According to the Bank’s website, the project will contribute directly to building and strengthening a shock-responsive national social protection system through a sustainable economic and financial governance. By reinforcing national social protection systems that are gender-responsive and capable of withstanding shocks such as economic crises or natural disasters, countries can better address governance challenges and protect vulnerable populations. Robust social protection systems are crucial for human capital development, as they ensure access to education, healthcare, and social services. This investment not only reduces poverty and enhances people's well-being but also enables more inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By fostering private sector development, the project supports productive sectors and economic diversification for youth (18-35 years), women and vulnerable groups, which are vital for the country’s long-term growth and resilience. The project’s focus on a gender-transformative and shock-responsive social protection system directly contributes to Reducing Poverty (SDG 1) by providing targeted support to the poorest and most vulnerable populations (youth, women, affected by climate change, floods, droughts, costal erosion, ect.), alleviating poverty through improved access to essential services and financial aid via the national cash transfer system. The project budget from the Bank is estimated at UA 1.0 million net of taxes and customs duties and will be funded from TSF pillar III.

The project’s primary objective is to strengthen the resilience and economic empowerment of vulnerable populations by enhancing the social protection system and promoting inclusive private sector development. The project aims to create a more resilient social protection system that can adapt to and absorb shocks. This system will reduce the vulnerability of the most at-risk populations, particularly women and marginalized groups, ultimately reducing gender inequality. By fostering private sector development, the project will also contribute to economic diversification and job creation, which are vital for reducing dependence on external aid and building long-term resilience. These interventions will not only address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic and social stability in Guinea-Bissau.

This project will be implemented in two regions of Guinea-Bissau: Gabu and the Bissau Autonomous region. The primary direct project recipients are the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration (MEPRI) and the Ministry of Women, Family, and Social Solidarity (MWFSS), who have the mandates to lead the implementation of the NSPP. The secondary direct project recipients are the 1000 households who will be included in the pilot of the National Cash Transfer Program, and the 1000 smallholder farmers and the private sector actors. Targeted households and smaller holder farmers will be in Gabu, with continuous interaction with Bissau, specifically for the financial inclusion and entrepreneurship skills interventions. The exact targeting criteria used to identify recipients under component 2 will be informed by the findings of the feasibility study. The selection criteria and process will be transparent with a view to minimizing potential conflicts.

Environment. The project is confirmed as Category 3 according to the Bank's Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) and based on Law No. 10/2010 of 24 September on Environmental Assessment, as no physical investments are envisaged as part of the project. Soft activities will be financed, except for the provision of seeds and tools to small-holder farmers whose associated Environmental and Social Safeguards (E&S) risks are considered low, given that no pesticides or fertilizers will be provided, that the seeds will be used in already existing farmland, and that the total expected area of agricultural land that the small-holder farmers (and cooperatives if applicable) to be supported through the project will have is estimated at 230 Ha.

Involuntary Resettlement. The project is not expected to lead to involuntary resettlement.

Climate Change and Green Growth. The categorisation is a 2 following the climate safeguards system of the Bank. The objective of social cohesion might not be achieved due to the threats of climate change. The country's low greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise, mainly due to agriculture and land-use changes, with deforestation being a major contributing factor.

Finance Type: Standard grant
Commitments (UA): 1,000,000
Conversion Rate USD (2025-07-01): 1,33412

According to the Appraisal Report, the project budget from the Bank is estimated at UA 1.0 million net of taxes and customs duties and will be funded from TSF pillar III. No contribution will be provided by the Government. Administrative fees of 8% will be pay to WFP that will be the project implementing agency.

Name: André Marie TAPTUE
Email: a.taptue@afdb.org

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/request-for-documents. Under the AfDBÕs Disclosure and Access to Information policy, if you feel the Bank has omitted to publish information or your request for information is unreasonably denied, you can file an appeal at https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/appeals-process.

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF AfDB

The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), which is administered by the Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (CRMU), is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who have been or are likely to be adversely affected by an African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the IRM, it may assist you by either seeking to address your problems by facilitating a dispute resolution dialogue between you and those implementing the project and/or investigating whether the AfDB complied with its policies to prevent environmental and social harms. You can submit a complaint electronically by emailing crmuinfo@afdb.org, b.kargougou@afdb.org, b.fall@afdb.org, and/or s.toure@afdb.org. You can learn more about the IRM and how to file a complaint at: https://www.afdb.org/en/independent-review-mechanism/