Ireland

Ireland has rich experience in agriculture, energy, and education services, all areas of relevance to the Bank. 

Ireland’s aid programme aims to reduce poverty and hunger, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the funding is spent on agriculture and nutrition programmes, health and HIV, education services, and on providing humanitarian assistance in emergencies. Climate change, gender equality and good governance have been highlighted as priority areas.

In November 2019, Ireland launched the government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025. The key strategic objective is to build stronger political partnerships with regional member countries to address challenges; promote peace, security, and respect for human rights and the rule of law; support inclusive economic growth and deeper trade and investment relations; support the achievement of the SDGs; contribute to a greater EU partnership with Africa and pursue a collaborative approach in all their work across the continent.

Ireland provided support to the now-closed Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICF), which worked with businesses and governments to identify and improve priority areas that stimulate investment, which is critical for job creation, income growth and poverty reduction across the continent.