Item 12: report on regional cooperation: Statement to ECOSOC by Mr. K. Y. Amoako, executive secretary, economic commission for Africa

Abstract

This Statement delivered to ECOSOC: by Mr. K. Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, ECA's Economic Report on Africa, 2000, the Summary of which is before you, shows that Africa's economy grew at an estimated 3.2 percent in 1999, barely improving on the previous year's modest performance of 3.1 percent, but much better than the meagre 2.1 per cent growth of the last decade. The report further reveals that Africa is now in its fifth year of economic recovery with growth in GDP outstripping population growth for the first time in many years. Another key finding is that most of the best performers benefited from the cessation of civil wars, greater stability, and sustained economic and political reforms. ECA considers the decision to devote this year's High Level Segment of ECOSOC to Information Technology as an important modality for strengthening support for the outcomes of ADF '99. ECA is currently organizing a Post-Forum Summit to seek endorsement from the highest levels of African leadership for the ADF '99 outcomes.