The international community must do more to help the African Union lead the fight against al-Shabaab as Somalia takes on greater responsibility for its own security, Theresa May will say today. The UK has a strong track record both in supporting the African Union and helping Somalia rebuild its police and military forces after decades of insecurity.
An EU agro-forestry programme known as Fuel Wood Balance has commenced distribution of 760,000 additional free tree seedlings in seven local governments in Katsina State. The project manager, Chris Udokang, said the gesture was to promote afforestation and environmental conservation.
This project improves the competitiveness of the banana industry in the face of the tariff preference erosion in the EU market, while ensuring its environmental and socio-economic sustainability in the long run.
When it comes to increasing investment in the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries covered by the Cotonou Agreement, the EU talks a good game. But it is facing stiff competition from China, armed with more cash and fewer concerns about democracy and the rule of law when it comes to investment. The recently established Trust Fund for Africa and the soon-to-be-expanded European External Investment Plan are the EU’s latest Africa-focused investment vehicles.