The World Bank official made this announcement on Sunday at the end of an audience granted by Mozambican President Armando Guebuza in the Japanese city of Yokohama.
The two statesmen were in the city to participate in the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which takes place from 1 June to 3 June.
Jim Yong Kim pointed out that “I used to be an educator, a university lecturer, before joining the World Bank. I promised the President that I am personally committed to helping improve the education system in Mozambique”.
The President of the World Bank added that his institution will create a “Knowledge Hub” in Mozambique.
Jim Yong Kim pointed out that Mozambique is one of the few countries that have emerged from conflict to develop a stable and rapidly growing economy. He added that “Mozambique continues to register strong economic growth, and it is an example of success”.
He expressed his satisfaction with the country’s performance, stating that there are many interesting developments taking place in the agricultural sector, including some projects that mitigate the risks of floods caused by climate change.
In addition, the country has a high potential due to the discovery of vast deposits of mineral resources. This is coupled with a strong commitment from the government to job creation and the improvement of the standard of living of the population.
Jim Yong Kim added that he has promised President Guebuza that the World Bank can play an important role in helping the government and supporting the private sector in this process.
The World Bank believes that in the medium term Mozambique can continue with its rapid economic growth as the country begins to receive dividends from the exploitation of its natural resources, particularly natural gas.
According to Jim Yong Kim, “we believe that Mozambique will become a middle income country and will rapidly take its entire population out of poverty, ensuring that the fruits will be shared by all”.
He stated that the main objective of his institution in Mozambique is the eradication of extreme poverty and greater prosperity for the forty per cent of the population that are currently at the bottom of the economic ladder.
The World Bank President recognised that extractive industries do not create many jobs and that sometimes the fruits of the exploitation of minerals do not benefit the entire population. However, he pointed out that “President Guebuza assured me that the dividends will be shared by all”.
President Guebuza also met on Sunday with the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi, and representatives of the Nippon Foundation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Post published in: Africa News