The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a loan of EUR 180 million for the reduction of regional disparities in Tunisia, state news agency TAP reported, citing a bank statement. 
The loan, which is the first phase of a programmatic budget support, is part of the Economic Recovery and Inclusive Development Support Program (PADRI). It will stimulate regional development in 16 priority governorates through the revival of investment, social inclusion and the promotion of local governance, the statement added. 
It will also help promote youth employability, provide access to investment resources in priority governorates, and seek to improve the living conditions of populations through the development of human capital. 
By focusing on the 16 regions most lagging behind in the regional development index, PADRI adds value to the social and economic inclusion in those governorates and improves the quality of life of the most disadvantaged populations.