CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC- CHINA TIES

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC- CHINA TIES

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC- CHINA TIES

During their stay in the Central African Republic, medical experts from China conduct treatment while also teaching their know-how of Chinese medicine to the Central African population. They continue to write the moving story of friendship between China and Africa.

As Presidentl Xi Jinping pointed out, they are not just angels in white coats saving the dying and caring for the wounded, they are also messengers of China – Africa friendship.

The Chinese Medical Practitioners are the 19th Chinese medical aid team to the Central African Republic set out from Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province, for an 18-month overseas medical aid mission. Their specialties include neurology, ophthalmology, gynecology and acupuncture, among others.

Story by Sarah Marjorey Kisakye

Back to China!

Back to China!

Back to China!

International students have started physical classroom learning after 3 years of online modeled teaching.

Many international students are thrilled to be back to study in China or start their academic journey after China Reopened to International Students after more 3 years of the Covid 19 pandemic.

China eased its border restrictions and quarantine requirements late last year, 2022.

The Eastern Tiger is one of the most sort after destinations for International students, largely attributed to more scholarship opportunities, relatively cheaper tuition dues and cost of living compared to many other countries.

Security and variable employment opportunities after graduation are also other considering factors that have led to made China’s popularity among international students.

Chinese Youth Artist promotes African friendship

Chinese Youth Artist promotes African friendship

Chinese Youth Artist promotes African friendship

Hello everyone, I am Oscar Yang, and I’m 24 years old.
I come from China in Jinhe Town, Genhe City, Inner Mongolia, and I have lived in Beijing since 2014.
I started drawing new friends I have meet from other countries after attending the Spanish Day event that was held at the Cervantes Institute in Beijing in 2016 and the USTB International Cultural Festival in 2017, I made friends from several African, Caribbean and Latin American countries, and over the years, I have committed to developing the cause of friendly cooperation and exchange with people from different cultures than I. My art is my way of building a bridge of shared community and future for mankind and promoting the development of friendly cooperation and mutual assistance among countries in the world.

Interviewed by Sarah Marjorey

Nigerian Central Bank Says It Didn’t Direct Commercial Banks To Collect Old N500, N1000 Notes

Nigerian Central Bank Says It Didn’t Direct Commercial Banks To Collect Old N500, N1000 Notes

Earlier today, the CBN authorities had confirmed to journalists and to some banks that it authorised the deposits, only to rescind its decision hours later

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made confusing statements, noting that it did not direct the commercial banks to allow the deposit of old N500 and N1,000 notes.

This was contained in a statement released by Osita Nwanisobi, CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications on Friday, claiming that the apex bank is only reissuing and recirculating the old N200 banknotes and which is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s national broadcast on Thursday.Earlier today, the CBN authorities had confirmed to journalists and to some banks that it authorised the deposits, only to rescind its decision hours later.As a result, the apex bank urged the general public to disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the bank on this subject, and advised media practitioners to verify any information from the correct sources before publication.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorised messages quoting the CBN as having authorized the Deposit Money Banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 Banknotes. For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with Mr. President’s broadcast of February 16, 2023, the CBN has been directed to ONLY reissue and recirculate the old N200 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10, 2023. Members of the public should therefore disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on this subject.Media practitioners are advised to PLEASE verify any information from the correct sources before publication,” the statement added.

The African School in China.

The African School in China.

China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School

As soon as you enter the school building, you are welcomed by the brightly done paintings and calligraphy works full on the walls, delighting your eyes and heart. The works displayed on the walls are all made by the teachers and students of the school.
One of the walls, is written the Chinese inscription, “Long live China-Africa friendship”

The “China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School”, founded in 1918, was originally named Jinping County No. 1 Primary School. It is one-hundred-year-old school. The Government of Equatorial Guinea and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs play departmental tasks towards the development of the school.
The school has been a big tie factor in cementing “China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship. More developmental work was recently made on the school in June 2016, seeing the grand opening of a five-story teaching building and a sports field.
Through this school, the young Chinese learn more about African countries and develop a great passion for Africa.

