NEPAD Today 09 October 2013
09 October 2013
Infrastructure development will boost youth employment, says Mayaki
NEPAD says infrastructure development is the basis for industrialization which in turn creates job opportunities for African youth according to NEPAD CEO Ibrahim Mayaki, who said African leaders are now giving priority to infrastructure development because of its ability to boost economic development.
“We are discussing a strategic framework that is aimed at developing and building infrastructure in all sectors of economic development,” he said, at the joint ECA and NEPAD Agency Expert Group Meeting on Financing Infrasructure in Africa, based on the study by both organizations on domestic resources mobilization in Africa. The meeting took place from 2-3 October in Lusaka.
Mayaki told journalists in Lusaka yesterday that young people need an accelerated industrialisation process which provides the much-needed job opportunities.
“The majority of political leaders are giving priority to infrastructure development because not only does it improve sectors such as agriculture but is also a basis for industrialisation,” Mayaki said.
He said there is need to invest more in the energy sector if the continent, which has a growth rate of 7 percent, is to achieve the much-needed economic growth.
He said there is need to invest more in the energy sector, which is vital for growth in all aspects of economic development.
“Without the energy sector, only minimal development can take place because energy is key to development. Therefore, there is need to invest more in this sector,” he said. Read More
Lopes says ECA will translate ICPD commitments into action
The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Carlos Lopes, on 04 Oct 2013, in Addis Ababa praised delegates at the African Regional Conference on Population and Development for their commitment to making progress on issues discussed at the forum.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Lopes said the commitments to harmonise national polices on gender equality, to amend or abolish all discriminatory practices against women, improve school enrolment rates, provide universal access to health care, reflect the collective aspirations for a brighter future.
“The passion, commitment and dedication that each and every representative here has put into the process speak volumes for the future we want for Africa.” he said. Read More
Ministers adopt Addis Ababa declaration
African ministers concluded a 2-day segment of the Regional Conference on Population and Development Beyond 2014 with the adoption of an Addis Ababa declaration. After extensive discussions and an informal meeting of heads of delegations, countries agreed on all commitments, except 3 on which 17 countries have reservations as is normal in such kind of negotiations.
Delegates underscored the need to respond to new and emerging challenges relevant to population and development and to the changing development environment. They stressed the need to reinforce the integration of the population and development agenda in global processes related to development.
The document reaffirms the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, as well as other international and regional instruments relating to human rights and international law. These include the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, the African Charter on the Right and the Welfare of the Child. Read More
Upcoming events (some dates or venue may change)
1. Mining and Power Synergy, 9 October 2013, Fleuve Congo Hotel, Kinshasa, DRC
2. Africa-NEPAD Week at 69th UN General Assembly, 18-25 October 2013
3. 21st Africa Partnership Forum – Dakar, Senegal, 7-8 November 2013
4. Dakar Investment Summit for African Infrastructure, Dakar, Senegal, 5-6 November 2013
5. 5th GEO Health & Environment Community of Practice (CoP), 23-25 July 2013, Washington D.C., USA