Planning for a New Era of Hope and Prosperity in the Sahel

Despite abundant natural and human resources, the Sahel region is plagued by endemic poverty and security threats, making it one of the most vulnerable regions in Africa.

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In recent decades, the Sahel has witnessed major shifts in its geopolitical environment; changes underpinned by complex transnational security threats, political and governance crises, and climate-related threats that undermine human security and progress towards sustainable development.

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To address these challenges, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with other UN and regional agencies working in the Sahel, is spearheading the revision of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS). The strategy will be consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.​

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The scale and complexity of the Sahel challenges call for a major paradigm shift: breaking out of silos, addressing conflict dynamics, and streamlining institutional partnerships to effectively coordinate efforts to build an inclusive future. Within this context, the Millennium Institute is supporting the ECA in the process of achieving this paradigm shift. Using the iSDG model, MI will conduct a comprehensive and integrated analysis of the socio-economic-environmental dynamics of the Sahel. The analysis will be carried out through a regional and inclusive process, and will provide relevant analysis and policy options to governments, key regional stakeholders and the UN System, in order to stimulate investment, and mobilize the necessary resources to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in the Sahel.