|
-
The Tenth Summit of the Heads of State and Government
Implementation Committee (HSGIC) of the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD) was held in Maputo, on Sunday, 23rd May 2004, at
the invitation of H.E. Joaquim Chissano, President of the Republic of
Mozambique, and Chairman of the African Union.
-
The following Heads of State and Government attended the Summit:
-
His Excellency, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika
President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria;
-
His Excellency, Mr. Festus Mogae
President of the Republic of Botswana;
-
His Excellency, Mr. Amadou Toumani Tourй
President of the Republic of Mali;
-
His Excellency, Mr. Joaquim Alberto Chissano
President of the Republic of Mozambique;
-
His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
-
His Excellency, Mr. Abdoulaye Wade
President of the Republic of Senegal;
-
His Excellency, Mr. Thabo Mbeki
President of the Republic of South Africa;
-
His Excellency, Mr. Paul Kagame
President of the Republic of Rwanda;
-
Her Excellency, Ms. Maria das Neves
Prime Minister of the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe;
-
The following Delegates also represented their Heads of State or Government:
-
Mr. Rodolphe Adada,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Congo;
-
Dr. K. K. Apraku,
Minister of Regional Cooperation and NEPAD of the Republic
of Ghana;
-
Mr. Mohamad T. H. Siala,
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
-
Amb. Joao Garcia Pires,
Ambassador of the Republic of Angola in Mozambique
-
Amb. Ali Goutali
Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia in South Africa;
-
Amb. Ibrahim Ali Hassan,
Personal Representative of the Head of State of Egypt in the
NEPAD Steering Committee
-
Mr. Newai Gebre-ab
Personal Representative of the Prime Minister of the Federal
Republic of Ethiopia in the NEPAD Steering Committee;
-
Mr. David F. O. Nalo,
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning of the
Republic of Kenya;
-
President Chissano welcomed all Heads of State and Government and
their delegations to Maputo. He congratulated Presidents Bouteflika of
Algeria, and Mbeki of South Africa on their re-election as presidents in their
respective countries. He further congratulated President Mbeki for South
Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup Competition. He
noted that Mozambique had successfully hosted the 2nd Africa Partnership
Forum on 16-17 April 2004, and expressed satisfaction at Mozambique’s
hosting the 10th HSGIC Session, which demonstrates Mozambique’s
commitment to the African development agenda, and to the achievement of
the MDGs on the continent.
-
The Chairman of the HSGIC, President Olusegun Obasanjo, welcomed
all Heads of Delegation and participants to the 10th Summit. He thanked
President Chissano and the Government of Mozambique for their warm
reception, and the facilities they had provided for the meeting. He noted that
the last time he had been in Mozambique, during the 2nd AU Summit, an
innovative idea regarding Public-Private Partnerships had been born, and
demonstrated through the interactive Round Table with stakeholders. He
noted progress being made in peace building in Sudan, and the role that the
African Union is playing in that peace process.
-
The Chairman noted the key development challenges facing Africa
that necessitated the institutionalisation of NEPAD, namely, changing the
negative perceptions of Africa, and ensuring Africa remains the focus of the
international community; the need for Africans to take charge of their
destiny; as well as meeting the MDGs; and eradicating poverty. He
highlighted the need to ensure that Africa remains united in addressing
these challenges. He explained that the meeting would assess progress made in the implementation of NEPAD, including meeting the commitments
made by development partners in Kananaskis in June 2002.
Congratulatory Message on Re-election of President Obasanjo
-
The HSGIC congratulated Presidents Bouteflika, and Thabo Mbeki for
their re-election as presidents in their respective countries.
Progress Report by Chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee
-
The Chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee presented his
progress report which concentrated on follow up actions on programme
implementation and advocacy.
APRM
-
The meeting noted that there has been a delay in the commencement
of the APRM reviews. The meeting was informed that the APR Panel has
spent the last eight months reviewing the relevant documents, and finalizing
its preparations. The Panel is now ready to commence with the first review,
which is Ghana, on 25th of May 2004.
-
The HSGIC mandated the Steering Committee to work with the APR
Panel to speed up the reviews, and report back to the next HSGIC meeting
on how to fast-track the implementation of the APRM. The meeting noted
the importance of ensuring that the APRM is implemented to demonstrate
Africa’s commitment to its won ideals.
Follow-Up on the Offer of Support by the Government of India
-
The meeting noted progress being made in follow-up discussions with
the Government of the Republic of India, which are focused on possible
cooperation in the establishment of Centres of Excellence in ICT and
pharmaceuticals.
Agriculture
-
The HSGIC was briefed on the PAN-Africa Cassava Programme, which
is being developed by the NEPAD Secretariat, in consultation with the
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). The meeting further noted
that FAO has made available funding to 49 countries for medium-term
investment programmes to fast-track the implementation of CAADP.
