Statement by Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, deputy executive secretary of ECA

Abstract

Regional integration is not a choice for Africa, but an imperative that is both beneficial and possible. Let me start by underscoring the continent’s impressive recent growth record and the notable achievements made by many African countries in areas of social development such as poverty reduction, primary school enrolment, gender parity in education, maternal and infant mortality and prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and also welcome the narrative of “Africa rising” as evidence of changing perception of the continent.