Sectoral Policies

Abstract: The Energy Sector Policy of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) provides a general framework for the Bank’s operations in the energy sector. The Policy is still under preparation and has built on the Bank Group’s experience, extensive internal and external consultations and analysis of the key issues of concern in the African energy sector. The new Energy Sector Policy replaces the 1994 Energy Policy and constitutes the Bank’s response to the challenge of low access to modern energy services in Africa. It also better reconciles access and sustainability objectives, namely by addressing the emerging energy-related challenges posed by climate change. Consequently, the policy framework advances a dual objective: * support RMCs in their efforts to provide all their populations and productive sectors with access to modern, affordable and reliable energy services; and * assist RMCs in developing their energy sector in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

Abstract: The Environmental Policy sets out the broad strategic and policy framework under which all Bank Group lending and non-lending operations will be made to promote environmentally sustainable development in Africa. Its overall goals are two-fold: firstly, to help improve the quality of life of the people of Africa; and secondly, to help preserve and enhance the ecological capital and life-support systems across the continent of Africa. The development of the policy has been driven by a number of factors, including: the recognition and acceptance of sustainable development as the dominant development paradigm for the 21st century; the need for a greater focus on pro-poor growth policies and programs to counter unacceptable impoverishment rates; the rapid progress in the inevitable integration of Africa in the globalization process; and the need for an improved governance with a clearer commitment of the majority of African governments to provide the necessary leadership for sustainable development. The policy recognizes the considerable constraints facing Africa, but also its endowment with minerals, rich flora and fauna as well as large tracts of rainforest. To help implement the policy, the Bank will leverage the considerable progress made in developing appropriate tools for effective mainstreaming of environmental sustainability issues in its operations. This includes using a set of approaches and developing/strengthening procedures and guidelines, with particular focus on the full enforcement of the Environmental and Social Assessment Procedures for all lending operations of the Bank.

Abstract: This Bank Group’s Gender Policy defines the commitment of the African Development Bank (the Bank) to promote gender mainstreaming as a means of fostering poverty reduction, economic development and gender equality on the continent. The policy elaborates the key concepts and approaches that support gender and development issues and seeks to provide, among other things, a requisite framework for action, which will ensure equal access to women and men of all Bank resources and opportunities. It also contains a summary of the evolution in perspectives and practices designed to integrate gender/women into the development process that have taken place in the last thirty years. The policy outlines both institutional and operational strategies to be used in its implementation.