The $500-million Canada Fund for Africa was launched at the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, in June 2002. It supports the G8’s Africa Action Plan, developed in response to the priorities set out in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The NEPAD is the first made-in-Africa plan intended to put the continent on a path of sustainable growth and development, and into the mainstream of development in the 21st century.
The Fund complements ongoing CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) bilateral programming to Africa that will total $6 billion over the period 2002-2007. It also complements other Government of Canada initiatives, including: the elimination of all tariffs and quotas on most imports from least-developed countries, 34 of which are in Africa; and legislative changes providing Africans with access to more affordable, life-saving drugs for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other major diseases.
Key Characteristics
The policy drivers of the Fund are the NEPAD and the G8 Africa Action Plan.
The Fund is anchored in African leadership and ownership, supporting the priorities identified in the NEPAD.
The Fund focuses on Pan-Africa and regional programming, which support NEPAD objectives.
The Fund supports activities that have strategic, long-term benefits, such as access to international markets.
The Fund supports African peer review, which allows not only self-assessment but also mutual support and learning.
The Fund supports an active role for African civil society and public participation through its Outreach Fund.
How it’s administered
The Canada Fund for Africa is managed by a Secretariat at CIDA, which works with African, Canadian and international partners as well as with other branches within CIDA and partners across the Canadian government. Every year, the Canada Fund for Africa reports on its progress as part of Canada’s Annual Report to the G8 on the Africa Action Plan, and in CIDA’s Annual Departmental Performance Report.
Contact the Secretariat
Telephone (819) 934-1156
Fax (819) 953-5845
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