G8 summit can boost Africa's chances of meeting MDGs

Abstract

The Economic Commission for Africa welcomes the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland this week, and believes it can play an important part in spurring Africa’s progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This progress currently presents a mixed picture. While it is true that under current conditions most sub-Saharan countries will fail to meet the goals, the outlook is not all bleak. Countries must be looked at individually and the MDGs themselves should be considered as targets to trigger action, rather than just technically feasible goals for Africa. Reducing poverty in Africa is not just a question of doubling aid. While its value in meeting the MDGs cannot be minimized, the quality of aid is of critical importance. In the past, quality has been compromised by donors’ restrictive delivery methods and by poor governance on the part of beneficiary countries. Economic growth is further stunted by small domestic markets, widespread conflict, political instability and slow pace of reforms. The devastating effect of the HIV/AIDS pandemic threatens to wipe out any social and economic gains on the continent. Regional integration can help overcome some of these problems. The Economic Commission for Africa welcomes the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland this week, and believes it can play an important part in spurring Africa’s progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This progress currently presents a mixed picture. While it is true that under current conditions most sub-Saharan countries will fail to meet the goals, the outlook is not all bleak.