The African Development Bank (AfDB) undertook, during the civil society forum organized in Abidjan, to involve civil society organizations (CSOs) in the definition of country strategies, the fight against corruption and monitoring and evaluation of its projects.

Florence Freda-Dennis, the Division Manager in the Bank's Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (PIAC), said during the second day of the Forum organized on November 26 and 27 by the institution that the latter “strengthens its work of engagement with civil society organizations by improving review mechanisms to further integrate CSOs”.

This decision follows the shortcomings observed in the normal course of the projects it finances on the continent. Indeed, she specifies, “between 60 and 70% of the complaints received by PIAC come from civil society in the communities where the projects are implemented. These complaints have triggered investigations and companies have been sanctioned”. This is why she therefore invites “CSO leaders who work in the field of governance and accountability, ethics and compliance ... to join this program” for its success.

Florence Freda-Dennis also promises a discussion with civil society leaders to “gather their input on compliance and integrity issues”.

She also intends to "engage women in the establishment of a fund dedicated to governance issues and civil society organizations interested in this area will be involved". It is therefore a good initiative by the African Development Bank to block the way to corruption and clientelism, among others.