UAE and World Bank launch zero-bureaucracy programme with Benin, Djibouti, Rwanda
In short
The UAE Government and the World Bank Group launched the first cohort of the Government Experience Exchange Programme for Zero Government Bureaucracy, aimed at building government capabilities in Benin, Djibouti and Rwanda. Participating countries are required to identify a priority reform challenge and draft a 90-day national action plan with measurable performance indicators and follow-up milestones. The first cohort includes 15 meetings, sessions, workshops and engagements with UAE experts on government services, digital transformation and public-sector efficiency.
Why it matters
The launch ties the UAE’s government-modernisation model to World Bank-backed public-administration work in three African countries, extending a partnership the documents describe as covering public administration and government efficiency. Both outlets frame it as a step from exchanging experience towards measurable national reform plans, though neither reports cost, funding or how results will be assessed.
Key facts
- The UAE Government and the World Bank Group launched the first cohort of the Government Experience Exchange Programme for Zero Government Bureaucracy. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The first cohort involves Benin, Djibouti and Rwanda. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The programme aims to reduce administrative burdens and complexity for people, businesses and government employees, and to improve government efficiency. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Participating countries must identify a specific priority reform challenge and develop a 90-day national action plan with implementation responsibilities, measurable performance indicators and follow-up milestones. [ 2 ]
- The first cohort includes 15 meetings, sessions, workshops and engagements with UAE experts covering government services, digital transformation, public-sector efficiency, community participation and performance improvement. [ 2 ]
- Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the partnership provides a platform for sharing experiences and translating them into practical initiatives supported by measurable indicators and clear roadmaps. [ 1 , 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The UAE Government and the World Bank Group launched the first cohort of the Government Experience Exchange Programme for Zero Government Bureaucracy. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Benin, Djibouti and Rwanda take part in the first cohort. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The programme is intended to reduce administrative burdens and complexity for people, businesses and government employees and to enhance government efficiency. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, commented on the partnership and the approach behind it. [ 1 , 2 ]
Still unclear
- Which specific priority reform challenge each of Benin, Djibouti and Rwanda has chosen for its 90-day action plan. Neither document names the reform challenges the participating countries selected.
- The cost of the programme and who funds it. Neither document gives financial details for the initiative.
- Whether further cohorts will follow and which countries would join them. Both documents refer to a “first cohort” but state no plans, dates or participants for later groups.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- WAM reports the launch of the programme’s first cohort for Benin, Djibouti and Rwanda, with comments from Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi. [ 1 ]
- Economy Middle East reports the launch, adding the 90-day action plan requirement and the 15 meetings, sessions and workshops in the first cohort. [ 2 ]