ANNUAL REPORT 2023
UNDP Regional Programme for Africa
In 2023, the UNDP’s Regional Programme for Africa made significant progress across its four key priorities: People, Prosperity, Planet, and Peace.
Key achievements included promoting a regionally integrated and inclusive economy, enhancing climate resilience, fostering sustainable peace and empowering citizens. Strategic partnerships, innovative solutions and targeted initiatives equipped the Regional Programme for Africa to tackle key challenges and deliver sustainable development results for people across the continent, with a special focus on women and youth.
#SMEs supported
52,949
#Direct beneficiaries
277,208
of which
Women direct beneficiaries
55,700
Youth direct beneficiaries1
123,611
#Indirect beneficiaries2
6,851,047
of which
Women indirect beneficiaries
3,924,580
Youth indirect beneficiaries
2,969,389
1 UNDP uses the UN definition of ‘youth’ as persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.
2 The significant discrepancy in the number of direct and indirect beneficiaries could be attributed to the nature of the activities implemented. Many of these activities, such as podcasts and radio programmes, were designed to reach a large public audience. While direct beneficiaries are those who participated in programme-specific activities, indirect beneficiaries include the larger public who gained from the information, awareness and educational content disseminated through activities.
#Knowledge
products created
54
Total #
of partners
273
# of financial partners (donors)
46
#Projects and initiatives
(of which # of new that were developed in 2023)
24
projects
14
initiatives
4
new initiatives developed in 2023
Looking back over the past year at the UNDP Regional Programme for Africa, we reflect on a time of growth and change, driven by our focus on peace, people, the planet and prosperity. These are our priorities and are at the core of what we do. Our mission is about making a tangible difference, and the stories that shaped our year show just that. Empowered by past accomplishments and inspired by what lies ahead, our collective determination is our greatest strength. Thank you for being part of the journey.
Ahunna Eziakonwa | UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director, Regional Bureau for Africa
People
UNDP’s Regional Programme for Africa empowered African women and youth by amplifying their voices in policymaking. It helped shape policies for disaster resilience, climate finance, and gender equality, while also supporting women negotiators. Through the YouthConnekt Africa Summit and the 1 Million Next Level initiative, 20,000 young people, officials, and business leaders came together to spark change. The African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme also nurtured women leaders, equipping them with leadership skills to drive Africa’s development.
Planet
Our efforts focused on building resilience through data and evidence, as seen in the Sahel Resilience Project. Through urban resilience action plans and the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Resilience Strategy, we advanced coherent policies, promoted access to carbon markets in countries like Nigeria and Namibia, and increased awareness and collaboration, promoting renewable energy solutions to create a more resilient future for Africa.
Prosperity
The Programme advanced economic integration and transformation, focusing on improving the lives of women and youth. Despite challenges like instability and climate change, many African economies showed resilience, with over half seeing GDP growth. Key wins included faster implementation of the AfCFTA and support for informal enterprises. Efforts to boost SDG financing, green business, and inclusive growth helped create new opportunities for marginalized groups, laying the groundwork for more resilient and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
Peace
In response to rising violence and instability, UNDP launched the African Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) and the Soldiers and Citizens report, tackling the root causes of coups and fostering democratic resilience. Efforts like the Africa Borderlands Centre and the Regional Stabilization Facility improved security and services, while counter-extremism initiatives promoted peace through policy dialogues, media campaigns, and community-driven efforts.
Impact stories
Using powerful ideas, the UNDP Regional Programme for Africa aims to positively transform Africa. In some of the most vulnerable locations, we have empowered women and youth and promoted peace, resilience, and sustainable development. These successes demonstrate our commitment to inclusive prosperity and a better Africa. Explore our highlights of the year to see how our initiatives contributed to advance our priorities: people, prosperity, the planet, and peace.
Financial resources
Regional Programme Delivery by Priority Area in 2023 (million $)
Peace
People
Planet
ProsperityDownload the Annual Report 2023 to read more
