Opening speech for the annual meeting of the economic commission for Africa: delivered by Mr Mandisi B M Mpahlwa, deputy minister of finance, republic of South Africa

Abstract

This opening speech delivered by Mr. Mandisi BM Mpahlwa, Deputy Ministerof Finance, Republic of South Africa at the annual meeting of the Economic Commission for Africa. Mr. Mpahlwa, on his remarks highlighted that, we are making significant progress in eliminating the scourge of civil war that has afflicted some of our countries. Furthermore, the continent is making great strides in entrenching the culture of democracy, free and fair elections and respect for human rights. There are many other successes to recount at the macroeconomic level, but these meetings are not meant to be an opportunity to congratulate ourselves too much. We are fortunate, to have the able and dynamic assistance of the Economic Commission for Africa and the broader UN system to help us to achieve our aims in this regard. But it seems important to remember that achieving real ownership by Africans and developing our capacity means committing ourselves to specific outcomes.