African Countries Research Articles

Genetic diversity, population structure, and a genome-wide association study of sorghum lines assembled for breeding in Uganda.

Sorghum is an important source of food and feed worldwide. Developing sorghum core germplasm collections improves our understanding of the evolution and exploitation of genetic diversity in breeding programs. Despite its significance, the characterization of the genetic diversity of local germplasm pools and the identification of genomic loci underlying the variation of critical agronomic traits in sorghum remains limited in most African countries, including Uganda. In this study, we evaluated a collection of 543 sorghum accessions actively used in Ugandan breeding program across two cropping seasons at NaSARRI, Uganda, under natural field conditions. Phenotypic data analysis revealed significant (p<0.01) variation among accessions for days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle exsertion, and grain yield, with broad-sense heritability (H²) estimates of 0.54, 0.9, 0.81, and 0.48, respectively, indicating a high genetic variability for these traits. We used a newly developed genomic resource of 7,156 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to characterize the genetic diversity and population structure of this collection. On average, the SNP markers exhibited moderately high polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.3) and gene diversity (He = 0.3), while observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.07) was low, typical for self-pollinating crops like sorghum. Admixture-based models, PCA, and cluster analysis all grouped the accessions into two subpopulations with relatively low genetic differentiation. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified candidate genes linked to key agronomic traits using a breeding diversity panel from Uganda. GWAS analysis using three different mixed models identified 12 genomic regions associated with days to flowering, plant height, panicle exsertion, grain yield, and glume coverage. Five core candidate genes were co-localized with these significant SNPs. The SNP markers and candidate genes discovered provide valuable insights into the genetic regulation of key agronomic traits and, upon validation, hold promise for genomics-driven breeding strategies in Uganda.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among adolescents and youths aged 10-35 years in sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health systems, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. Vaccination is one of the easily accessible interventions that can help reduce the burden on the health system. However, vaccination coverage remains low in sub-Saharan African countries. The determinants of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among adolescents and youths remain unknown. Therefore, this study explored the pooled prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among adolescents and youths in sub-Saharan African Countries. A systematic literature search of Scopus, PubMed Central, PubMed, Embase, African Journal Online, Research 4 Life, Embase, and Google Scholar was performed from 6th May to 31st December 2023, using developed keywords with a focus on sub-Saharan African countries. Twenty-three (N = 23) studies were finally selected for analysis. The pooled prevalence of vaccine acceptance among adolescents and youths was 38.7% (n = 23). The subgroup analysis of the pooled prevalence of acceptance among adolescents was 36.1% (n = 36.1) while youths were 42% (n = 10). At the region level, West Africa had 42.2% (n = 13), East Africa had 39.8% (n = 6), Central Africa had 33% (n = 1), and Southern Africa had 24.2% (n = 3). The determinants of vaccine acceptance were the desire for self-immunity (AOR = 1.97, 95%, CI, 1.083.47, I2 = 94.15%, p < 0.05), receiving Health Officers' information (AOR = 4.36, 95%, CI, 2.28-8.32, I2 = 97.74, p < 0.001), the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 2.14, 95%, CI, 1.14-4.05, I2 = 97.4%, p < 0.05). The odds of having an unconfirmed source of information (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI, 0.10-0.45, I2 = 94.09%, p< 0.001) was responsible for vaccine hesitancy. The findings indicate the low pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and high levels of hesitancy among adolescents and youths in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that extensive research is undertaken into age-appropriate health promotion messages and strategies to encourage the uptake of vaccines. PROSPERO ID number CRD42023403071.

Molecular epidemiology and population genetics of Schistosoma mansoni infecting school-aged children situated along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, Malawi.

In areas of low disease endemicity, highly sensitive diagnostic tools to identify, diagnose, and monitor intestinal schistosomiasis transmission are needed to reliably measure the burden and risk of infection. Here, we used highly sensitive molecular diagnostic methods to investigate Schistosoma mansoni prevalence and transmission along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, five years post-disease outbreak. Faecal and urine samples were provided by school-aged children situated along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi. Kato-Katz faecal-egg microscopy and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) rapid diagnostic tests were then performed to diagnose infection with S. mansoni. Urine-egg microscopy was also used to diagnose infection with Schistosoma haematobium. In addition, Schistosoma miracidia were isolated from faecal material using a standard miracidium hatching technique. A two-step real-time PCR approach was then used to diagnose infection with S. mansoni using DNA isolated from faecal samples. Furthermore, isolated miracidia were genotyped to species level through PCR and Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were then carried out to identify which previously defined S. mansoni cox1 lineage group S. mansoni miracidia were most closely related to. The measured prevalence of S. mansoni infection varied considerably depending on which diagnostic assay was used. When compared to real-time PCR, faecal-egg microscopy had a sensitivity of 9% and a specificity of 100%. When POC-CCA 'trace' results were considered positive, POC-CCA had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 81% when compared to real-time PCR. However, when considered negative, POC-CCA sensitivity was reduced to 56%, whereas specificity was increased to 90%. In addition, a high degree of S. haematobium DNA was detected in DNA isolated from faecal samples and motile S. haematobium miracidia were recovered from faecal samples. Schistosoma mansoni miracidia were closely related to two independent cox1 lineage groups, suggesting multiple recent introduction and colonisation events originating from surrounding east African countries. Intestinal schistosomiasis is now highly prevalent along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi just five years post-disease outbreak. In addition, a high prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis persists. The revision of ongoing schistosomiasis control programmes in this area is therefore recommended. Our study also highlights the need for reliable diagnostic assays capable of distinguishing between Schistosoma species in multispecies co-endemic areas.

Post-trial access practice in malaria, tuberculosis, and NTDs clinical trial studies in Sub-Saharan African countries, quantitative study

This article discusses two climate fiction novels—one British, one American—that were written in the runup to two major political events on either side of the Atlantic in 2016—the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency—and considers how their focus on a future climate emergency serves as an apt reflection on the mutual reinforcements of neoliberalism, precarization, and populism. By looking at these two novels together through the lens of right-wing populism and notions such as the Capitalocene (Moore), the Trumpocene (Colebrook) and the “critical utopia” (Moylan), I consider how the future climate catastrophes that these novels imagine are equally likely “to be used as opportunities to advance and entrench socially regressive forms of politics and unsustainable trajectories […] as inspire forms of ‘disaster collectivism,’ where acts of community and solidarity flourish” (Newell, 2020: 157). As novels that are deeply concerned with the politics of the present, I consider how Robinson’s and Beckett’s novels are inspired by different utopian inflections that lead to different outcomes but similar diagnoses: that the worst effects of climate change will not be averted because humanity seems bent on its current trajectory.

UN Assistance to African countries in building climate-resilient agriculture

Relevance. Africa is the mirror and quintessence of modern international processes. The continent faces a gigantic number of challenges, some of an existential nature. But at the same time, there is an active search for ways to solve them.The purpose is to consider the experience of forming climate-resilient agriculture on the example of individual African countries and the role of the UN in this process.Objectives: to characterize the conditions and reasons for the formation of climate-resilient agriculture in the African region; assess the policies of the governments of Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Rwanda on the development of climate-resilient agriculture.Methodology. The comparative research method was used in the study of agricultural development programs in African countries. Chronological and historical methods of studying legal documents, programs of the United Nations, FAO, NEPAD, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda aimed at the formation of climate-resilient agriculture. A statistical research method for operating with data from the statistical databases of Globaleconomy and the World Health Organization.Results. The introduction of new technologies in agriculture is a condition for saving the environment, which is under pressure from two sides: global climate change and unprecedented growth in the population and its needs. One of the most important areas is to increase the productivity of agriculture, the solution of this urgent task will depend on the introduction of new technologies: seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, plant protection, etc.Conclusions. The introduction of programs and technologies for the formation of climate-resilient agriculture in African countries requires significant funding and institutional and legal preparation.

