Meeting Africa's new development challenges in the 21st century : Issues paper

Abstract

The report proposed four main strategies that African countries could pursue to usher in “self-reinforcing process of economic, political, and social development”. These strategies were: improving governance and resolving conflict; investing in people; increasing competitiveness and diversifying economies, and reducing aid dependence and strengthening partnerships. The paper builds on recent studies, conference reports and ministerial conferences that are examining the development challenges that Africa faces in the 21st century. While a number of these challenges such as accelerating economic growth and creating employment are persistent, some, such as climate change and long-term financing of treatment for HIV/AIDS patients are new. How these challenges are addressed have implications for the efforts of the continent to secure any successes that it may record in its efforts to reach the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.