UN and EU Pledge $8.25 Billion For Sahel Region in Africa

To fight poverty and promote economic growth

The World Bank and the European Union on Monday pledged $8.25 billion to boost economic growth and fight poverty in Africa's Sahel region.

The announcement came on the eve of an historic trip to the Sahel by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.

The EU is donating $6.75 billion over seven years. The World Bank is contributing $1.5 billion over two years.