Dirty lives, wild birds, clean places, and exceptional health: a critical discourse analysis of Danish and Norwegian news coverage of avian influenza risk

Avian influenza outbreaks are recurring worldwide. In Norwegian and Danish media, fluctuating attention has been paid to these outbreaks and the coverage that exists largely portrays the situation as a distant problem, limited to so-called non-Western countries. In the present article, we have analysed news articles from two Norwegian and two Danish newspapers published in 2006/2008, 2017 and 2021 using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). By analysing linguistic articulations of risk and blame for avian influenza in Norwegian and Danish media, we explore how this portrayal creates discursive distinctions between risk and blame ‘here’ in Europe and ‘there’ in Asian and African countries. We discuss these discursive contrasts in light of Bergamo’s theory of ideology of health progress and Douglas’ understanding of hygiene as cultural ideas. Our analysis reveals that dominant portrayals of avian influenza in the news media construct particular discourses of blame, risk, and responsibility for disease emergence and spread that are ideologically underpinned by an understanding of disease management, meat production, and animal health in Norway and Denmark as exceptional. We argue that this may have implications for perceptions of places at risk of emergence and spread of viruses and the nature of responses for pandemic preparedness and disease eradication.

The Spectrum of Pathogens Associated with Infections in African Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Scoping Review.

Understanding the interplay between infections and severe acute malnutrition is critical in attaining good clinical outcomes when managing malnourished children. However, review studies describing the profile of the associated pathogens in the malnourished African paediatric population are sparse in the literature. We aimed to identify the spectrum of pathogens from studies reporting infections in severely malnourished African children, as well as the antibiotic resistance pattern and clinical outcomes. A systematic literature review of the PubMed database was conducted following PRISMA guidelines from January 2001 to June 2024. The search algorithm was ((marasmus) OR (kwashiorkor) OR (severe acute malnutrition) OR (protein energy malnutrition)) AND (Africa). For a more comprehensive retrieval, an additional search algorithm was deployed: ((HIV) OR (tuberculosis)) AND (severe acute malnutrition). We included 60 studies conducted between 2001 and 2024. Most of the studies were from East Africa (n = 45, 75%) and Southern Africa (n = 5, 8.3%). A total of 5845 pathogens were identified comprising 2007 viruses, 2275 bacteria, 1444 parasites, and 119 fungal pathogens. The predominant pathogens were HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and malaria parasites accounting for 33.8%, 30%, and 24.2% of pathogens identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was documented in only three studies. Fatality rates were reported in 45 studies and ranged from 2% to 56% regardless of the category of pathogen. This review affirms the deleterious effect of infections in malnourished patients and suggests a gross underdiagnosis as studies were found from only 17 (31.5%) African countries. Moreover, data on fungal infections in severely malnourished African children were nearly absent despite this population being at risk. Thus, there is an urgent need to prioritize research investigating African children with severe acute malnutrition for fungal infections besides other pathogens and improve the availability of diagnostic tools and the optimized usage of antibiotics through the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes.

Strengthening the traditional medicine regulation, education and practice in Nigeria

Background: Despite tremendous advances in medical sciences still a large section of the population in rural areas is heavily dependent on indigenous and Traditional Medicine (TM) for treatment. Moreover, there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), globally. Objective: To review the overall regulator structure for the control of TM and the course curriculum for TM education in Nigeria. Method: Information on CAM and TM was collected via online search. Results: Responding to this unprecedented situation government of many countries have taken proactive steps to streamline and regulate the practitioners of CAM and TM in their countries as mandated by WHO. In many African countries because of the availability of research and training programs many traditional herbal medicines are now being sold over the counter. However, the situation is different in Nigeria, even though TM is very popular across the country, structured institutionalized teaching and research activity on TM are inadequate. Conclusion: Health is a key component in determining the Human Development Index (HDI) of a country. CAM and TM practitioner may play an important role in improving the HDI score of the country. Government-sponsored education &amp; training program for TM practitioners is crucial.

