopmentwillbeatthecoreoftheBank initiatives. Examples of Bank operationssuchas theBank’s2014Ebolacrisis responseand its operation addressing gender-basedviolenceinCoted’Ivoirewereprovided.

BREAKOUTSESSION:ENERGY:

QuestionsRaised Responsesfrompanelists

How will emissions at country levels beaddressed?

Emissions are correlated with developmentlevels.ThereisaneedtoshareandshapethedialoguefromtheperspectivesofAfricans.

Howwilltherollouttakeplace? Energy and climate change have beenupgraded to a complex within the new Bankstructure. There is also a partnershipsdepartment, which will assist with themappingandthewayforward.

It is important that capacity be built formaintenanceovertimeandnotjustforscalingup.

How can an organization be part of theengagement if it does not fit into the agreedstructure?

Oneparticipantsharedthateachorganisationhas its own speciality and can intervene atdifferentlevelsandquestionedhowtobepartof the engagement if such organisation doesnot fit into the agreed structure. Neil Colerespondedthattherewillbemoreclarificationas we go forward and that this space wasexactlywheresuchissuesshouldbediscussed.

TheBank is still at the initial stage andmoreclarification will be provided as it goesforward.TheCSOForumispartoftheprocesswheresuch issuesarebroughtupandwillbefurtherdiscussedatnextmeetings.

BREAKOUTSESSION:AGRICULTURE:

QuestionsRaised Responsesfrompanelists

How flexible is the strategy from the AfDB’ssideanddoestheStrategyreflectinputsfromcivilsociety?

The Strategy was presented in 5 regionalworkshopsandbenefittedfromfeedbackfromCSOs.

Howwill the Bankworkwith CSOs to deliveronitsobjectives?

CSOswillassist theBank inareaswhere theyhavedistinctcomparativeadvantages,suchasonadvancinghumanrights,therightsofsmallfarmers, women and youth, ensuringenvironmentalsafeguardsarerespected,etc.

How profitable is the new strategy for smallfarmers?

The lack of assistance to small farmers is anunderlying weakness of why productivity islow in Africa as most farmers are smallfarmers on the continent. TheBankneeds toensure that assistance for small farmers isbetterandmoreconsistentgoingforward.

How is value addition created in the absenceofpoliciestothateffect?

Agriculturalcooperativesshouldbepromotedandreinforcedwheretheyalreadyexisted.

BREAKOUTSESSION:JOBSFORYOUTH:

QuestionsRaised Responsesfrompanelists

What is the time frame for the Bank toimplementitsstrategy?

The Bank has already started its scopingexercise in 16 countries and has proposed apipeline of projects to the value of 2 billionUSD with the objective of creating 7 billionjobs.

How will the Bank ensure gender paritiesamong youth in the fiscal space beingcreated?

TheBankhasagenderstrategytoensurethatits operations advance the gender equalityagenda.Indicatorsforwomenarehigherthanboys in some sectors due to higherparticipationintheeconomy.

How will the Bank build a sound bilateralrelationshipwith the government inmembercountries?

TheBankwillworktoaddresspolicyissuesbutremains an apolitical organization. Bankoperationswillbedirectedattheyouth,notat

thegovernment.

Will there be tailor-made programs for theeducated youth and those in highereducation?

The priority will be to target theundereducated.

PLENARYSESSION:REPORTINGONBREAKOUTSESSIONS :

QuestionsRaised Responsesfrompanelists

How can job creation for young people bedoneinspecificareas?

Agriculture remains at the heart of jobcreation for AfDB and Africa. It is essentialtherefore to build capacity and bridge theinnovation gap in the agriculture sector.Advocacy remains an essential component ofthe work ahead and the promotion ofagriculture shouldbeapriority. It isessentialthat the link be made between skills andaccess to land for youth fromboth rural andurbanareas.

Current analyses are weak compared to thedimension of the problem. Agriculture canabsorb a large portion of young people.However, projects are not well designed tounleashjobcreationpotential.Thereisaneedtoreformfinancialsystemsandmarkets,awayfrom the current focus on monetary policytowards providing solutions adapted tocurrent needs, including the needs of theyouth.

Itisessentialthatwelearntobetterarticulatethe challenges and to include those in thedecisionmakingprocess.

Howcanyouth-led initiativesbe integratedinagricultureandenergy?

Africanyoutharenotdisconnectedfromtheircommunity and their roots. The existing linksand knowledge should be capitalized on todeliver on the programs and increasedvisibility.

TheprogramsshouldbeBYyouth,notjustON

youth!

Isn’t too much focus being placed onprocesses while deeper issues, such asinadequate policies and discriminatory laws,arenotbeingaddressed?

The CSO Forum’s focus was mostly on theprocess of achieving CSO engagement butiterated that deep consultationswill be doneat regional and country levels to developcountry-leveloperations.