African Union (AU) Symposium: Opening remarks by K. Y. Amoako, executive secretary of ECA

Abstract

Opening Remarks by K. Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of ECA, at the African Union Symposium. Dr. Amoako, onhis remarks highlighted that, all share the importance of a strong and successful African Union. There is a momentum towards integration, that must be nourished effectively. This requires the engagement of leaders, like yourselves. A viable African Union must consider both the aspirations, and the fears and distrust, of integration. The concerns and needs of governments, business and civil society must be understood. Evidence and analysis, on the issues raised by these sectors, need to be compiled. He raised the issues of political perceptions, and the need to create broad-based support for regional integration, because this is at least the fourth time that African leaders have set out very ambitious agendas for integration, and each time, the results have fallen far short of the expectations.