Over 16 million people in northern Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo are set to benefit from a new World Bank-funded regional project aimed at preventing conflict spillover from the Sahel, strengthening resilience to climate change, and boosting economic opportunities.
The Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project, approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, will provide $450 million in International Development Association (IDA) financing to support regional collaboration and strengthen local institutions over the next five years.
Addressing Conflict, Climate, and Poverty Challenges
The project comes at a critical time, as the Gulf of Guinea subregion faces overlapping crises—armed conflict spreading from the Sahel, the effects of climate change, COVID-19 impacts, poverty, exclusion, and weak governance. These challenges have heightened tensions, particularly among youth and marginalized communities.
“This project responds to the complexity of the crisis by supporting interlinked and regionally coordinated solutions, security efforts, climate and disaster risk management, and state capacity building,” said Coralie Gevers, World Bank Country Director for Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo.
Supporting Local Communities and Youth Inclusion
The initiative will reach 4,600 border-zone communities across the four countries, prioritizing community-driven development and social cohesion. Special emphasis will be placed on youth and women, ensuring their voices and participation in shaping local investments.
Pierre Laporte, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, noted that regional cooperation will enable countries to save lives and unlock untapped economic potential in a sustainable way.
Regional Collaboration and Integration
The project will create a Regional Collaboration Platform to enhance cross-border information sharing, policy dialogue, and joint solutions to common challenges.
“Regionality is essential to promote dialogue and coordination on conflict prevention, climate and disaster risk management, and cross-border opportunities,” said Boutheina Guermazi, World Bank Director for Regional Integration for Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Northern Africa.
Part of a Larger Stabilization Strategy
This initiative complements earlier World Bank projects, including the $170 million Lake Chad Recovery and Development Project and the $350 million Community-Based Recovery and Stabilization Project for the Sahel. Together, these efforts represent a $970 million regional investment in peacebuilding, resilience, and inclusive development across West Africa.
