NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Thursday, October 23, 2014

VENTURES AFRICA – European Union (EU) has given three African countries Lesotho, Togo and Zambia over $1 billion for economic development under its National Indicative Programmes (NIP).

EU says NIP represent an important step in the programming aid. EU Member States agreed in 2013 the overall amount for development cooperation that will be channelled to 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) during the financing period 2014-2020 (total amount €30.5 billion).

“I am particularly pleased to see that energy and governance are key priorities for these countries, as clear drivers for sustainable development and growth. Our support will target EU resources where they are most needed and most effective and once we have signed, preparations of concrete projects and programmes for the next seven years can start,” said European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs.