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Africa Training Hub, News & insights

Thriving Farmers, Resilient Ecosystems: CFC Call for Proposals

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May 22, 2025

- Africa Training Hub, News & insights


Call for Proposals: Thriving Farmers, Resilient Ecosystems

The Thriving Farmers, Resilient Ecosystems initiative by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) seeks transformative projects to boost smallholder incomes and regenerate ecosystems. We invite SMEs, cooperatives, and NGOs to propose initiatives that align commercial viability with environmental and social sustainability. For details, visit africatraininginstitute.org.

Mission: Thriving Farmers, Resilient Ecosystems

The CFC aims to alleviate poverty by enhancing the income-generating capacity of commodity producers and reducing economic vulnerability, fostering sustainable value chains that empower smallholders and protect ecosystems.

Vision

To transform the commodity sector in developing countries into a major driver of poverty alleviation and sustained economic growth through inclusive and sustainable practices.

Priority Areas

The CFC supports projects under the Thriving Farmers, Resilient Ecosystems initiative focusing on:

  • Trade Finance for Companies – Connecting smallholder farmers with global markets.
  • Regenerative Agriculture & Biodiversity Protection.
  • Local Value Addition with Low Environmental Impact.
  • Agtech and Digital Tools for Inclusive, Sustainable, and Transparent Value Chains.
  • Improving Financial Access for Smallholder Farmers.
  • Women Entrepreneurship and Business Solutions with a Gender Lens.

27th Call for Proposals: Specific Focus

The 27th Call for Proposals emphasizes:

  • Sustainable use and conservation of forest resources in the Congo Basin (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo).
  • High-impact projects with small ticket sizes (up to USD 500,000) in Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe.

Who Should Apply?

SMEs, cooperatives, social enterprises, NGOs, and public/private sector entities based in or operating in CFC member countries are eligible. Applicants must have at least 3 years of operational history and propose financially viable projects aligned with the Thriving Farmers, Resilient Ecosystems mission. Priority is given to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing Countries (SIDCs).

Application Process

Submit applications in English, including the application form and Balance Sheet/Income Statement, available at:

For queries, contact opencall@common-fund.org.

Submission Details

  • Deadline: 29 September 2025

Join the Thriving Farmers, Resilient Ecosystems initiative to build sustainable value chains that empower smallholders and restore ecosystems. Submit proposals via www.common-fund.org and learn more at africatraininginstitute.org.

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Africa Training Hub, News & insights

Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility: Call for Proposals

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May 22, 2025

- Africa Training Hub, News & insights


Call for Proposals: Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility

The Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM), led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), seeks Africa-based organizations to implement sustainable mobility initiatives in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Morocco. This call for proposals invites partners to support the Global Programme for Sustainable Mobility, promoting walking, cycling, and equitable transport policies. For submission guidelines, visit africatraininginstitute.org.

Objective: Advancing the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility

The objective is to identify Africa-based organizations as implementing partners for the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility, supporting technical assistance, capacity building, and advocacy in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, and other African countries. Partners will contribute to PAAPAM’s delivery framework, fostering low- and zero-emission mobility, improving air quality, and promoting gender inclusion.

Project Background

Despite the benefits of walking and cycling, investments in safe infrastructure have been insufficient across Africa. The Kigali Forum in 2022 initiated consultations for the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility, followed by bilateral meetings and sub-regional sessions in 2024. These engagements, involving thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations, identified three core action areas: creating safe places to walk and cycle, advocating for active mobility users, and embedding walking and cycling into policy and investment processes. PAAPAM, launched in 2025, provides a 10-year framework to prioritize active mobility, with UNEP securing funding to support its implementation in five countries and regionally.

Project Description: Implementing PAAPAM

This call invites organizations to collaborate with UNEP’s Share the Road Programme to implement the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility. Activities include technical assistance in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Morocco, as well as regional advocacy and capacity building. Specific tasks include:

  1. Analyzing policies, stakeholders, and fiscal frameworks for active mobility.
  2. Identifying capacity gaps and training needs.
  3. Developing or revising city/national active mobility policies aligned with PAAPAM.
  4. Coordinating local workshops, study tours, and stakeholder meetings.
  5. Creating knowledge products like policy briefs and technical guidelines, emphasizing gender and inclusion.
  6. Providing technical assistance to local and national agencies.
  7. Developing a regional monitoring and evaluation framework.
  8. Establishing regional hubs/task forces.
  9. Coordinating PAAPAM’s delivery framework.

