The programme forms part of an ongoing partnership between the UAE government and the World Bank Group aimed at strengthening public administration across developing nations. It focuses on sharing the UAE’s expertise in government modernisation, digital transformation and administrative simplification with senior officials from the target countries. The initiative seeks to equip participants with practical approaches to cut bureaucratic hurdles that affect citizens, businesses and public employees alike, the Emirates News Agency reported on October 5, 2026. Officials hope the knowledge transfer will lead to measurable improvements in service delivery and operational performance in the participating African states.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the inaugural batch brought together ministers and government leaders from Benin and Djibouti responsible for digital transformation, innovation, economy, finance, budgeting, public service, development financing, urban affairs, health and government information systems. These representatives took part in 15 dedicated meetings, specialised sessions and workshops alongside UAE experts. The activities allowed the visitors to examine the UAE model for eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy while exploring methods to streamline procedures and incorporate community input into service design. The news agency noted that discussions also addressed financial efficiency measures and ways to boost overall government performance.
The Emirates News Agency detailed that the effort highlights the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation through experience-sharing in public sector reform. By drawing on its own track record in reducing administrative burdens, the UAE aims to support similar transformations in Benin, Djibouti and Rwanda. The programme is structured to facilitate direct exchanges of methodologies that have proven effective in modernising government operations and improving responsiveness to public needs.
World Bank data shows the three countries are already engaged in broader governance and human capital initiatives that align with the new knowledge exchange. In Benin, the World Bank endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework in June 2026 that includes an International Development Association allocation of $1.077 billion through 2036 to develop a skilled workforce and expand infrastructure. The framework emphasises nutrition, education, vocational training and private-sector growth as pathways to wider prosperity, according to World Bank documents. Such projects provide a foundation upon which the UAE-backed bureaucracy reduction training can build.
A World Bank feature on Djibouti highlighted its Skills Development for Employment Project, which has trained approximately 1,500 individuals in logistics, construction, hospitality and emerging fields such as cybersecurity, producing strong employment outcomes including placements abroad. The project prioritises women, refugees and people with disabilities through tailored support mechanisms. These capacity-building activities in Djibouti complement the zero-bureaucracy focus by addressing market-relevant skills that depend on efficient public systems to scale effectively.
Rwanda has established itself as a regional leader in digital governance and business facilitation, setting a benchmark for the type of reforms the programme seeks to advance in all three nations. The World Bank has supported related efforts across East Africa to improve public service delivery and reduce regulatory obstacles. By integrating UAE insights on zero-bureaucracy practices, the joint programme intends to accelerate progress toward more agile and citizen-centred administrations that can sustain long-term development gains.
