The Challenge

Once hailed as a model for African development, Guinea-Bissau is now one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 187 countries in the 2012 Human Development Report. It has massive foreign debt and an economy that relies heavily on foreign aid. Compounding this, the country experienced a bitter civil war in the late 1990s in which thousands were killed, wounded or displaced. In the wake of the crisis, Guinea-Bissau has seen improvement in some of its economic and social indicators, as well as improvement in local governance and an increase in general public participation.

How We Are Helping?

UNCDF has been helping Guinea-Bissau to meet its development goals by supporting efforts to strengthen governance capacities and improve public administration. The government has orchestrated a strategy that focuses on the strengthening of governance, modernization of public administration, macroeconomic stability, promotion of economic growth, increased access to social services and basic infrastructure. There is also a particular focus on how local authorities can deliver on development.
           
The current Projet d'appui au développement régional et local de la région de Gabú (PADRL) aims to create an enabling environment for the emergence of a basic service delivery system in rural, urban and regional communities. The project supports socio-economic development at regional and local levels, while improving the capacities of municipalities to deliver regional public services. This programme is jointly supported by UNCDF, UNDP, the Government of Guinea-Bissau and the Municipality of Gabú.

In Detail