The new teaching building was named “Friendship Building”, with a total of 20 classrooms. Among the series of special exhibition rooms on the first floor, is the Equatorial Guinea dedication exhibition room, which is particularly eye-catching. On the wall of the exhibition room, a student wrote: “What is friendship? Friendship is caring, friendship is mutual assistance, friendship is spring breeze, and friendship is the driving force for one’s progress.”
Bathed in the spring breeze of friendship, the school has expanded from the original 32 teaching classes with 1,600 students to 45 teaching classes with more than 2,000 students. The configuration of the library, painting room, and other functional rooms also provide the necessary foundation for students’ hobbies. The students are glad to show off their talents of calligraphy, paintings, dancing and singing.
The interesting interaction is quite a unique experience, rich with a history of friendship between the two countries and how it has remained operational for years.
The Principal of the school,
In China, youth are taught to love and serve their country, as well as having clear visions and skills to serve national interests.
In photos :Ms. Ran Hong Yang poses for a photograph and a storied class building, students keenly attending a class.

Story by Sarah Marjorey Kisakye

<strong>Africa and China have developed a fruitful partnership to address the agricultural challenges of African countries</strong>

Africa and China have developed a fruitful partnership to address the agricultural challenges of African countries

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund predicted very recently that the global economic growth will slow down. The IMF, however, pointed out that output would be more resilient than previously anticipated, inter alia, due to the reopening of China’s economy and that a global recession would probably be avoided.

Despite these cautious predictions, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, expressed a more positive outlook for Africa on Jan 19, saying that the continent is “set to outperform the rest of the world in economic growth over the next two years, with real gross domestic product (growth) averaging around 4 percent in 2023 and 2024 “.

An AfDB report furthermore reflected that all the continent’s five regions remain resilient with a steady outlook for the medium-term, despite facing significant headwinds due to global socio-economic shocks. As regards sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF anticipates that its economic growth will increase moderately to 3.8 percent in 2023 and climb to 4.1 percent in 2024.

The AfDB, however, cautioned in its report that risks including tightening global financial conditions, with the associated increase in domestic debt service costs as well as soaring food and energy prices as a result of climate change with its damaging impact on domestic food supply, continue to pose considerable threats to the continent.

Agriculture is a major source of income for most of the rural population of vast parts of Africa. It accounts for half of total employment and more than 32 percent of Africa’s gross domestic product.

Africa has substantial agro-ecological resources but for many reasons, the significant potential of the continent’s agricultural growth has yet to be realized. Paradoxically, food security, for one, is not assured. An “agricultural revolution” is needed with enhanced modernization, seeking solutions through technology transfers, mechanization and increased productivity.

It is in this context that African governments have consistently viewed agriculture as an important driver of growth, development and jobs on the continent. The AU adopted the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme in 2003, a framework with the aim to accelerate coordinated economic and structural transformation by improving agricultural productivity, increasing investment and sharing knowledge.

While many challenges require urgent attention, one of the top priorities is establishing food security which is crucial for sustainable economic development and the long-term prosperity of the African continent. At least one in five Africans goes to bed hungry and an estimated 140 million people in Africa face acute food insecurity, according to the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises 2022 Mid-Year Update produced by the UN World Food Programme, UN Food and Agriculture Organization and other specialized organizations.

Projections show that by 2050, Africa’s population will double. By 2100, one in three people on Earth will be African. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom will be under the age of 25 years by 2050.

Considering the importance of the agricultural sector for a large segment of the African population, many African countries, while continuing to make progress, are in need of technical assistance to attain higher agricultural growth and find sustainable solutions to their food security challenges. African countries are therefore calling for more international cooperation, focusing on resources, technology, and development support to transform Africa’s agricultural sector.

Agriculture is a significant part of Africa-China cooperation and is of fundamental interest to both sides. Since the decolonization of Africa, China has transferred advanced Chinese agro-food technology to Africa in order to support the continent to mitigate its agricultural challenges. The goal is to leverage Africa and China’s public and private resources such as funding, product and technology and knowledge to promote and sustain inclusive agriculture transformation in Africa. With its many strengths, China’s agricultural development model has proven to be especially valuable to African countries in their endeavors to improve agro-productivity and meet their real and own needs.