Focus Areas for Active Mobility

Partners will support PAAPAM’s goals of creating safe walking and cycling environments, advocating for users, and integrating active mobility into policy and investment frameworks, ensuring equity and inclusion.

Project Requirements

  • Complete the five-step application process, including registration on the UN Partner Portal.
  • Demonstrate technical expertise, past experience, and financial capacity.
  • Show project management capabilities and local expertise in Africa.
  • Submit applications via the template at Google Docs.

Submission Details

  • Responsible Officer: Janene Tuniz
  • Implementation Start Date: 1 August 2025
  • Implementation End Date: 30 June 2028
  • Submission Deadline: 16 June 2025
  • Notification Date: 31 July 2025

Submit proposals via the application template at Google Docs. For more information on the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility, visit africatraininginstitute.org.

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Africa Training Hub

Call for Proposals: Enhancing Environmental Resilience and Recovery in Ukraine

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May 22, 2025

- Africa Training Hub

Call for Proposals: Enhancing Environmental Resilience and Recovery in Ukraine

Enhancing Environmental Resilience in Ukraine is critical to addressing the impacts of war, including hazardous waste, chemical pollution, and asbestos contamination. This call for proposals seeks innovative solutions to strengthen Ukraine’s environmental recovery, focusing on sustainable practices and stakeholder collaboration. For detailed submission guidelines, visit africatraininginstitute.org.

Objective: Enhancing Environmental Resilience in Ukraine

To solicit project proposals for Enhancing Environmental Resilience in Ukraine by improving capacity in managing hazardous waste, assessing risks to human and environmental health from contaminated sites, and developing environmental standards for demining operations.

Project Background

The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused widespread destruction in its northern, eastern, and southeastern regions, resulting in significant debris accumulation and damage to industrial sites. As of January 2025, over 3,000 incidents at hazardous facilities have been reported, and more than 250,000 buildings were destroyed by January 2024. Asbestos, recently banned in Ukraine, is prevalent in over 70% of residential and public building roofs, posing severe health risks. Industrial and agricultural activities, combined with conflict-related releases of hazardous substances like oil, petroleum products, volatile organic compounds, metals, and specialty chemicals, have further degraded air, water, and soil quality. Additionally, approximately 138,503 km² of land and 14,000 km² of water are at risk of contamination from explosive remnants and landmines, making Ukraine one of the most heavily contaminated regions since World War II. The absence of environmental standards for demining exacerbates risks to soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife, necessitating urgent action for environmental resilience.

Project Description: Sustainable Environmental Recovery

This project aims to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to address war-related environmental impacts from chemical pollution and promote a sustainable, green recovery. It comprises five components, each addressing critical aspects of Enhancing Environmental Resilience in Ukraine:

Component 1: Managing Asbestos for Environmental Resilience

This component focuses on safe management of asbestos-contaminated debris by adapting international asbestos testing standards, evaluating Ukrainian laboratory capabilities, conducting site trials, developing technical guidelines, and creating training materials. A decision-making framework and legal recommendations will support local authorities.

Expected Deliverables: Technical guidelines, laboratory capacity assessment, field trial documentation, training materials, and legal framework recommendations.

Component 2: Asbestos Training for SESU Resilience

This component enhances the State Emergency Service of Ukraine’s (SESU) capacity to manage asbestos hazards during emergency responses by developing tailored training materials, field guides, and a “train-the-trainers” program for sustainability.

Expected Deliverables: Training curricula, instructional materials, field guides, and a capacity-building program for SESU trainers.

Component 3: Environmental Assessment in Kyiv Oblast

This component assesses environmental risks in Kyiv Oblast by mapping and evaluating contamination from industrial, agricultural, and infrastructure sites. It includes data collection, laboratory analysis, and the development of digital tools like environmental databases and spatial mapping.

Expected Deliverables: Environmental “hot spots” mapping, digital tools, priority site lists, and replicable investigation methodologies. Note: Subject to donor funding confirmation.

Component 4: Environmental Standards for Demining

This component establishes environmental standards for demining to mitigate risks to soil, water, and biodiversity by developing technical guidelines and policy recommendations in collaboration with stakeholders.

Expected Deliverables: Technical guidelines, stakeholder coordination frameworks, and policy recommendations.

Component 5: Kakhovka Reservoir Risk Assessment

This component assesses health risks from pollutants in the Kakhovka Reservoir through systematic soil and water sampling, focusing on heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides, with recommendations for agricultural and water safety.

Expected Deliverables: Contamination analysis reports, risk assessment models, and policy guidance. Note: Subject to donor funding confirmation.

Project Requirements

  • Expertise in environmental monitoring, assessment, and hazardous waste management, particularly asbestos.
  • Capacity for field assessments and laboratory analyses.
  • Experience in developing training materials and stakeholder engagement.
  • Proficiency in data management and spatial mapping technologies.
  • Proven track record of successful projects in Ukraine.
  • Ability to operate within Ukraine and established partnerships with Ukrainian NGOs and local authorities.
  • Collaboration history with the UN or other intergovernmental organizations.
  • Compliance with the application template provided at https://bit.ly/42igxVh.
  • Clear budget and methodology delineating each component.

Submission Details

  • Responsible Officer: Pier Carlo Sandei
  • Implementation Start Date: 2 June 2025
  • Implementation End Date: 31 March 2026
  • Submission Deadline: 22 May 2025
  • Notification Date: 26
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News & insights

African Development Bank Leadership: Race Intensifies at CEO Forum

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May 22, 2025

- News & insights

African Development Bank Leadership: Race Intensifies at CEO Forum

African Development Bank Leadership Race Intensifies at CEO Forum

Published: May 16, 2025

The African Development Bank leadership race is intensifying ahead of the presidential election. At the Africa CEO Forum 2025, held May 12-13 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, four candidates campaigned to gain support from 3,000 business leaders and policymakers. Their visions will shape the future of Africa’s leading development institution.

African Development Bank Leadership: Driving Economic Progress

The AfDB presidency race is pivotal for the bank, which supports economic growth in 54 African nations. Candidates at the forum outlined plans to address poverty, infrastructure deficits, and sustainable development. The event underscored AfDB’s role in fostering innovation and economic resilience across the continent.

Candidates in the African Development Bank Leadership Election

Four candidates engaged with leaders like Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who back their nominees. The African Development Bank leadership election is competitive, with candidates proposing policies to boost investment, support businesses, and advance green energy.

Training for Development Finance Leadership

The next AfDB president will need strong skills to tackle complex challenges. Organizations like Africa Training Institute offer programs in development finance and leadership, preparing professionals to support AfDB’s mission. These initiatives empower leaders to drive sustainable growth.

Impact of AfDB’s Strategic Vision

The African Development Bank leadership shapes policies impacting millions. The bank funds projects like Togo’s Sokodé solar plant and Uganda’s clean cooking initiative, promoting sustainable development. The new president will guide funding priorities and global partnerships.

Support AfDB’s Leadership Goals

The AfDB leadership candidates need support to realize their visions. Visit AfDB’s website to learn about their initiatives. For training in development finance, explore programs at Africa Training Institute to contribute to Africa’s future.

Source: Adapted from Devex

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News & insights

Hunger Crisis in DRC: WFP Urges Joint Action

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May 22, 2025

- News & insights

Hunger Crisis in DRC: WFP Urges Joint Action

Hunger Crisis in DRC: WFP Calls for Urgent Joint Action

Published: May 20, 2025

The hunger crisis in DRC affects 28 million people, marking a 10% increase in severe food insecurity since September 2024. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports this as the highest number ever recorded, driven by escalating violence and displacement in eastern DRC. Eric Perdison, WFP Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, urges collective action to address this crisis.

