(Ecofin Agency) - Guinea-Bissau, which is one of the poorest and most fragile countries in the world (according to the World Bank) is facing several development and climate-related challenges. With the support of international partners, authorities are carrying out several initiatives to address the situation.

Guinea-Bissau and the World Bank have signed agreements for the implementation of two projects, the multilateral institution announced on Twitter last Wednesday.

The US$50 million projects (cost estimate presented by local media) are aimed at strengthening public administration and protecting Guinea-Bissau's coastal areas. Without specifying the cost, the World Bank explains that the projects concerned will reduce poverty and promote prosperity and sustainable development in the country.

According to Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, World Bank's resident representative to Guinea-Bissau, "due to persistent institutional instability and weak governance, access and quality of service delivery are poor in Guinea-Bissau, leading to severe consequences for human capital outcomes. These service delivery challenges are especially relevant for women and other vulnerable groups, who are disadvantaged in terms of access to basic services, property rights, and access to livelihoods."

In that context, the first project financed (Public Sector Strengthening Project II) will improve the supervision of fiscal and human resources and ultimately strengthen accountability, therefore boosting the quality of services offered to citizens.

The second project is part of the larger US$246 million West African Coastal Management Program, known as the WACA Program. In Guinea-Bissau, the project will strengthen the resilience of coastal communities facing erosion and flooding. Its ultimate goal is to reduce the impact of climate change in coastal areas.

Jean-Marc Gogbeu