ANTANANARIVO, May 13, 2014 – The World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region, Mr. Makhtar Diop, will arrive in Antananarivo on Thursday, May 15 for a four-day working visit. He will meet with Malagasy President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, the Prime minister and senior government officials, development partners, private sector groups, students, and the media.
Mr. Diop’s visit, the first by a World Bank Africa Vice President for almost ten years, will focus on the development challenges facing Madagascar today.
“This historic visit by our regional Vice-President marks the normalization of relations between Madagascar and the World Bank. Mr. Diop will get to see first-hand how the World Bank can step-up its program in the country to better help its poor and vulnerable families escape poverty and pursue lives with better health, education, and more opportunity.” said Mark Lundell, World Bank Country Director for Madagascar.
During his stay, Mr. Diop will visit the island of Nosy Be, where the World Bank Group is financing activities through some projects including the Integrated Growth Project (IGP) and the Environmental Program (EP3). He will also present a summary of policy notes prepared by the World Bank experts with the collaboration of various stakeholders to help the Government in assessing the current economic and social situation.
The World Bank Group, in consultation with the Government of Madagascar, partners, and other stakeholders will be preparing a new Country Partnership Strategy in the coming year to redefine its assistance to Madagascar.
The World Bank is one of Madagascar’s leading development partners. The country portfolio is now composed of 10 investment projects with a total commitment of USD 701.50 million and covers environment, rehabilitation of basic services and infrastructure.
Mr. Diop will hold a press conference on Monday, May 19 at 10:00 am at the World Bank Office before leaving the country.
