According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries need $600 million to bridge infrastructural gaps and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr Oumar Seydi, African Director Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation at the GoalKeepers Conference, in New York, USA, disclosed that Sub-Saharan Africa requires cooperation, determination and huge amounts of money to achieve the SDGs.
“I think for the continent to do well on SDGs, investment of about $600 million yearly is needed to further bridge the gaps. In the countries we operate in Africa, we are not going to sleep; we are working to ensure we get results.
“Fortunately for Nigeria, as we looked at the landscape, it is one of the two countries where we have a dedicated programmer, and a director and a full complement sitting underground, just implementing, which is in addition to the support that we get.”
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However, the SDGs, which include no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure reduced inequality, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace and justice strong institutions are expected to be meet by 2030.
Meanwhile, the SDGs constitute an agenda for all countries set by the United Nations. The goals are more difficult to achieve for developing countries in Africa. To achieve these goals, financial markets, the community of donor agencies and multilateral banks are seeking partnerships with private capital to expand investment.
Mr Oumar Seydi reiterated the commitment of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in helping Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan Counties to achieve the SDGs.
“This is a critical time in Africa’s development and I am excited to join an organization that is committed to supporting African countries in meeting their development goals. While we work on reducing poverty, ensure gender equality, promote good education, ensure strong institutions, we must also improve on healthcare… And we are a major financier of the Global Fund.”
