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Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes

The Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are recognized by the United Nations as categories that face special problems and accordingly need special attention from the international community.

The Division for Africa, Least Developed Countries and Special Programmes helps these countries to derive the greatest possible benefits from this recognition, in particular, to make the most effective use of the special international support measures that are extended to them to reduce their marginalization from the global economy.

Action principally involves:

substantive support to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in their efforts to develop positions of common interest in the context of relevant international events and initiatives;
research and analysis on relevant policy-related issues; and
technical cooperation, particularly through the Integrated Framework for Trade-related Technical Assistance to LDCs.

In this regard, UNCTAD is guided by:

The Brussels Programme of Action for LDCs (May 2001)
The Almaty Programme of Action for LLDCs (August 2003)
The Mauritius Strategy for SIDS (January 2005)

Action principally involves:

substantive support to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in their efforts to develop positions of common interest in the context of relevant international events and initiatives;
research and analysis on relevant policy-related issues; and
technical cooperation, particularly through the Integrated Framework for Trade-related Technical Assistance to LDCs.

In this regard, UNCTAD is guided by:

The Brussels Programme of Action for LDCs (May 2001)
The Almaty Programme of Action for LLDCs (August 2003)
The Mauritius Strategy for SIDS (January 2005)

News

18 February 2013UNCTAD begins second cycle of Port Training Programme in Djibouti

Twenty-six port officials in Djibouti, including eight women, have started a twelve-month programme to learn modern port-management techniques.

11 February 2013Rwanda Government and UNCTAD launch online investment guide, Kigali, Rwanda, 7 February 2013

The Government of Rwanda and UNCTAD launched the web-based investment guide to Rwanda as pilot project of UNCTAD’s innovative approach to the preparation and online publication of investment guides.

06 February 2013UNCTAD certifies 16 port managers in Gabon

Certificates recently were presented to 16 graduates of UNCTAD’s Modern Port Management Programme in a ceremony at the Office des Ports et Rades du Gabon (OPRAG).

29 January 2013UNCTAD Investment Policy Review discussed at Djibouti workshop

Improving infrastructure, making the tax system "friendlier" for small businesses, and taking advantage of Djibouti's geographical location were among topics reviewed as officials considered how to boost foreign investment.

21 December 2012UNCTAD acknowledges admission of South Sudan as forty-ninth LDC

On 18 December 2012, the General Assembly added South Sudan to the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). LDC status was established in 1971, under the auspices of UNCTAD, as a vehicle for international attention to the most structurally disadvantaged countries.

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