Many Africa-China agreements were therefore concluded over the past decade or two to enhance cooperation on agricultural modernization, development of agro-industries, capacity building of young pioneers in farm development, and to increase the export potential of agricultural products as well as food security.

Registering an average annual growth of 14 percent, the trade volume of agricultural products between Africa and China has huge growth potential. But the relationship is not just about trade. According to the Chinese government, nearly 10,000 agricultural officials, technicians, farmers and students from African countries receive training in China each year.

The Chinese government has also launched cooperation programs with agricultural research institutes in more than a dozen African nations and established agricultural technology demonstration centers in 23 African countries which have actively facilitated the ongoing transfer of technology and skills from China to the continent. China continues to strengthen cooperation to help Africa’s agricultural development and poverty eradication efforts, including the appreciated initiative of sending 500 agricultural experts to the continent over the next three years.

The establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000 has injected significant momentum into agricultural cooperation, delivering tangible outcomes to the African people and also toward the implementation of the AU Agenda 2063 and UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The FOCAC Dakar Action Plan of 2021 includes a number of constructive proposals to extend agricultural cooperation to include the whole industry chain and to continue to share experiences in job creation and poverty reduction through agriculture with a strong focus on alleviating food security. Also of increasing significance is the agreement to advance comprehensive cooperation on climate change with the aim of transitioning to clean and low-carbon energy and to improve the quality of the continent’s development with green cooperation.

Given China’s reputation as a staunch defender of world food security and contributor to global poverty reduction, Africa attaches great importance to its mutually beneficial agricultural cooperation with China which has rapidly grown, establishing a solid foundation for enhanced practical cooperation in the future. Africa welcomes China’s declared approach of strengthening international cooperation with all countries in the interest of global economic growth, development and promotion of economic re-globalization.

The long-standing friendship and excellent relations between China and Africa were strongly reaffirmed by the highly constructive visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang to five African countries last month. Africa is of the view, with the support of China, that the continent should be “a stage for international cooperation, not a wrestling ground for major-power rivalry” as was so eloquently stated by Qin during his visit to Ethiopia.

Minister Qin Gang’s New Year’s Video Message to Diplomatic Missions in China

Minister Qin Gang’s New Year’s Video Message to Diplomatic Missions in China

Your Excellencies Ambassadors,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Representatives of International Organizations,

Friends,

As a Chinese poem reads, “Plum blossoms in winter signal the arrival of spring for all things.” The Spring Festival is just around the corner. On behalf of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, I would like to convey to you, your families and your colleagues our sincere greetings and best wishes for the Chinese New Year. 

The year 2022 was truly eventful for both China and the world. The once-in-a-century pandemic was compounded by the rise of geopolitical conflict. Decades of gains in global development were eroded. Food and energy security were disrupted. Some country engaged in hegemonic, domineering and bullying practices, stoked ideological and bloc confrontation, and pushed the world to the edge of division and conflict. On the other hand, it is encouraging to see that people in all countries demonstrated a stronger desire for peace, development and cooperation, a firmer resolve to uphold independence and seek strength in unity, and greater determination to create a better future with joint efforts. Given the shared aspiration of the people and the prevailing trend of the times, the future of humankind will be promising.

In 2022, the Communist Party of China (CPC) successfully convened its 20th National Congress. It drew up an ambitious blueprint for advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, set out China’s foreign policy goal of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, and reaffirmed China’s commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind. With a global vision and a strong sense of responsibility, China’s diplomacy made new contributions to the noble cause of peace and development for humanity.

Over the past year, China’s head-of-state diplomacy was immensely successful, providing guidance and impetus to greater solidarity and cooperation. The snowflake-shaped cauldron at the Beijing Winter Olympics symbolized the unity of the family of nations. The Global Security Initiative and the Global Development Initiative helped forge stronger global consensus and synergy. The three overseas visits made by President Xi Jinping gathered international support for delivering the vision of a community with a shared future, and steered the ship of global cooperation through heavy seas and toward a bright future.

