The idea was launched in 2007 by a handful of African states: to build a "great green wall" of 8,000 km stretching from Dakar to Djibouti and thus contribute to the economic and ecological transformation of one of the poorest regions of the world.

But the progress report, presented in September 2020 by the United Nations, is hardly encouraging.

Today, it is estimated that barely 4% of the target for 2030 has been reached, or 4 million hectares of land developed out of the 100 million of the program, half of which has been achieved by Ethiopia and its ambitious reforestation program.

Lack of leadership, under investment, technical difficulties, insecurity in the Sahel ... the reasons for this failure are multiple.

However, according to its supporters, the "great green wall" could not only make it possible to combat desertification but also to create employment thanks to a mosaic of agricultural projects respectful of the environment and biodiversity.

Over $ 14 billion in pledges

To support the project, Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that an envelope of $ 14.3 billion (11.8 billion euros) over five years (2021-2025) had been established.

"We are truly preparing the Africa of 2030", said the French president at the Élysée Palace, where the fourth edition of the "One Planet Summit" devoted to biodiversity is being held, with the participation of around thirty personalities, most of them by videoconference.

"It is 100 million hectares restored, 10 million jobs created, 250 million tons of carbon sequestered. It is also, through this initiative, the capacity for Africa to show that it is an actor of the fight against global warming, ”he added.

Donors include the World Bank and the European Commission.

A secretariat has been set up to ensure that commitments are met.

With Reuters

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