Belgium

Background Information

Belgium joined the ADB and the ADF in 1983 and 1974, respectively.

Belgium participated in the eleventh replenishments of the African Development Fund (ADF). The Belgium’s contribution to the ADF at the end of 2008 amounted to UA360 813 249 UC, that is 1,914 % of ADF resources.

In terms of bilateral cooperation, the Bank concluded two agreements with Belgium: one with the federal state represented by the General Directorate for Development Cooperation and the other with the Walloon Region of Belgium through the Walloon Export Agency.

The bilateral cooperation agreement signed in 1975 with the Belgian Federal State established a fund for the financing of pre-investment and feasibility studies for the Bank’s Regional Member Countries (RMCs). This agreement was broadened in April 1991 in order to also provide technical assistance services with a view to promoting the transfer of technologies towards recipient countries. The current bilateral cooperation is in line with Belgium’s development aid policy.

Within in the framework of the cooperation with the Walloon Region, the Walloon Export Agency has provided resources to the Bank to finance experts services, consulting firms and individual Walloon or African consultants for Technical Assistance and feasibility studies, exclusively for the promotion of the private sector.

Joint Initiatives

  • The bilateral cooperation made it possible to finance 140 projects in various sectors, among which are infrastructure, environment (fauna protection and promotion of eco-tourism) in Central Africa and especially in the Great Lakes Region, but also in other countries.
  • The Walloon Region grant made it possible to help with strategic reorganization activities of the private sector department which resulted in a new strategy for the department involved.  

Formal Arrangements and Financial Contribution

  • The bilateral cooperation agreement was signed in 1975 for an undetermined period and the fund established is completely tied except for small activities (which are 50 % tied). The cumulated resources since 1975 amount to 24,278,326 million EUR ( 298, 000 EUR in 2007).
  • A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Bank and the Walloon Region of Belgium in  January 1999. Within the framework of its Trust Fund, the Walloon Region of Belgium (through the Walloon Export Agency) provided 2,530,000 EUR to the Bank in 1999. A replenishment of the Fund amounting to 1,115,200 EUR as at end 2002. The Walloon Fund is 75% tied and was signed for an undefined period.

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