1 MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ‣ Mission 300 (M300), aiming to connect an additional 100 million people to reliable and sustainable electricity by 2030; ‣ AgriConnect, designed to transform agribusiness into a driver of economic transformation, food security, and job creation; ‣ The Health Services Development Strategy, designed to accelerate universal access to quality, affordable health services and support employment within the health sector; ‣ The Social Protection and Inclusive Employment Strengthening Program, targeting 500 million poor or vulnerable people by 2030; and ‣ The 2024–2030 Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, designed to enable 300 million women to access opportunities in the digital and entrepreneurial spheres. Each initiative is presented in a summary format, providing the context, objectives, areas of intervention, and procedures for accessing dedicated funding. This Note presents an updated assessment of the Mission 300 Initiative (M300), highlighting the progress achieved since its inception: between July 2023 and February 2025, more than 21 million additional people gained access to electricity thanks to WBG interventions and financing. The Note also features a curated selection of tools and resources designed to support decision making, in alignment with the WBG’s ambition to evolve into a true "Knowledge Bank." These resources provide public policymakers, ministerial research units, and researchers with streamlined access to the Group’s most recent analyses, data, and publications. We trust this overview of WBG’s reforms and initiatives will help our countries effectively leverage its resources and expertise. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the governments within our Constituency in translating these initiatives into tangible, sustainable results that enhance the wellbeing of our populations. I am pleased to present the first 2026 edition of the Executive Director’s Note, which focuses on recent initiatives launched by the World Bank Group (WBG) to enhance the impact and effectiveness of its operations in its client countries. Published during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), this Note aims to support delegations in their discussions and negotiations during their meetings. In accordance with its 2025–2026 Strategic Plan, our Office is working to facilitate our member states' access to the opportunities offered by the World Bank Group. Accordingly, this new format of the Executive Director’s Note highlights five flagship initiatives in targeted sectors selected for their direct impact on development and job creation, namely: M E S S A G E F R O M E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R Mr. Harold Tavares Executive Director of Africa Group II
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