Governance and Development in Africa: the Critical Nexus: The Fifth Andrew Young Lecture of the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa By K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa

Abstract

This lecture delivered by K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa at the Fifth Andrew Young Lecture of the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa. Dr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, a capable state is one in which peace and security are guaranteed over a sustained period. Without peace, there can be no long-term development. Moreover, without good governance, there is seldom peace. The capable state creates an enabling political and legal environment for economic growth and promotes the equitable distribution of the fruits of growth. the capable state builds an enabling environment for the private sector to generate economic growth, jobs and income. At the core of this is political and policy stability and a fair and consistent application of the rule of law. Most governments in Africa are expanding the political space for non-state actors to participate in various aspects of public decision-making. The fundamental aim of the mutual review consultation process is to generate a constructive, ongoing dialogue between African leaders and policymakers and their OECD counterparts on development progress in Africa.