In a strategic move to enhance its diplomatic presence across Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf region, the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has appointed the seasoned Tunisian diplomat, Jalal Trabelsi, as the new Special Envoy for the regions.
This announcement was made earlier today, adding a significant milestone in Trabelsi’s 30-year career in diplomacy.
According to AfDB, Trabelsi brings a wealth of experience and a robust academic background to his new role.
Specializing in international law, he has an impressive track record of teaching international diplomatic law at the university level. Trabelsi holds an Advanced Master’s degree in Maritime and Aviation Law from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium.
Additionally, he has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations, graduating with the highest honors, and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Tunis.
Trabelsi’s extensive experience and academic achievements uniquely position him to foster stronger relationships and enhance collaborative efforts across these dynamic regions.
His appointment underscores the African Development Bank’s commitment to leveraging expert diplomacy to advance development and foster economic ties in some of the world’s most strategically significant areas.
Last December, the African Development Bank Group has sanctioned a significant $66 million loan to the Tanzanian government.
This funding is specifically allocated for boosting the capital of the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), as decided by the Bank Group’s Board of Directors. This investment is seen as a key move to rejuvenate Tanzania’s agricultural sector.
The main aim of the loan is to strengthen TADB’s financial capacity, thereby enhancing its support for agricultural entrepreneurs and related sectors. The support isn’t limited to financial aid; it also includes various non-financial services, creating a more comprehensive support system for those in agriculture.
A notable feature of this investment is its focus on climate resilience. It incorporates technical assistance of $950,000 from the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, aimed at improving financial access for women in crucial agricultural value chains.
Additionally, $250,000 from the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is allocated to assist TADB in managing the climate risk profile of its portfolio. This element is vital for developing strategies and tools for climate-resilient lending, especially important in the context of climate change’s growing impact on agriculture.
