Abidjan, 26 October 2023 – the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese government, with the presence of the Ivorian government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), exchanged notes concerning the grant aid project "Local Government Social Infrastructure Improvement Plan in the Northern Region."

This project implemented in the Northern Region of Côte d'Ivoire signifies a significant contribution from the Government of Japan, facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This initiative aims to alleviate vulnerabilities in the North by strengthening the capacities of local communities to provide basic services and preserve social stability, responding to a massive influx of over 36,900 estimated refugees from neighboring crisis-stricken countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso.

This contribution of $2,967,600 US dollars, about 1.84 billion FCFA, is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and Security through the General Directorate of Decentralization and Local Development (DGDDL). The project focuses on Bounkani and Tchologo regions, particularly the municipalities of Téhini, Ouangolodougou, and Doropo. 

Adhering to the principles of community participation and inclusivity, the interventions of the project are structured around two major operational outcomes: (i) Strengthening the capacities of local actors and management mechanisms (communities, local societies, local service providers) in order to improve the quality and access to basic social services for communities and (ii) Strengthening the capacities of local stakeholders (local communities, young people, men, women) in favor of promoting an environment conducive to peace and social cohesion.

Carol Flore-Smereczniak, the UNDP Resident Representative of UNDP in Cote d'Ivoire, emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Japanese government, JICA, and UNDP in supporting infrastructure improvement in the regional communities of Cote d'Ivoire.

H.E. Mr. Katsuya IKKATAI, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Côte d’Ivoire, stated, "This project will strengthen the capacity of local communities in the Tchologo and Bounkani regions, support the development of basic infrastructure, and solidify community trust in the administration."

Mr. Vagondo Diomandé, Minister of the Interior and Security, highlighted the significance of this signing, stating, "This project is crucial and appropriate for improving the quality of beneficiaries' lives and addressing poverty reduction and the lack of basic social infrastructure."

Source: UNDP Cote d'Ivoire