-
The meeting called to the NEPAD Secretariat to harmonise all relevant
initiatives in the agricultural sector within the context of CAADP.
-
The HSGIC encouraged relevant ministers to attend the upcoming
World Economic Forum (WEC) to be held in Mozambique on 2-4 June 2004.
Science and Technology Strategies for Improving Agricultural
Productivity and Food Security in Africa
-
The meeting welcomed the presentation by the Inter-Academy Council
on UN Secretary General’s Initiative on Science and Technology Strategies
for Improving Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Africa. The
report will be useful in focusing attention on the role of science of and
technology in increasing productivity of the agricultural sector in Africa. It
was noted that the report will be made available by the Secretary General in
June 2004.
-
The HSGIC recommended that the report should go beyond identifying
deficiencies in the sector, by identifying the need for curricula relevance by
research agencies as well as sources of funding for the implementation of its
recommendations. The findings of the report should be disseminated to
technical persons in agricultural sector in Africa.
Infrastructure
-
The HSGIC considered the report on infrastructure, and stressed the
important role of RECs in the implementation of NEPAD infrastructure
projects. The HSGIC recommended that a second meeting of RECs be
convened, with the primary purpose of sharing information and experiences,
as is being done in ECOWAS. The meeting noted that such information
sharing will also contribute to coordinated action amongst RECs.
ECOWAS Progress in Implementing STAP
-
The meeting noted the progress that ECOWAS is making with the
implementation of STAP, and its engagement with Development Partners,
exemplified by the meeting that ECOWAS had with the World Bank on 20th
March 2004, and encouraged other sub-regions to consider adopting the
ECOWAS approach and learn from their experience.
Update On the Implementation of Regional Infrastructure Projects
-
In noting progress, and the important role of the African Development
Bank (ADB) in the implementation of the Regional Infrastructure Projects,
and the establishment of the Medium to Long Term Strategic Framework,
the meeting called for increased focus on implementation. It called on
countries to make full and effective use of the Project Preparation Facility,
with a view to saving money for implementation of planned projects.
The HSGIC was informed that the ADB had funded projects totaling
US$372.5m, and that the World Bank had funded projects, totaling
US$570m. It was reported that the total budget required to fund all NEPAD
infrastructure projects is US$ 8.1b.
-
The HSGIC reiterated the important role of the ADB in the
implementation of NEPAD Infrastructure Projects, and mandated the Steering Committee to take leadership in the implementation of
infrastructure projects. The HSGIC directed the ADB to work with the
Steering Committee in order to address obstacles to implementation,
particularly with respect to resource mobilization and project preparation. It
also called for the fast tracking of the implementation of the Great Inga
project, and Hydro Electricity generation on the Inga in the Congo.
Launch of the Project Preparation Facility
-
The HSGIC launched the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation
Facility. The meeting expressed its appreciation to the government of
Canada for the seed funding for the Facility, which is aimed at enhancing
preparation of projects, which will facilitate the participation of both public
and private investors.
ICT
-
The meeting noted that a workshop, with the countries that are taking
part in the pilot phase of the e-schools, took place on the 13-16th May 2004
in Johannesburg. The meeting was informed that implementation of the first
phase of the pilot project, in which 100 schools will be participating, from
countries that have acceded to the APRM, is due to start in July 2004.
The Digital Solidarity Fund
-
President Wade briefed the meeting on a Ministerial Conference on
ICTs that took place in Dakar, Senegal on 19-21 April 2004. The conference
was aimed at coordinating African positions on major issues for discussion
with the international community, including the setting up of a Ministerial
body on ICTs, and the building of consensus on a document to be presented
to the next AU Summit on the Digital Solidarity Fund.
Funding of key NEPAD Projects
-
The HSGIC observed that there is a need to demonstrate the import of
NEPAD by identifying, and implementing key projects that rely on domestic
resources. The HSGIC recommended that each country identifies such
projects, and report on progress on the matter in the next meeting. These
projects can either be bilateral or multilateral. It was reported that some
countries are already contributing to the implementation of NEPAD projects,
for example, in the Optic Fibre Sub-Marine project, and the e-schools
project, both under the ICT sector.
-
The HSGIC called for increased political commitment and interregional
co-operation to facilitate speedy implementation of such projects.
The meeting reiterated the importance of ensuring that NEPAD succeeds.
The Africa Partnership Forum
-
The meeting noted that the 2nd meeting of the Africa Partnership
Forum, which was well attended by the partners, took place on 16-17 April
2004. The meeting was informed that the challenge is now to ensure that
this Forum can be used to push implementation and monitoring of the
adherence to commitments by both sides.
