Enhancing competitiveness and resilience in Africa : an action plan for improved natural resource and environment management

The objective of this action plan is to demonstrate the role that sound environmental and natural resource management will play in implementing the goals of the World Bank's strategy for Africa, and more specifically in addressing the two pillars of enhanced jobs and competitiveness, and increased resilience and risk management, built upon the underlying foundation of improved capacity and governance. The document is guided by a series of related World Bank strategies and action plans for elements of sustainable development that have been developed at both regional and national level, including energy, transport, agriculture, and mining action plan updates, and the strategy for Africa's development in a changing climate. It is also consistent with and guided by the World Bank's environment strategy, which focuses on the pillars of green, clean and resilient development. In addition, it draws on the thinking behind the work being done on green economy and green growth, which underlines the importance of natural and social capital, innovation, knowledge and efficiency gains, and resilience and inclusiveness as sources of growth and development in addition to physical and human capital. This action plan will argue for integrating sound environmental management, including management of natural capital, into the broader development agenda. It addresses six major themes or business lines for addressing competitiveness and resilience through improved environment and natural resource management: managing renewable natural resources for growth and ecosystems sustainability; improving the livability of the urban environment; making development climate resilient and promoting low carbon growth; managing development of mining, oil, and gas sustainably; enhancing access to energy and water and increasing connectivity while mitigating environmental risks; and improving the enabling environment for responsible investment through transparent, environmental regulations and institutions.