The ESCB and the European Commission launched a cooperation programme with African Central Banks
Within the framework of the ESCB International Cooperation with Africa, the pilot project to strengthen the capacities of central banks in Africa with the aim of contributing to the macroeconomic, governance, financial stability, resilience, strategic planning and international cooperation, has been launched .
With €2 million from the EU, the project will be carried out in Europe and Africa for two years. It will be implemented by the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Banque de France in partnership with the Nationale Bank van België/Banque Nationale de Belgique, the Banco de España, the Banca d’Italia, Lietuvos bankas, the Banco de Portugal and Národná banka Slovenska. The European Central Bank will also contribute to the implementation.
The programme will benefit the National Bank of Angola, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), the Central Bank of Egypt, the Bank of Ghana, the Central Bank of Kenya, Bank Al-Maghrib (Central Bank of Morocco), the Bank of Mozambique, the Bank of Namibia, the South African Reserve Bank, the Bank of Tanzania and the Central Bank of Tunisia, covering a total of 24 African countries.
The Banco de España will cooperate, in collaboration with the Banque de France, to provide technical assistance and design bilateral measures aimed particularly at Bank Al-Maghrib and BEAC. And, in collaboration with the Banca d'Italia, it will develop cooperation and technical assistance to the Central Bank of Tunisia.
This EU regional programme enables to develop many bilateral activities in the context of the ESCB, helps to strengthen the Banco de España's presence throughout the region and lays the foundations for closer institutional links and the creation of networks of experts in this geographical area.