Bioinformatic identification of monkeypox virus phylogenetic gene trees that are representative of its whole-genome phylogenetic tree.

Phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequences is the gold standard for monkeypox virus (MPXV) phylogeny. However, genomic epidemiology capability and capacity are lacking or limited in resource poor countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, these make real-time genome surveillance of MPXV virtually impossible. We hypothesized that phylogenetic analysis based on single, conserved genes will produce phylogenetic tree topology consistent with MPXV whole-genome phylogeny, thus serving as a reliable proxy to phylogenomic analysis. In this study, we analyzed 62 conserved MPXV genes and showed that Bayesian phylogenetic analysis based on five genes (OPG 066/E4L, OPG068/E6R, OPG079/I3L, OPG145/A18R, and OPG150/A23R) generated phylogenetic trees with 72.2-96.3% topology similarity index to the reference phylogenomic tree topology. Our results showed that phylogenetic analysis of the identified five genes singly or in combination can serve as surrogate for whole-genome phylogenetic analysis, and thus obviates the need for whole-genome sequencing and phylogenomic analysis in regions where genomic epidemiology competence and capacity are lacking or unavailable. This study is relevant to evolution and genome surveillance of MPXV in resource limited countries.

US suspension policy from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): An estimation of the missing exports from sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractThe African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a unilateral duty‐free access program granted by the United States (US) to exports from sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. However, provisions of the AGOA text specify that countries can be suspended from the program in case of political turmoil and human rights violations that threaten democracy and the rule of law. This paper constructs a two‐step framework combining matching techniques and gravity regression to quantify the loss of exports due to AGOA suspensions using high‐disaggregated data of exports (10‐digit HTS level) from Africa to the US during 2001–2020. The AGOA suspension resulted in a 54% decline in SSA countries' exports to the US. Estimations suggest that, since 2004, the US suspension policy led to a reduction in exports from suspended countries of approximately 691 million USD on average per year. Over the 17 years (2004–2020), the suspended countries lost a total of 11.7 billion USD in the value of their exports to the US.

Burden of childhood diarrhea and cholera outbreaks in the Lake Tana Basin (Ethiopia): Review

Objectives: Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality, while cholera outbreaks are a major public health emergency insub-Saharan African countries. This study was aimed at investigating the link between climate changes and cholera outbreaks, and the burden of childhood diarrhoea in the Lake Tana Basin (Ethiopia). Methods: Research articles published in English were searched from Google scholar, PubMed, and Web of science and these were supplemented by a four-year secondary data of childhood diarrhoea and cholera outbreaks extracted from health management information system (HMIS) in 61 districts. Results: The mean prevalence of diarrhoea per 1000 children was 420 (95% CI:311.7; 528.6). The prevalence of childhood diarrhoea showed spatial and temporal variation hereby 16.4% (10/61) districts exhibited high prevalence (&gt;201/1000 children). The prevalence of diarrhoea was significantly higher in boys compared to girls (p = 0.001), while the incidence of cholera was significantly higher in females compared to males (p &lt; 0.001). Heavy precipitation and El-Niño events were linked to the episodes of cholera outbreaks. Conclusions: Health interventions should consider spatial and temporal variations of diarrhoea. The cholera outbreak preparedness needs to be aware during the events of climate changes in the hotspot areas. Keywords: Cholera; diarrhoea; climate change; Lake Tana Basin; Ethiopia.

