Street market in Tunisia

© François Basse/Flickr/afrol News

afrol News, 5 May - The World Bank reveals it is working on a US$ 500 million programme in budgetary support "to provide a boost" for Tunisia's transitional government.

The planned aid programme was revealed by World Bank President Robert Zoellick during his two-day visit to Tunisia this week. Mr Zoellick had wanted to gather "first-hand" information about "this time of historic change" in North Africa.

"It all started here. So I wanted to listen and learn about what is happening in Tunisia and how the World Bank Group can help," Mr Zoellick said, adding that the Bank wanted to help Tunisians to reach their revolution aims.

"Good governance for all Tunisians and that offers fair opportunity can attract investment and development while building a stronger, more inclusive society," Mr Zoellick said, explaining that this would legitimise World Bank assistance.

The World Bank leader revealed that his institution was already "working on a US$ 500 million programme in budgetary support to provide a boost for the transitional government's efforts in freedom of association; access to information; transparency in public procurement; beneficiary participation in service delivery; and retraining of unemployed workers."

Mr Zoellick further noted that this support was part of a multi-donor effort and that the African Development Bank, the European Union and other donors were also supporting these strong reforms with an additional US$ 700 million.

The World Bank was now also moving to fast track the implementation of two recently approved community development projects for approximately US$ 125 million to create jobs and provide support to poorer regions of Tunisia, he added.

During his visit, Mr Zoellick met with Tunisian interim authorities, including Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi, Prime Minister and President Fouad Mebazza.

Mr Zoellick said his discussions with Tunisia's interim authorities had "indicated a clear desire to break with the past and implement a reform agenda and good economic governance."

By staff writer

© afrol News

Tweet

Printable version

On the Afrol News front page now

UN will not monitor human rights in Western Sahara afrol News - The US has backed down on its demand that UN peacekeepers in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara also shall monitor the human rights situation after Moroccan sources threatened to scale down relations with Washington. Read more

Central African Republic

Central African Republic falling apart afrol News - One month after the rebel movement Séléka took over power in the Central African Republic, unrest is spreading in the country. The new leader lacks control of his forces, which continue looting and abusing civilians. Read more

Kenya

Kenyatta secures tight victory in Kenya afrol News - The official election results in Kenya have finally been announced, and Uhuru Kenyatta managed to win the first poll round outright with a narrow 50.7 percent. But the main opponent, PM Raila Odinga, is filing a vote rigging complaint to the courts. Read more

Cape Verde Cape Verde to produce dragon fruit afrol News - Cape Verde authorities have invested large sums to diversify the arid country's agricultural sector. Now, the dragon fruit, originating in tropical America, is being introduced for the first commercial production in Africa. Read more

Egypt Even governors in Pharaonic Egypt died in their 20s afrol News - Researchers have analysed more than 200 mummies from ancient Egypt, finding that even high dignitaries were poorly nourished and had infectious diseases. The typical governor in Pharaonic Egypt died before he was 30 years old. Read more