Meeting of the committee of experts of the 2nd joint annual meetings of the AU conference of ministers of economy and finance and ECA conference of ministers of finance, planning and economic development: opening remarks by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN under secretary general and executive secretary of ECA

Abstract

Opening Remarks by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the Meeting of the Committee of Experts of the 2nd Joint Annual Meetings of the AU Conference of Ministers of Economy and Finance and ECA Conference of Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Mr. Janneh, on his remarks highlighted that, This is the second in the series of Joint Annual Meetings organized by the African Union Commission and the Economic Commission for Africa. It underscores our shared vision of greater coherence and coordination of activities in support of African development. Africa has already responded admirably to the crisis. Our Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met in Tunis in November last year to ensure a coordinated response. The need to ensure adequate resources for Africa’s development is the reasoning behind the choice of theme for this meeting – “Enhancing the Effectiveness of Fiscal Policy for Domestic Resource Mobilization”. As Africa grapples with the fall-out of the financial crisis, it is imperative that we explore policy options to make up for expected short-falls in development finance. This meeting provides us with a unique opportunity to articulate ideas and policy options that will enable Africa to meet current and emerging challenges and he hoped that they will engage in open and constructive dialogue that will enrich the report to be submitted to the Ministerial Conference.