Reverse Linkage

22 REVERSE LINKAGE T he Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) is an independent international financial institution owned by 18 Arab countries, members of the League of Arab States (LAS). BADEA was established in 1974 and enjoys a unique characteris- tic, distinguishing it from other development financing institutions, in that the Arab countries owning its capital are not eligible for its financing. Furthermore, the benefi- ciaries are African countries, not members of LAS. BADEA aims at strengthening economic, financial and technical cooperation between Arab and African countries, creating one of the most successful examples of South-South Cooperation (SSC). BADEA’s assistance to African countries represents an integral part of the Afro-Arab cooperation, which is regarded as the oldest and most successful SSC model. This unique partnership involves a broad frame- work for collaboration among Arab and African countries in the economic, social, cultural, environmental and techni- cal domains. Although this form of cooperation is initiated and organised by governments, active participation from the private sector, non-governmental organisations and individ- uals has been critical to its success. This partnership involves the sharing of knowledge and experience, training, technol- ogy transfer and financial cooperation. BADEA’s guiding principle in this form of SSC is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples of Arab and African countries that contrib- utes to their national well-being, their national and collective self-reliance and the attainment of development goals. To achieve its objectives, BADEA is mandated to contribute to the financing of economic development of African coun- tries, encourage the participation of Arab capital in African development and contribute to the provision of the necessary technical assistance for development in Africa. In an apprecia- tion of the economic difficulties encountered by most African countries eligible to BADEA’s assistance, they receive its loans at highly concessionary terms with a high grant element and no binding conditions. The technical assistance support to these countries is given in the form of non-refundable grants. BADEA’s technical assistance to Africa – an SSC paradigm Prof. Mekki El Shibly, Executive Director, Mamoun Beherie Centre for Economic and Social Studies and Research in Africa; Lubna D. Ahmed, Strategic Studies and Corporate Development; Shahad Khidir, Young Professional Programme, Marketing Expert, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa BADEA rejuvenates physical planning and urban design in Uganda BADEA’s provision of an Arab expert as institu- tional support to the Ugandan Ministries of Local Government and Land Use, is a robust example of the accomplishments of technical assistance programmes in transforming Africa. The assistance was provided by BADEA to enhance the capacity of the two ministries’ urban planning departments as well as to boost their capability to absorb the consequences of high popula- tion growth rates. The Arab expert terms of reference included upgrad- ing the performance of human resources through the formulation of a new organizational and operational structure at the two ministries, identifying employees’ training needs and implementing the training accord- ingly. Also, creating detailed urban area plans, and preparing case studies of regional master plans and detailed projects. The outcome-based evaluation of BADEA’s institu- tion building support reveals considerable success. The stakeholder interviews at the Ministry of Local Government, and visits to two local councils (Kira and Mukono Municipal Councils), show that BADEA’s Arab expert was instrumental in revitalising Uganda’s Physical Planning Act 2010, and prioritising urban planning. BADEA’s expertise was also crucial in review- ing the Planning Act and making recommendations for appropriate amendments. Also providing valuable assistance in implementing the Act’s clauses relating to the establishment of urban planning committees in local governments, and the emphasis on the impor- tance of urban and rural planning. The BADEA expert was also actively involved in the preparation of memoranda of understanding between the Ministry’s strategic partners including Makrere University and the World Bank. The partnership with the World Bank aims at enhancing the institutional performance of local governments leading to improved urban services through additional funds to enhance investment in urban infra- structure and capacity building programmes.