Statement by K.Y. Amoako, UN under secretary general and executive secretary of ECA: at the Tokyo international conference on Africa (TICAD II)

Abstract

This statement delivered by K. Y. Amoako, UN under-secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa at the Tokyo International Conference on Africa (TICAD II). Mr. Amoako,on his remarks highlighted that, he present five longer-term challenges. The first of these challenges is financing Africa's development through improved aid, debt and investment. Until growth reaches a certain level and breadth, and until domestic resource mobilization reaches a certain level of reliability, aid has a true relevance to fostering Africa's growth. The second challenge is the need to maintain focus on Africa's human resource development... the bedrock of reducing poverty. The biggest potential progress for human development in Africa is through actions which allow women to reach their full potential. The third challenge is harnessing the enormous potential of information technology to help leapfrog Africa's development. On Africa's side, regulatory environments must be improved. The fourth major challenge is that of regional cooperation and integration. We have a lot of work to do on institution building, crafting policy coherence between countries, and retrofitting our industries to be competitive in regional and global markets. The fifth challenge flows from the fourth. An Africa preparing to trade across its borders, also prepares to trade with the world. The same concepts of competitiveness apply. ECA will devote the 1999 session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance and Planning to the issue of financing development, with special emphasis on improving aid effectiveness through better aid management and coordination.