Over the past year, China’s opening-up and cooperation deepened, providing a strong boost to global recovery. With the expansion of the Belt and Road family, 151 countries and 32 international organizations have joined in this global enterprise to build a belt of prosperity and a road to happiness. The High-level Dialogue on Global Development was successfully held. And the official launch of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), covering the world’s largest free trade area, created a stronger engine for the global economy. The fifth China International Import Expo attracted a huge turnout. Inbound foreign investment bucked the trend and continued to grow. China, with its door wide open, shared great opportunities with all countries.

Over the past year, China fulfilled its responsibilities for global governance and firmly defended the international order. We pushed for the adoption of the new biodiversity framework and achieved steady progress toward the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, making every effort to protect planet Earth, our common home. We kept to the direction of promoting peace talks in complex crises and contributed the largest share of debt service suspension among G20 countries, making every effort to tackle common challenges. We firmly rejected hegemonism and power politics, and opposed zero-sum mentality and a new Cold War, making every effort to uphold true multilateralism.

In 2022, members of the diplomatic corps worked tirelessly to build bridges of communication and understanding, and strengthened the bond of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the rest of the world. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to you all.

Friends,

The year 2023 marks the beginning of the full implementation of the guiding principles laid out at the 20th CPC National Congress. The Chinese people are embarking on a new journey with full confidence to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects. We in the diplomatic service will keep to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress. We will deepen friendship and cooperation with all countries to jointly make new and greater contributions to world peace and prosperity.

In 2023, we look forward to a more peaceful and stable world free from war and conflict. Peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticeable when we benefit from it. But none of us can live without it. Preserving peace requires the concerted efforts of us all. China will remain committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and to the path of peaceful development. China’s development will always be a boost to the force for peace in the world. We call on all countries to pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, resolve conflicts and disputes through negotiation and consultation, and support all efforts that are conducive to peaceful settlement of crises, to light up the world with the sunshine of peace.

In 2023, we look forward to a more united and cooperative world free from fragmentation and confrontation. Humanity sharing a common future is an indisputable reality, and solidarity and cooperation is the only viable path toward a brighter future. China will deepen and expand equal, open and cooperative partnerships, promote coordination and sound interactions among major countries, enhance friendship, mutual trust and convergence of interests with neighboring countries, and strengthen unity and friendship with fellow developing countries. China encourages the international community to foster a collective sense of unity, intensify cooperation as an underlying trend, and reject the outdated Cold War mentality and the pursuit of exclusive circles. We need to pool our wisdom and strength to deliver greater benefits to people across the world.

In 2023, we look forward to a more open and integrated world free from seclusion and isolation. Openness brings progress while seclusion leads to regression. It is impossible to channel the water in the ocean of the world economy back into isolated creeks and lakes. China will remain firm in advancing high-level opening-up and fostering the new development paradigm at a faster pace, continuing to provide the world with new opportunities with its new progress. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by President Xi Jinping. Thanks to the joint efforts of all participants, the BRI has become a sunshine boulevard that connects roads, promotes mutual benefit and brings hearts closer. We wish to work with all parties to review past achievements and draw up the blueprint for a new decade of Belt and Road cooperation.

In 2023, we look forward to a more prosperous world with greater development, free from wider gaps between North and South. It is neither fair nor sustainable if the poor are made poorer while the rich become richer. The fruits of development should benefit more people across countries in a more equitable way. The Chinese path to modernization offers a new option for the modernization of humanity, and China will contribute more ideas and strength to making global development more balanced, coordinated and inclusive. We will continue to support the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, promote a global development partnership, and support fellow developing countries in enhancing their own capacity for development. We also hope that developed countries will honor their commitments and meet their responsibilities. No country or individual should be left behind on the journey of common development.

Friends,

We will soon bid farewell to the Year of the Tiger and usher in the Year of the Rabbit. In Chinese culture, rabbit symbolizes kindness, intelligence and vitality, and the Year of the Rabbit is a year of hope. In the new year, we stand ready to work with all of you to take China’s friendship and cooperation with your countries to a new height and write a new chapter of world peace and development and human progress.

Thank you.

