Statement by H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on African Challenges and Visions for Development at the First Meeting of the African Development Forum organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

Abstract

Statement by H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on African Challenges and Visions for Development at the First Meeting of the African Development Forum. H. E. Ato Meles, on his remarks highlighted that, there is no greater priority for us here in Africa at present than doings whatever we can to identify and address the challenges we face as we try to ensure sustained development in our Continent. Africa's conditions remain precarious and without fundamental rethinking of our development path, it would seem unlikely for Africa to be able to manage bringing about meaningful change in the economic domain. Talking about globalization, the choice Africa has is not whether it should be part of the global economy or not. It is already part of it. Africa's dilemma in development has adverse consequences, not only for Africa but also for others. Our challenges therefore must be viewed as also the challenges of members of the global village in general. the best option we have for taking advantage of available opportunities in the global economy is through encouraging, the creation of a dynamic domestic private sector which would spearhead, supported by foreign investors, the efforts aimed at economic growth and development.