The African Development Bank (AfDB) group and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are to address forced displacements in Africa.

The two bodies, in a groundbreaking move, reached an agreement on Friday in one of the events marking the closure of the Africa Investment Forum, Market Days 2024, in Rabat, Morocco.

The event has the theme: “Leveraging Innovative Partnership For Scale.”

There are over 45 million forcibly displaced people in various communities on the continent.

Speakers noted that the AfDB and UNHCR partnership aimed to unlock the economic potential of these communities and promote sustainable development.

AfDB Vice President for finance and chief financial officer, Hassatou N’Sele, emphasised the need for African nations to reform their approach to addressing displacement.

“We need to be bolder and work together to make a lasting impact. It’s not about competition or visibility but about changing lives.

“The partnership will focus on renewable energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial services to support refugees and displaced persons.

“By combining humanitarian aid with long-term development finance, the AfDB and UNHCR aim to create sustainable solutions for these communities,’’ she said.

UNHCR’s assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, Raouf Mazou, noted that Africa was at a transformative moment where everyone understood the need to approach forced displacement in a comprehensive manner.

“The business case is clear: refugees and IDPs must be part of the economy of the country or community that welcomes them,” he said.

According to him, this innovative partnership is a significant step toward addressing the complex challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons in Africa.

He said by working together, the AfDB and UNHCR could help create a brighter future for these communities and promote sustainable development across the continent.

(NAN)