尊敬的各位使节、各位代表、各位朋友:

“一枝梅破腊,万象渐回春。”中国传统新春佳节将至,我谨代表中国外交部,向各位驻华使节和代表,以及你们的家人和同事,致以诚挚的问候和新春的祝福!

刚刚过去的2022年,对中国和世界各国都是极不寻常的一年。世纪疫情的阴霾未散,地缘冲突的硝烟又起,全球多年发展成果遭到吞噬,粮食、能源安全受到冲击。个别国家趁机大搞霸权霸道霸凌、煽动意识形态对立和阵营对抗,把世界推向分裂冲突的边缘。令人欣慰的是,各国人民求和平、谋发展、促合作的愿望更加强烈,独立自主、团结自强的意志更加鲜明,并肩携手、共创未来的步伐更加坚定,人心所向、大势所趋决定了人类前途终归光明。

2022年,中共二十大胜利召开,擘画了以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的宏伟蓝图,也明确了中国始终坚持维护世界和平、促进共同发展的外交政策宗旨,致力于推动构建人类命运共同体。中国外交坚持胸怀天下,勇于担当进取,为人类和平与发展崇高事业作出了新的贡献。

一年来,中国的元首外交精彩纷呈,引领促进团结合作。北京冬奥会一朵雪花,诠释了“天下一家”。安全与发展两大倡议,汇聚起共识合力。习近平主席三次出访,推动命运共同体意识跨越山海、落地生根,指引同舟共济的航程劈波斩浪、驶向未来。

一年来,中国的开放合作持续深化,有力推动全球复苏。“一带一路”大家庭不断扩大,目前已有151个国家、32个国际组织共建繁荣带、幸福路。全球发展高层对话会成功召开,全球最大自贸区《区域全面经济伙伴关系协定》正式启动,世界经济有了更强劲引擎。第五届中国国际进口博览会盛况空前,外资流入逆势增长,敞开大门的中国,同各国分享广阔机遇。

一年来,中国为全球治理担当尽责,坚定维护国际秩序。推动达成新的生物多样性框架,稳步迈向“双碳”目标,全力呵护地球家园。在复杂危机中坚持劝和促谈方向,在二十国集团中贡献最大缓债总额,全力应对共同挑战。坚决反对霸权主义和强权政治,反对零和思维和“新冷战”,全力维护真正的多边主义。

过去这一年,驻华使节和外交官们不辞辛劳,致力于在中国和世界各国之间搭建沟通理解的桥梁,增强互利合作的纽带,在此我向大家表示衷心的感谢!

各位朋友,

2023年是我们全面贯彻落实中共二十大精神的开局之年,中国人民正意气风发迈上全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程。中国外交将以习近平外交思想为指引,坚定站在历史正确的一边、站在人类文明进步的一边,同各国深化友谊、加强合作,共同为世界和平与繁荣作出新的更大贡献。

2023年,我们期待世界更加和平安宁,远离冲突战乱。和平犹如空气和阳光,受益而不觉,失之则难存,需要各国共同维护。中国坚定奉行独立自主的和平外交政策,始终不渝走和平发展道路,中国的发展永远是世界和平力量的增长。我们倡导各国坚持共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观,通过谈判消弭冲突,通过协商化解争端,支持一切有利于和平解决危机的努力,让和平的阳光照亮世界。

2023年,我们期待世界更加团结合作,摒弃分裂对抗。命运与共是人类社会的客观现实,团结合作是开创未来的人间正道。我们将深化拓展平等、开放、合作的伙伴关系,促进大国协调和良性互动,深化同周边国家友好互信和利益融合,厚植同广大发展中国家的团结友谊,推动国际社会营造团结大家庭、唱响合作主旋律,抛弃冷战旧思维、反对排他“小圈子”,集众智、汇众力,更好造福世界各国人民。

2023年,我们期待世界更加开放融合,打破封闭隔绝。开放带来进步,封闭导致落后,世界经济的大海不可能退回到小河流、小湖泊。中国坚定不移推进高水平对外开放,加快构建新发展格局,将不断以中国新发展为世界提供新机遇。今年是习近平主席提出共建“一带一路”十周年,在各方携手努力下,这一倡议已经成为一条路联通、利融通、心相通的阳光大道。我们愿同各方共同回顾成就、描绘蓝图,开启“一带一路”合作新的十年。

