Enhancing the economic inclusion of refugees necessitates acknowledging their economic contributions, according to the World Bank Chad Economic Update 2024, which dedicates a special chapter to examining the economic ramifications of refugee influxes.

The outbreak of the Sudanese crisis in April 2023 has led to a significant increase of refugee population in Chad, and this trend is expected to continue. As of December 2023, Chad was hosting 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers.

Chad’s economy has proven resilient despite the war in neighboring Sudan, although there have been spillover effects on trade, public expenditure, and inflation. GDP growth in 2023 is estimated at 4.1% (1% per capita). This growth is underpinned by oil production, which is estimated to have risen by 4.4%. Non-oil GDP is estimated to have grown by 4.1%, up from 2% the previous year, and driven by public investment. After recovering from the 2022 floods, the agricultural sector is estimated to contribute 1.6 percentage points (ppts) to growth, followed by the services and industry sectors. Public investment has been the main growth driver on the demand side, contributing 7 ppts to growth.

The Economic Update, titled “Hosting Refugees in an Inclusive Manner”, aims to fuel public debate on recent economic developments and prospects for macroeconomic and social policies to promote growth and reduce poverty.

The economic inclusion of refugees can be enhanced through improved mobility, restoration of assets, and integrated productive inclusion strategies. Chad’s authorities have adopted an open stance with respect to welcoming refugees, with a strong support for refugee’s local integration as evidenced by Chad‘s Asylum law signed in 2023. The government’s policy of refugee integration and dispersion also aims to reduce potential conflict hotspots and maximize economic inclusion benefits.

“Chad currently faces important challenges. In this difficult context, it is important to establish national safety net systems that promotes economic inclusion while being adaptive, productive, and tailored to the specificities of vulnerable populations including refugees and host communities, with a particular focus on women” declares Rasit Pertev, Country Manager for the World Bank in Chad.

The refugee response has been focused on covering humanitarian needs of refugees settled in large camps located in border areas. The influx of refugees has heightened food insecurity and strained basic services and natural resources. The integration of refugees into national systems and in the economy requires predictable, recurrent, and sustained donor funding, reports the authors.

“Strengthening social cohesion and avoiding further conflict, requires developing programs and reforms  that benefit both host communities and refugees. Integrated policies should target host provinces, combining humanitarian and development efforts to support local development” adds Claudia Noumedem Temgoua, Country Economist at the World Bank.

Download the report: Chad Economic Update 2024 – Special Chapter: Hosting Refugees in an Inclusive Manner

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, and in his own name, extended warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes to the Government and people of Argentina on the exceptional occasion of the 208th Independence Anniversary on July 9, 2024.  According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai expressed confidence that the warm relations subsisting between the two countries and peoples will continue to flourish as the two leaders work together for the attainment of global peace, security, economic and social development.  

He then assured his Argentinian counterpart, President Javier Milei of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to further renew friendship and cooperation with the sisterly Republic of Argentina in anticipation of broadening partnership in all spheres that promote prosperity in the two countries. President Boakai then prayed that the Almighty God will continue to endow President Javier Milei with wisdom, good health and happiness as he leads his people to greater prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

On July 5, Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Hon.John-Charuk S. Siafa, Mayor of Monrovia. The two sides exchanged views on  sub-national affairs cooperation between the two countries.

Yin expressed China’s willingness to continue to promote friendly exchanges between local governments and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on urban governance of China and Liberia.

Hon. Siafa noted that Monrovia is willing to conduct communication and cooperation with more provinces and cities in China.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

The EAC Ministers in charge of Foreign Affairs and East African Community together with EAC Secretary General are attending a three-day retreat in Zanzibar. The main objective of the EAC Ministerial Retreat is to discuss critical issues affecting the EAC region, including Peace and Security, Partner States Relations and the Integration process. The retreat also provides an opportunity for Ministers to engage in thorough discussions, share insights and collectively strategise on ways to foster sustainable peace, enhance security cooperation, strengthen relationships among Partner States and move the integration agenda forward. The retreat follows a directive by the meeting of EAC Ministers held on 16th February. 2024 in Addis Ababa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.