You represent a French local authority
International action is a specificity of French regional and local authorities. With over 5,000 active authorities, France has one of the most dynamic networks in the world.
Converge our actions with territories
AFD promotes financial and technical cooperation between French local authorities and foreign local authorities, as a complement to an AFD-funded project.
For example, we have supported the joint initiative between the Hauts-de-France Region and French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) in the context of their cooperation with Minas Gerais State (Brazil) for the development of a “Climate Energy Territory” plan. The aim is to promote adaptation actions and initiate a transition towards a low-carbon economy. This technical cooperation action involves several regional actors and is combined with a EUR 300m AFD loan to finance the multi-year “Management for Citizenship” plan.
Promoting the expertise of territories
AFD finances and provides technical expertise to developing countries, while promoting French know-how.
For example, in Johannesburg (South Africa), we are supporting the new spatial strategy led by local authorities. This project aims to reduce persistent inequalities.
A EUR 600,000 grant has been allocated via the Fund for Technical Expertise and Experience Transfers (FEXTE). It is supporting:
- The partnership between the South African local government and the City of Paris for the definition of a climate change strategy;
- The partnership between the South African local government and the European Metropolis of Lille for the implementation of integrated urban projects.
In addition, a EUR 120m AFD loan is supporting the City of Johannesburg’s transformation strategy.
AFD is also supporting research on the territorializaton of the Sustainable Development Goals, as illustrated in the recent publication of the Methodological Guide of the Assembly of French Departments (ADF) for international cooperation in the field of sustainable and inclusive local development.
Financing the initiatives of territories
AFD supports the projects identified and implemented by local authorities in the context of their international partnerships via the French Local Authorities Financing Facility (FICOL).
What type of projects are financed?
For example, the construction of 2 mini-hydropower plants in the city of Dschang, in Cameroon, is a project initiated by the city of Dschang in partnership with Nantes Metropolis and Electricians Without Borders. AFD’s grant is providing EUR 405,000 of support for the investment expenditure. The project aims to connect 500 households to clean electricity and several local public service structures (schools, bus stations, etc.). The French local authority and its partner association are supporting the municipal contracting authority in strengthening its energy strategy and management capacity.