Creating Space for Africa: Revisiting China's Call for Co‐Construction of the Belt and Road Initiative With African Countries

Creating Space for Africa: Revisiting China's Call for Co‐Construction of the Belt and Road Initiative With African Countries

Food loss analysis in Nigeria: A systematic literature review

The issue of food loss and waste is a complex one that must be addressed if sustainable food systems are to be achieved. In the Global South, as evidenced by Nigeria, two paradoxical trends can be observed. Firstly, substantial losses of arable crops occur during the production and distribution stages. Secondly, Nigeria is affected by food scarcity, which is in part a consequence of losses occurring at these stages. In terms of food availability, Nigeria ranks 26th among African countries. In light of this context and the government's expressed interest in identifying sustainable solutions to this problem, a systematic review was conducted with the objective of consolidating the fragmented studies on food loss in the region. This review provides a foundation for understanding the causes of food loss, the preventive and reduction strategies required, and for identifying promising areas for future research. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist 2020. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies were selected for review. A thematic synthesis was employed to integrate and examine the findings of the studies. The findings indicated that maize, rice, and cassava continued to be the most prevalent food crops in Nigeria, with cultivation occurring across the entire country. We differentiate the critical loss points for different crops, which arise between the production and distribution stages. In conclusion, this review reveals that food loss in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue requiring integrated solutions that address the natural, social, and material dimensions. Further empirical research, especially qualitative studies that focus on the perspectives and practices of food system actors, is essential for developing effective interventions and policies. This approach will help achieve sustainable development of food systems and advance global food security goals.

25 Years of Türkiye’s Media Initiatives in Africa

Since around 2005, Türkiye has focused on establishing close relations with African countries, spanning politics, economics, culture, and media. This study aims to briefly touch upon the transformation of press and media in Africa and examine Türkiye’s initiatives in the African media landscape, particularly since 2005. This original work aims to serve as a guide for both media professionals and decision-makers in Türkiye’s foreign policy. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that the country’s media relations with African countries are based on a solid foundation. Due to the broad scope of the subject, Türkiye’s media initiatives have been analyzed under separate headings. Moreover, Türkiye’s steps in media relations with African countries, especially since 2005, have been investigated. To gather information on the topic, news articles, official statements, agreements signed by Türkiye with African countries in the media field, and decisions made during this process have been examined. Upon examination of the country’s media relations with African countries, it is observed that various initiatives have been taken, particularly since 2008. These relations in the media field have seen an upward trend through the 2020s. However, there is a need for further steps to be taken, particularly in areas such as the employment of African media professionals and collaboration in the media field, as well as producing more content related to Africa.

Questioning the West and Creating an Alternative: China’s and Türkiye’s Similar Approaches toward Africa

Several actors have turned their attention to Africa, and the continent is becoming a focal point for international relations. These actors have adopted various approaches to improve their relations with African countries. This study examines the alternative dimension of rising international competition on the continent. The main focus of the study is Türkiye’s and China’s alternative approaches to Africa. Accordingly, the study seeks to answer three interrelated questions: What are the differences between the traditional and alternative approaches? What are the main factors shaping China’s and Türkiye’s alternative approaches toward Africa? What are the similarities in Beijing’s and Ankara’s approaches regarding African countries in practice? As a result, this study argues that China and Türkiye present an alternative stance to the Western-centered approach for competition in Africa, despite some differences in their relations with continental countries.

Predominance of Trichophyton soudanense as Agent of Dermatophytoses in Cape Verdean School-Age Children.

Dermatophytoses are infectious skin diseases of public health importance because of their transmissibility and high prevalence, especially among children. This is the first study aiming to estimate and report the burden of dermatophytoses on school-age children on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde, an African country that is an archipelago. A total of 249 students attending the afternoon shift of three elementary schools in the city of Achada Igreja were examined. Of these, 60 had suspected lesions of dermatophyte infection. However, from the samples collected from these 60 students, including hair, nails, and skin scrapings, only 18 dermatophyte isolates were obtained, corresponding to a point prevalence of 7.2%. Morphological species identification demonstrated three different species: Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton violaceum; re-identification by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 2 regions of ribosomal DNA, and the 5.8S rDNA encoding gene (ITS-5.8S region), revealed T. soudanense as the most prevalent species, with only one case of T. rubrum. This is the first epidemiological data describing dermatophytoses and dermatophytes in Cape Verde among school-age children on one of the archipelago islands. It reinforces the need of using culture and accurate identification methodologies when gathering epidemiological data on dermatophytoses.

