Norway solidifies cooperation with the African Legal Support Facility and provides NOK 20 million additional funding

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 16th February 2021 : The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) acting through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) provided an additional Norwegian Kroner (NOK) 20  million grant to support the 2021 and 2022 Work Programs of the ALSF.

Since 2013, Norway has cumulatively allocated Norwegian Kroner (NOK) 75 million to support the ALSF’s Annual Work Programs. Through this support, the ALSF has assisted African governments in concluding valuable transactions in the sovereign debt, extractive and natural resources, infrastructure, and power sectors. The interventions of the ALSF ensure fair and balanced contracts which promote durable investments and facilitate sustainable and inclusive growth.

As we observe the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on African countries, namely decreased investments, rising debt, decreased economic growth and worsening poverty, it is urgent to develop strategies for recovery and rebuilding strong economies during and post COVID-19. In recognition of these challenges, the Norwegian Government is committed to supporting the ALSF’s activities to enhance African countries’ legal and technical capacities to negotiate and conclude equitable and sustainable terms in the projects they undertake to facilitate recovery from the pandemic and deliver maximum economic and development impacts to the countries and their citizens.

The Director and CEO of the ALSF, Stephen Karangizi acknowledged the consistent commitment of the Norwegian Government to the ALSF mission and their dependability as a development partner, especially in a challenging period for African countries; and noted that the funds will enable the ALSF to respond effectively to the requests from the countries to ensure sustainable investments and transactions to improve the lives of Africans throughout the continent.

About the ALSF

Created by the African Development Bank in 2010, the ALSF supports governments in negotiating complex commercial transactions, providing legal and technical assistance in public-private partnership projects across the oil and gas, mining and energy sectors, and covering sovereign debt issues and creditor litigation.

Contact us

Eve Ehoura, Communication Officer : e.ehoura@afdb.org

ALSF Website : https://www.aflsf.org