The African Development Bank (AfDB) recently organized its first Civil Society Open Day in Seychelles.
The event brought together 25 representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), including the umbrella body, Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS), to discuss the bank’s country strategy and portfolio and identify opportunities for collaboration towards sustainable and inclusive development in Seychelles. Attendees included the Director General for East Africa at AfDB, Mrs. Nnenna Nwabufo, and other high-ranking government officials.
During the event, Mrs. Nwabufo reiterated the bank’s commitment to engaging civil society organizations in implementing the Bank’s High 5s for inclusive, sustainable growth and development in Seychelles.
The CSOs recommended a platform for multistakeholder dialogue, which includes government, private sector, and civil society with a particular focus on the energy transition and solutions for renewables. They also emphasized the need for a transition plan from fossil fuel to clean energy and the matching of education curricula to the respective industry, especially in the tourism and renewable energy sectors.
The bank instituted CSO Open Day as a platform for sharing information on its portfolio, shared learning, and an opportunity for civil society bodies to provide feedback on the bank’s country engagement.
The event was a significant step towards strengthening partnerships between the AfDB and civil society organizations in Seychelles towards achieving sustainable development goals.
