UAE to work with African nations on modernisation and development project

Heads of UAE departments held virtual discussions with senior officials from nine African countries

Top UAE officials and government ministers shared the country's development agenda and result-oriented approach with nine African nations as part of a programme with the United Nations. Wam

The UAE government has launched a project to assist African nations set a development agenda that spells progress for all.

The UAE-Africa Government Experience Exchange Programme began on Saturday in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.

The initiative involves ministers, government officials and experts from the Emirates collaborating with senior officials from nine African countries, the United Nations and the African Union.

Ohood bint khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, said the UAE was keen to share innovative models with other governments.

“It is especially important in such times of great challenge, that we remain committed and focused on the path ahead,” she was quoted by news agency, Wam .

“As nations, we need to show agility to deal with rapid changes and the resilience to remain focused on our development goals."

Sheikh Shakhbout Al Nahyan, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said the UAE was committed to strengthen long standing cultural and trade ties with Africa based on equality, fraternity and mutual respect.

The focus of the gatherings will be government services, food security, economic transformation, strategy and innovation, future readiness and government excellence and capabilities.

Heads of UAE departments from food, water security, cabinet affairs and the Prime Minister’s office took part in the virtual discussions with senior officials from Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

UAE participants shared the importance of measuring government performance by setting out objections that must be achieved within a specific period and assessing government entities.

Speakers in interactive sessions outlined the UAE government's food security plans, stressed the need for high-end technology, publication of scientific research, empowering small and medium enterprises and investment in people.

Princess Gloria Akobundu, chief executive of Nigeria’s New Partnership for Africa's Development, said designing national policy would be key.

“We welcome the UAE’s engagement to support national development planning in Africa,” she said.

“We need to focus on specific topics under national planning and policy design, such as climate change, food security, women empowerment and government leadership programmes.”

The ministerial dialogue focused on fostering partnerships between the UAE and African countries, exchanging information on innovation and explaining how the Emirates would reach the United Nations development goals.

UAE government officials spoke of the need to create an advanced government database for national skill and talents to discover future leaders.

They shared the processes to provide seamless government services to customers by designing plans that speed up digital transformation.