France’s National Assembly passed its first-ever bill that gives parliament members the right to debate policies on international development, making French aid more transparent. As the fourth largest country in aid development, standing at €9.03 billion or 10% of the world’s total, the new law will focus on the European country’s international assistance pertaining to 16 priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The law will ensure that 50% of France’s development work will contribute to reducing gender inequality by 2017. The bill also places sustainability high on its list, prioritizing renewable energy sources. The country will no longer finance projects that contribute to deforestation or promote the use of coal, French Development Minister Pascal Canfin told Liberation. "If we want to fight extreme poverty in the world effectively, we must include the issue of environmental sustainability. Because, as the World Bank says, the biggest threat to food security is uncontrolled climate change," he said.
African countries receiving French aid will be forced to detail the allocation of funds, which will be made publically available via a new website launched by France. The site was already launched for Mali at the end of January, detailing 52 projects across the country. Individuals may send emails or SMS messages via the site to alert authorities of problems and/or suggestions about the projects.
Make sure you visit and click ‘Like’ on our Facebook page to receive even more news and updates from Alternative Energy Africa.