Partnership for Africa's Regeneration

13.06.2003 Africa Economic Summit 2003 Changing international perceptions of Africa and getting all levels of society involved in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) were among the declared priorities at the final plenary session of the Africa Economic Summit 2003 in Durban.

South African President Thabo Mbeki predicted that several NEPAD projects would be implemented in various parts of the continent in the next year, and that some of the funding would come from Africa.

"Those who have been impatient will see these results, which will give a message of Africans doing something to change their lives with the help of their international partners," said Mbeki.

Mbeki, in his closing remarks, made several predictions for the next year, including an agreement between the ruling Zanu PF party and the opposition movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe. He also predicted the establishment of a transitional government and peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo; a conclusion to negotiations about the future of Sudan; an agreement to end the conflict in Liberia and democratic elections in Burundi.

President Joaquim Alberto Chissano of Mozambique announced that the World Economic Forum s Africa Economic Summit 2004 would be held in Maputo from 2 4 June. The Summit has been held in Durban for the past five years.

Chissano was asked by plenary chairman Patrice Motsepe, Executive Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals (ARMgold), South Africa, what more Africa could do to win international support. Chissano said African countries must find ways of changing perceptions of what they are doing. They often do not give themselves time to implement their programmes. Instead, they respond to criticism by tackling other problems. "Persistence is needed to achieve results. Sometimes there is ignorance in the criticism."

Chissano said Africa inadvertently helped create the wrong perceptions of the continent simply by mentioning its problems, such as poverty or HIV/AIDS. This discourages investment. But there had been investment in Africa during colonial times, and under apartheid, despite the absence of human rights. "Africa is not perfect, but there is room for investment to help the good things to happen through this (NEPAD) partnership."

Sam E. Jonah, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Goldfields, Ghana, said there is no escaping misconceptions about Africa, but "we are all in this together." The ideals of the NEPAD must be vigorously pursued so that an enabling environment is created for development. "Let s move into action, and make a virtue of impatience," he said.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, Managing Director and Global Head of Investment Banking, Credit Suisse First Boston, said Africa must change its attitude and realize it is in competition for investment with Asia, China and other countries. If it approaches the issue from that perspective it will realize it needs not only good infrastructure but democratic political systems and the rule of law. Investment can be driven by Africa s own companies, like Ashanti, Eskom and Telkom. "They should be encouraged by governments to lead the charge," said Ogunlesi. Foreign companies watch what local companies are doing, and take the approach, "If they are not investing, why should we?"

Mbeki said the biggest challenge facing Africa s leaders is poverty, with all its implications. There are many prescriptions for economic growth, and people will be patient if they have confidence in their leaders and believe they are tackling issues seriously. For their part, leaders must have the stamina to do what has to be done.

Ogunlesi said Africa has wonderful resources and people, who must be engaged in the NEPAD. He was strongly supported by Chissano, who said the message of the civil society rapporteur was one of the most important of the summit. "We must mobilize society at all levels," he said.

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