Causes of the Hunger Crisis in DRC

The food insecurity in DRC is fueled by ongoing conflict, particularly in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. Violence has displaced 7.8 million people, disrupting agriculture and markets. Soaring food prices and limited humanitarian access worsen the situation, leaving 4.5 million children acutely malnourished. Despite these challenges, WFP has provided food and nutrition assistance to over one million Congolese in 2025.

WFP’s Response to Food Insecurity in DRC

Despite dangerous conditions and poor infrastructure, WFP delivers critical aid, including nutritional support for pregnant women and children. In Goma, recent violence has closed schools and banks, halting farming activities. WFP urgently needs US$433 million to sustain operations through October 2025. Without funding, aid to half of those currently assisted may be suspended.

Building Resilience to Combat Hunger in DRC

Beyond emergency aid, WFP invests in resilience programs, such as sustainable farming and literacy training, to empower communities. In Ignye, near Kinshasa, WFP collaborates with organizations like Africa Training Institute to provide skills training, fostering self-reliance. These initiatives aim to strengthen food systems and promote peace, leveraging DRC’s vast resources.

Global Call to Address DRC Humanitarian Aid Needs

Perdison emphasizes the need for local, national, and international cooperation. “DRC has long been a forgotten crisis,” he says, urging governments to highlight the plight of Congolese people. Donors, including Belgium, Canada, and the EU, support WFP’s efforts, but more funding is critical to prevent further deterioration.

How You Can Support DRC Hunger Relief

The DRC humanitarian aid effort requires immediate support. Visit WFP’s website to donate or learn more. For training in humanitarian response, explore programs at Africa Training Institute to equip communities with vital skills.

Source: Adapted from ReliefWeb

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News & insights

Humanitarian Crisis in Syria: UN Briefing Highlights Urgent Needs

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May 22, 2025

- News & insights

Syria Humanitarian Crisis: UN Briefing on Urgent Needs

Humanitarian Crisis in Syria: UN Briefing Highlights Urgent Needs

The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains a critical global issue, as detailed in a recent United Nations briefing to the Security Council. Delivered by Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Tom Fletcher, the briefing underscored the urgent needs of millions. With 16.7 million people requiring aid in 2025, the crisis demands immediate international action.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Syria

Now in its 14th year, the Syria crisis continues to devastate lives and infrastructure. The humanitarian crisis in Syria has led to widespread poverty, with over 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line. Food insecurity affects 12.9 million people, including 2.6 million facing acute hunger. Additionally, 650,000 children under five suffer from stunting due to malnutrition, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Challenges in Addressing Syria’s Humanitarian Needs

Delivering aid in Syria is fraught with challenges, including funding shortfalls and restricted access. The UN’s humanitarian response plan for Syria is critically underfunded, limiting life-saving assistance. Cross-border operations, particularly through Türkiye’s Bab al-Hawa crossing, remain a lifeline for 4.1 million people in northwest Syria, 80% of whom are women and children. Training programs from institutions like the Africa Training Institute can help address these challenges by preparing aid workers for complex environments.

Humanitarian workers face significant risks, including explosive remnants of war and ongoing hostilities. In 2024, an attack on Al Shifa’a Hospital in Afrin killed 19 civilians, including three children, underscoring the dangers to both civilians and aid providers.

Training to Strengthen Humanitarian Response in Syria

Effective response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria requires skilled professionals. Organizations like the Africa Training Institute offer specialized training to equip individuals with the skills needed for crisis management and coordination, enhancing aid delivery in challenging environments like Syria.

International Support for Syria Crisis Relief

The UN briefing called for increased funding to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Early recovery efforts, such as UNICEF’s wastewater treatment project in Idleb, which provides clean water to 250,000 people, are critical. However, without sustained funding and a political solution per UN Security Council Resolution 2254, the crisis will persist. Countries like Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon need continued support for hosting Syrian refugees.

Conclusion: Urgent Action for Syria’s Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Syria demands coordinated global action. With millions facing hunger, displacement, and violence, increased funding, access, and political solutions are essential. Training programs from the Africa Training Institute can enhance aid delivery. For more details, visit www.unocha.org.

References: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, ReliefWeb

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