2023年,我们期待世界更加发展繁荣,缩小南北鸿沟。贫者愈贫、富者愈富既不公平也不可持续,要让发展成果更多更公平惠及各国人民。中国式现代化为人类实现现代化提供了新的选择,中国将为促进全球平衡、协调、包容发展贡献更多智慧和力量。我们将继续支持联合国2030年可持续发展议程,推动构建全球发展伙伴关系,支持发展中国家提高自主发展能力,也希望发达国家践行承诺、履行义务,在共同发展的路上不让任何一个国家、任何一个人掉队。

各位朋友,

金虎辞岁去,玉兔迎春来。在中华文化中,兔是善良、智慧、生机的象征。兔年是孕育希望的年份。我们愿同各位使节和代表一道,在新的一年里,推动中国与世界各国的友好合作再上新台阶,为世界和平与发展和人类进步事业谱写新篇章!

谢谢!

President Ramaphosa extends Lunar New Year wishes to Government and people of China

President Ramaphosa extends Lunar New Year wishes to Government and people of China

President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his best wishes to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year and Annual Spring Festival.

President Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, expressed his wish that the advent of the Year of the Rabbit will indeed endow citizens of the People’s Republic of China with the longevity, peace and prosperity associated with the zodiac sign for the year ahead.

South Africa values the vibrant economic relations and political cooperation that characterise its partnership with the People’s Republic of China.

President Ramaphosa said: “My dear brothers and sisters from China and all Chinese communities around the world: I wish you all a happy Lunar New Year and a prosperous Spring Festival 2023.

“On behalf of the Government and People of South Africa, I wish the Government and the people of China, including here in South Africa, a happy and fulfilling time of goodwill, celebration and friendship, as you renew the bonds between friends or reunite with family during this period.”

“As we enter the New Year, we are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in 1998.

“In addition, South Africa will succeed China as Chair and host of the next BRICS Summit, during which we hope to receive His Excellency, President Xi Jinping in South Africa. These occasions provide ample cause for celebration.”

China to scrap quarantine requirement for international arrivals

China to scrap quarantine requirement for international arrivals

China will scrap the quarantine requirement for international arrivals starting January 8, 2023, the country’s National Health Commission (NHC) said in a statement on Monday.

NHC said passengers traveling to China need to take nucleic acid test within 48 hours before boarding their flights to China, adding that nucleic acid screenings and centralized isolation after arrival will be canceled.

“In light of the international epidemic situation and service capacity, the outbound travel of Chinese citizens will be resumed in an orderly manner,” NHC said.

In addition, NHC noted that China has renamed the novel coronavirus pneumonia as novel coronavirus infection.

China will also downgrade management of the disease from Class A to Class B in accordance with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Disease, starting January 8, the statement added.

The United Nations ECA Fellowship 2023 for young African Professionals. (USD 3,000 Monthly Stipend

The United Nations ECA Fellowship 2023 for young African Professionals. (USD 3,000 Monthly Stipend

The United Nations ECA Fellowship 2023 for young African Professionals. (USD 3,000 Monthly Stipend)

Application Deadline: 26 January 2023 bit.ly/3Gl1ujZ

ECA is the regional arm of the United Nations in Africa. Its mandate is to promote the economic and social development of Africa. ECA’s dual role as a regional arm of the UN, and a part of the regional institutional landscape in Africa, positions it well to make unique contributions to member States’ efforts to address their development challenges.

ECA is inviting applications from qualified young African Professionals in the following thematic areas:

Macroeconomic policy, development planning, Economic Governance & Public Finance;
Industrialization and Economic Diversification Policies;
Regional Integration; Infrastructure and Trade
Private Sector Development & Finance, including Innovative Finance & Capital Markets;
Poverty, Inequality and social policy;
Food systems and food security
Gender equality and women empowerment;
Demographic Dynamics for Development;
Innovation and Technology;
Climate Change & Management of Natural Resources, including Green Economy;

Logisitics

The selected Fellows must be available to travel to the assigned duty station as may be
decided by ECA after the selection process;

The selected Fellows will receive a return air ticket between his/her country of residence and the assigned duty station;

The selected Fellows will receive a one-off settling-in grant of USD 3,000 (for fellows recruited from outside of the duty station) and a monthly stipend of USD 3,000 each for the duration of the fellowship.

