AfDB committed to helping Seychelles enhance energy infrastructure |10 December 2016

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is committed to helping Seychelles enhance energy infrastructure to promote inclusive and green growth, and stimulate private sector activity in support of economic diversification through policy reforms.

Newly appointed executive director of the East Africa constituency of the African Development Bank, Dr Nyamajeje Calleb Weggoro, said this yesterday morning after calling on President Danny Faure at State House.

During their discussions, President Faure briefed Dr Weggoro and his team on the various measures put in place by the Seychelles government for the promotion of greater inclusive development.

The president also highlighted that despite being ranked as one of the high income countries in the African region, Seychelles still faces challenges. However, with the necessary measures in place and with the support of partners like the African Development Bank, President Faure claimed that Seychelles can tackle the issues at hand and advance the country’s core agenda of greater inclusive development for its people.

This is Dr Weggoro’s first visit to Seychelles since his appointment in July this year and other than Seychelles he represents Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea at the African Development Bank.

Dr Weggoro said the visit is an opportunity for him to meet relevant authorities, including government ministers, to discuss future projects.

“There are two major areas – one is enhancing energy infrastructure, but also assisting private sectors in order to allow them to participate fully in the economic development of Seychelles,” said Dr Weggorowho, adding that his talks with President Faure also focused on other potential areas of cooperation. He mentioned climate change, poverty reduction, Blue economy and environment issues.

He also briefed President Faure on the structures and key priority areas of the AfDB and expressed his satisfaction to see that some of the pillars have already been implemented. He claimed his wish is to see work continue progressing as soon as possible and pledged the bank’s support.

Dr Weggoro also said he spoke to President Faure about skills development and capacity building.

“We also want to turn the bank into a knowledge-based institution other than just a lending institution just giving out resources, funding etc. We also want to assist countries in capacity building so that they have the people who can conceive, develop and implement projects efficiently,” he said.

Cooperation between the African Development Bank and Seychelles started in 1978. According to Dr Weggoro, over the years the financial institution has provided help valued at around US $134 million to Seychelles, adding that the current portfolio is about US $44 million which is being used in different areas – in water, energy and a human development plan which is being prepared.

Dr Weggoro was accompanied on his visit to State House by ADB senior advisor David Siri and country economist Tilahun Temesgen. Also present for the meeting was the Governor of Central Bank of Seychelles, Caroline Abel.