A Method for Quantifying Global Network Topology Based on a Mathematical Model

To facilitate a direct comparison of the differences in network resources among countries worldwide, this paper proposes a method for quantifying the relationship between autonomous systems and territorial networks from the perspective of network topology. Using global router-level network topology data as the foundational data for the network resources of various countries, we abstract the dual mapping information of router geographic distribution and operational ownership into a matrix-form mathematical model. By employing relevant indicators from both network scale and border connectivity, we compare matrix model data from different periods to quantitatively assess changes in the network structures of countries globally. The study results show that internet resources are concentrated in the United States, which owns 38.04% of the global routers, distributed across 87.88% of the countries, significantly impacting the global network. Compared to the average quantitative indicators of each country, 67.00% of the countries exhibit higher deployment consistency, 37.30% show higher border connection consistency, 23.81% perform prominently in terms of impact, and 46.20% have outstanding border node degrees. From a continental perspective, the analysis indicates that Asian and African countries have a closer relationship between AS and territorial networks, while Europe’s connections are relatively sparse. Over time, we observe a slight decline in deployment consistency in Asia, Africa, and Europe, a slight increase in border connection consistency in Asia, Africa, and North America, and enhanced impact in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. These trends suggest that the integration between AS and territorial networks is intensifying in most countries.

Social contact and ethnic identity: Experimental evidence from West Africa

AbstractWhat determines one's ethnic identity? I argue that contact with a co‐ethnic encourages an enhanced ethnic identity compared to contact with a non‐co‐ethnic. This is most likely to hold where identities are more ethnic and less national, as in many African countries, thus creating a sense of trust among co‐ethnics. To test this claim, I conducted a field experiment with participants from the West African countries of Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal using two designs to test my claims including if enumerators and participants share an ethnic identity established directly with face‐to‐face contact, and indirectly with enumerators employing ethnic sounding names. Social contact in which ethnicity is shared increases identification with one's ethnic group. Not sharing an ethnic identity does not increase the chances of a national identity. Variation by ethnic groups is strongest for members of groups who have recently lost political power or are marginalized. Sharing an ethnic identity affects political views. These findings contribute to our understanding about the potential for contact to affect prejudice and bias, and they raise issues about data collection done with personal contact.

Leveraging investments, promoting transparency and mobilising communities: a qualitative analysis of news articles about how the Ebola outbreak informed COVID-19 response in five African countries

BackgroundThe WHO declared the novel COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic in March 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, prior experiences with diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome, severe acute...

Impact of energy consumption on life expectancy in lower-middle-income West African countries

Life expectancy is a key determinant of a nation&amp;rsquo;s health and well-being. However, West African countries face several challenges in improving life expectancy, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, corruption, poor sanitation, and environmental quality due to environmental degradation. In addition, energy accessibility is an important determinant of health outcomes and environmental quality. The United Nations&amp;rsquo; Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are directly linked with energy access; achieving these goals will lead to an improvement in energy access. Therefore, in this study, using data obtained from the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, we investigated the impact of energy consumption and corruption on life expectancy in lower-middle-income West African countries from 1990 to 2021. The results of the cross-sectional auto-regressive distributed lag technique showed that renewable energy has a positive and significant impact on life expectancy in lower-middle-income West African countries in both the short and long run. However, non-renewable energy was found to have a significant and negative impact on life expectancy in the long run and a negative but non-significant impact in the short run. Corruption had a debilitating effect on life expectancy in both the short and long run. We recommend that policymakers should make a conscious and deliberate push toward transitioning to renewable energy through public&amp;ndash;private partnerships to provide affordable and clean energy while tackling corruption.