Labor Economics and Employment

Communication and strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation;

United Nations
CORE VALUES: INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONALISM, RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
ECA Fellowship Programme for Young African Professionals (Multiple positions at multiple duty stations)
Call for Applications, 2023 Cohort of Fellows
Application deadline: 26 January 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Addis Ababa time
Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:
ECA is the regional arm of the United Nations in Africa. Its mandate is to promote the economic and social development of Africa. ECA’s dual role as a regional arm of the UN, and a part of the regional institutional landscape in Africa, positions it well to make unique contributions to member States’ efforts to address their development challenges. ECA has five sub-regional offices plus African Institute for Economic Development and Planning, (IDEP) across the Continent through which it supports regional development priorities and agenda and African countries in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.
The mission is guided by the five strategic directions of the institution, which are; advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution in supporting evidence based policy making,; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, human, physical and social assets for transforming Africa; promoting regional integration and addressing transboundary issues and challenges,; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.
As a foremost knowledge policy institution in Africa, ECA seeks to engage bright young Africans for skills and capacity development, training and mentorship through a fellowship programme within ECA’s work programme. This fellowship initiative is in line with the Commission’s effort to assist member States develop their capacities in economic and social policy research, development, implementation, analysis, governance, and monitoring and evaluation. The fellowship aims at developing a new crop of young African intellectuals with strong policy making knowledge and capacity in supporting African countries in the process of economic and social transformation and development.
ECA is hereby inviting applications from qualified young African Professionals in the following thematic areas:
Macroeconomic policy, development planning, Economic Governance & Public Finance;
Industrialization and Economic Diversification Policies;
Regional Integration; Infrastructure and Trade
Private Sector Development & Finance, including Innovative Finance & Capital Markets;
Poverty, Inequality and social policy;
Food systems and food security
Gender equality and women empowerment;
Demographic Dynamics for Development;
Innovation and Technology;
Climate Change &Management of Natural Resources, including Green Economy;
Labor Economics and Employment
Communication and strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation;
This Fellowship programme aims to provide practical, on-the-job experience to the young professionals in their early and middle career in the academy, public sector or international development in providing them exposure and learning in a multicultural environment of the UN and contribute to the work of ECA. It will also provide the candidates with the opportunity to familiarize with the Commission’s broad programmes and services to member States and subregional bodies in addressing economic and social dimensions of Africa’s development priorities. This should expectedly improve their skills, capacity and intellectual ability.
Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority, the Fellows will be responsible for the following duties:
The Fellow(s) will agree to a work programme in the area of economic and social development defined mutually with the receiving/mentoring Division, Sub-Regional Office or Centre. The fellow(s) will contribute to the work of the Division, Sub-Regional Office or Centre by carrying out research, analytical studies, drafting reports and supporting other activities, as directed.
Assignments within the areas of focus may include, but are not limited to, collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and analyzing economic, social and political development issues in the focus areas. The fellow(s) will also contribute to technical and policy reports, briefing notes, and support in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, workshops, and seminars; and fulfil various other administrative tasks for the effective delivery of the activities. The fellow(s) will be required to prepare a research paper and make presentation on it in the course of their fellowship.
Competencies:
Professionalism: In-depth knowledge and understanding of socio-economic and political development issues; conceptual and strategic ability to analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to socio-economic and political issues in Africa including ability to translate development-related data/information into policy relevant analyses; ability to undertake research with limited supervision; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Ability to present
high-level papers to peers and stakeholders, both at the institutional, regional and international level, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.
Team work: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds and respect for diversity.
Qualifications:
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or doctorate or their equivalents) in economics, development studies, political economy, international affairs, political and social sciences, , peace and human security, public administration, law, minerals and natural resources, engineering, and related field is required.
Experience: Academic research or academic work related to the focus thematic areas is required. Experience in research/analytical work in socio-economic and political development, natural resource management/law, regional integration, infrastructure development, governance, peace and related areas in the context of Africa, either in the academia, private, public or civil society organizations, is an advantage.
Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the fellowship advertised, fluency in either language is required and working knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Special Notice
This call is open only to nationals of the Economic Commission for Africa member States.
Candidates must submit their Administrative Profiles (APs) and the following documents as PDF attachments:
 UN Administrative Profile (AP)* in PDF format, including a motivation statement (cover letter) within the AP (to be submitted as an attachment to email submission).
 *The UN AP (Administrative Profile) can be created by signing up for an account at: https://inspira.un.org
 Applicants should refer to the Annex of this document on https://www.uneca.org/sites/default/files/HR/How%20to%20Create%20an%20Administrative%20Profile_English.pdf which contains detailed step-by-step instructions about how to create an AP within the Inspira system and generate a PDF of the document which must be attached to your email submission;
 There is no Job Opening for this Fellowship within the Inspira system. The instructions referenced above detail how applicants can create a draft AP (not tied to any published Job Opening) within Inspira, and save the draft AP as a PDF for inclusion as an attachment to the applicant’s email submission;
 The motivation statement is created as part of the online AP creation process in Inspira, and will be visible towards the end of the AP PDF under the heading “Motivation Statement for this Application”;
 If after reviewing the information above, you are still unable to generate the AP in the indicated PDF format, you may email: Bilen Kassahun at kassahunb@un.org for technical support. Please plan your time and attempt to create the draft AP well in advance so that you have sufficient time to seek technical support, if needed.
 A research proposal of not less than 1,000 words (in candidate’s preferred thematic area listed above) Candidate must clearly indicate the thematic area of choice at the top of the research proposal document
 Copies of all advanced-level academic degrees obtained (e.g., doctorate and/ or master’s degree(s). As an advanced-level degree is required for the fellowship, first-level (bachelor’s) degrees and certificates should NOT be submitted
 Copy of applicant’s national passport (information page only); if you hold multiple nationalities, the passport provided should be that of an ECA member State),and;
 Three letters of reference/recommendation
An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its recruitment. Qualified female candidates and young scholars are particularly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
Conditions of Fellowship
The following conditions will apply:

