[{"bbox": [96, 164, 1164, 244], "category": "Text", "text": "The Action will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 (No Poverty) 4 (Quality Education) 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 5 (Gender Equality) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), also in line with the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III¹ and Youth Action Plan 2022-2027² objectives."}, {"bbox": [85, 273, 323, 305], "category": "Section-header", "text": "# 2 RATIONALE"}, {"bbox": [85, 339, 235, 366], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.1 Context"}, {"bbox": [96, 397, 1164, 531], "category": "Text", "text": "Despite its democratic and constitutional framework, Guinea-Bissau's history has been marked by recurrent political instability and institutional fragility, which has hampered the impact of internal and external investments. Although the country has been relatively normalised since the last Presidential elections, the political scene remains fragmented and Guinea-Bissau still faces many challenges such as security linked to transnational organised crime, socio-economic fragility and climate change related issues."}, {"bbox": [96, 542, 1164, 729], "category": "Text", "text": "The country has been deploying an impressive diplomatic outreach, including official high-level visits to the EU institutions and EU Member States, seeking new political and economic alliances and striving to restore the country's reputation associated to corruption and drug trafficking. In that regard, the Government has showed willingness to tackle the necessary socio-economic and political reforms. Notwithstanding the uncertainty around the most recent coup attempt of 1 February 2022, the encouraging trend towards sustainable socio-economic growth and inclusive human development will hopefully be pursued. New legislative elections have been scheduled for December 2022, following the dismissal of the former constitutional government last May."}, {"bbox": [96, 741, 1164, 954], "category": "Text", "text": "Guinea-Bissau is currently completing a nine-month Staff Monitored Programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in view of a potential Extended Credit Facility in late 2022. COVID-19 has disrupted the already fragile economy gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.5% in 2019 vs. -1.4% in 2020) and led to the deterioration of the fiscal situation. While a partial recovery is expected in 2022 (4%), the gap in relation to the average growth of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) GDP (6.6%) is further accentuated. The public debt had been assessed as sustainable based on the authorities' commitment to sound policies, supported by strong donor engagement and an IMF programme³. However, the Russia-Ukraine war and global inflationary pressure ensuing the sanctions are likely to ultimately worsen the country's socio-economic outlook."}, {"bbox": [96, 965, 1164, 1019], "category": "Text", "text": "In line with the MIP 2021-2027, the Action EU for Education and Youth Employability (EU4EYE) of EUR 17 million will focus on Education governance and increased access to TVET (priority area 1 – Human development)."}, {"bbox": [96, 1030, 1164, 1111], "category": "Text", "text": "Thus, in close articulation with the Government, including at regional level, it aims at strengthening governance, accountability and efficiency of the education system and at improving the employment potential of youth through increased access to TVET. Specifically it will:"}, {"bbox": [134, 1122, 1164, 1176], "category": "List-item", "text": "i) Improve quality assurance, including system monitoring and efficiency, supervision and learning assessments of the education and TVET systems;"}, {"bbox": [134, 1176, 1164, 1230], "category": "List-item", "text": "(i) Improve effectiveness of mechanisms for integration of young people into the labour market, including TVET provision, with particular reference to women and girls."}, {"bbox": [96, 1241, 1164, 1322], "category": "Text", "text": "The approach will have a special emphasis on women and girls, mainstreaming a gender perspective to tackle the root causes of gender inequality and power imbalance. Women and youth empowerment at community level through increased TVET and entrepreneurial opportunities will be prioritised."}, {"bbox": [85, 1425, 1144, 1499], "category": "Footnote", "text": "¹ Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III – An ambitious agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment in EU External Action - {SWD(2020) 284 final}. The EU Gender Action Plan (GAP III) was adopted by 24 Member States through the Presidency Council Conclusion on 16 December 2020."}, {"bbox": [85, 1499, 1144, 1571], "category": "Footnote", "text": "² Joint communication by the Commission and the High Representative, Youth Action Plan (YAP) in EU external action 2022 – 2027: Promoting meaningful youth participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality and peace - {JOIN(2022) 53 final}"}, {"bbox": [85, 1571, 1144, 1620], "category": "Footnote", "text": "³ Guinea-Bissau: 2022 Article IV Consultation and Third Review under the Staff-Monitored Program; Press Release; and Statement by the Executive Director for Guinea-Bissau, June (2022)."}, {"bbox": [1130, 1655, 1144, 1677], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "4"}]