A strategy for the implementation of the Addis Ababa Plan of Action for Statistical Development in Africa in the 1990s

Abstract

The twenty-fifth session of the UN Economic Commission for Africa(UNECA)/sixteenth meeting of African Ministers responsible for economic planning and development held in May 1990 adopted the Addis Ababa Plan of Action for Statistical Development in Africa in the 1990s. As recommended in the Plan of Action, a working group meeting was convened by ECA to further review and elaborate on the principles, objectives and recommendations of the Plan. The meeting discussed and adopted for that purpose a strategy document which was subsequently endorsed by the seventh session of African Planners, Statisticians and Demographers. Based on review of past and current situations of statistical development, the document highlights actions that should be taken to give effect to the Plan. The main lesson learnt from this review is that these programs achieved their immediate objectives but their development aims were only attained in a few cases. There was also inadequate co-ordination of donor assistance. Some possible reasons for this situation are diagnosed.