  1. The candidate applying for this fellowship programme must be 35 years of age or below, at the time of the application;
  2. The candidate must be a national of a member State of the Economic Commission for Africa;
  3. The candidate must have graduated before 1 October 2022 from either a master’s degree or doctorate degree programme, or equivalent;
  4. The candidate should have interest in one or more of the identified thematic areas;
  5. The selected candidate will work on a predefined project, designed to contribute to specific aspects of the work programme of the mentoring Division, Sub-Regional Office or ECA Centres, and contribute to other activities;
  6. The selected candidate should participate in national, regional or international meetings as assigned for exposure;
  7. The selected candidate should submit and present at a seminar a peer reviewed research paper at the end of the assignment; and
  8. The selected candidate will be part of an alumni association of ECA Fellows and member of practicing international development “community of practice”.
    Logistics
  9. The selected Fellows must be available to travel to the assigned duty station as may be decided by ECA after the selection process;
  10. The selected Fellows will receive a return air ticket between his/her country of residence and the assigned duty station;
  11. The selected Fellows will receive a one-off settling-in grant of USD 3,000 (for fellows recruited from outside of the duty station) and a monthly stipend of USD 3,000 each for the duration of the fellowship. Note that the final month stipend will only be paid upon submission of:
     A peer-reviewed fellowship research paper,
     A comprehensive fellowship report, an approved final performance evaluation of the fellow,
     A completed fellowship programme evaluation form and
     An exit boarding pass or immigration stamp showing that the fellow has departed the duty station and returned back to his/her home country, where both are not the same, at the end of the fellowship programme.
  12. The fellowship program is for six months but may be extended for a maximum of another six months.
    Application deadline: 26 January 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Addis Ababa time
    ALL SUBMISSIONS TO BE EMAILED TO:
    Email Address:
    RecruitmentPPost@un.org
    Subject Line:
    ECA Fellowship for Young African Professionals, 2023