Progress in the Implementation of the Priority Areas of the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011-2020

The growth rates of least developed countries (LDCs) have declined since 2005. The annual growth rate of the gross national incomes of African LDCs in 2014 was less than half the growth rate of 2005. Growth declined precipitously in 2007, recovered in 2010, but is currently at 4.18 per cent and equal to the overall LDC average. Notwithstanding the overall decline in growth, some countries have demonstrated resilience. Since 2011, Lesotho, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania have experienced rapid growth in gross national income, exceeding the average for African LDCs and the overall LDC average. Together with Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe, which have met the criteria for graduation at least once, the foregoing analysis reveals that notwithstanding the challenges confronting African LDCs, Lesotho, Senegal, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania stand a good chance of meeting the eligibility criteria for graduation in the next triennial review.