-
The HSGIC was briefed on one of the key conclusions of the APF,
which has far reaching implications for the success of NEPAD, namely: that
African countries will not meet MDGs unless resource flows to Africa are
increased significantly, and that African countries prepare need-based
national development plans that would ensure achievement of the MDGs
and sustainable development.
-
The meeting noted that the next APF meeting will be in Washington in
November 2004.
Multi-lateral Trade Negotiations and Market Access in NEPAD
-
The meeting noted that since the Cancun meeting, there have been
many meetings that are focused on reviving multilateral trade negotiations,
including that of 3 May 2004 in Dakar. The meeting noted that there is a
need for African countries to maintain cohesion in order to achieve progress
in the multilateral negotiations with the industrialized world. The meeting
noted that the major challenge is the lack of concrete proposals that would
overcome current constraints towards reaching consensus for the benefit
African countries in pursuance of long-term development opportunities.
The Case of Small Island States
-
The meeting acknowledged the challenges faced by small island states
towards integration into the continent. The HSGIC expressed satisfaction at
the increased attention that the African Union is now devoting to small
island states.
Statement of Appreciation to South Africa
-
The HSGIC expressed its appreciation to President Mbeki, whose
government has borne much of the expenses of the NEPAD Steering
Committee, the APRM and the NEPAD Secretariats.
Update on Integration of NEPAD into AU Structures and Processes
-
The meeting was briefed on progress being made in the preparations
of joint work plans between the AU Commission and the NEPAD Secretariat.
It noted that the AU Commission Chairman will report on the integration
process at the next HSGIC meeting.
UK Commission for Africa
-
The HSGIC was informed that Prime Minister Blair’s representative on
NEPAD briefed the APF on the UK Commission for Africa on 16th of April
2004. The Commission is not aimed at replacing, but rather at reinforcing
NEPAD. Continued discussion between the NEPAD Secretariat, and the
Secretariat of the UK Commission for Africa was encouraged. Arrangements
are being made for the first consultation to take place at the end of May
2004. A report will be presented to the next HSGIC.
-
The HSGIC noted with concern that African representation on the
Commission is not reflective of Africa’s sub-regions. The HSGIC decided to
recommend that Algeria be included on the Commission to ensure regional
representation, with a view to ensure that Africa remains undivided, and
that all its 5 sub-regions are represented. The HSGIC agreed that this
decision be conveyed to the UK.
Mutual Reviews of Development Effectiveness in the Context of NEPAD
-
The meeting noted the report by the ECA on Mutual Reviews of
Development Effectiveness in the Context of NEPAD.
Preparations for the Next G8 Summit in USA
-
The HSGIC, noted, that 6 African Heads of State and Government
have been invited to the G8 Summit in June, namely Algeria, South Africa,
Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria. Mozambique had been invited as Chair of
the African Union, but unfortunately, President Chissano will not be able to
attend.
The HSGIC noted with concern that no Heads of State and Government from
Central Africa has been invited. The meeting decided the matter be brought
to the attention of the US.
-
The HSGIC reiterated the importance of ensuring Africa’s cohesion in
such processes. The HSGIC agreed that during the planned lunch meeting
for Africa, Presidents Obasanjo and Mbeki, as the two principal speakers,
will make presentations on behalf of AU and NEPAD, on all the issues on
the agenda; while their colleagues could make additional comments.
The NEPAD Council
-
The HSGIC noted, with appreciation, a report that young African
scholars based in the US, with outstanding academic records in their fields,
had established a group, whose objective is to mobilize their intellectual
capital for the implementation of NEPAD. The meeting decided that efforts
be made to make contact with members of the Group to meet with the
Heads of State and Government in the USA during the G8 Summit.
Launch of the AU Peace and Security Council
-
President Chissano briefed the meeting on the Launch of the AU
Peace and Security Council on 25 May 2004, and invited his colleagues to
attend. Presidents Obasanjo and Bouteflika confirmed their attendance.
Attendance at HSGIC Meetings
-
The HSGIC decided that if a Head of State or Government is not
present, their representatives will be treated as observers to such meetings.
Noting the voluntary nature of participation in the HSGIC, it was
recommended that the sub-regions should reexamine their choice of
representation on the HSGIC in order to ensure effective participation. It
was observed that other than the AU, there is nothing more important than
NEPAD in the history of Africa.
Engagements with the Arab Community
-
The HSGIC agreed to explore effective mechanisms for engaging with
the Arab community for the benefit of NEPAD and Africa.
Date of the Next HSGIC Meeting
-
The HSGIC decided that its next meeting, be a breakfast meeting, in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of
the African Union on 6 July 2004. It was agreed that no formal invitations
would be sent for this next meeting.
Done at Maputo, Mozambique, this 23rd Day of May 2004
|
|
- 30Kb < 1min (8 pages)
