is almost upon us. The conference will be opened by H.E. President Kikwete and IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn and features key note speeches by Kofi Annan and UN Deputy Secretary General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro. Delegations are anticipated from 45 African countries, including about 35 Ministers of Finance and 25 Governors of central banks, plus senior representatives from more than 20 regional and multilateral organizations as well as private sector and civil society representatives.
So why is such a distinguished group assembling here in Dar? Three principal topics on the agenda
First to examine the economic successes within Africa over the last decade. The continent as a whole saw significant improvements in economic performance, reflected in better living standards in many countries. But not all. And, sadly, in few countries on the continent are the Millennium Development Goals in reach despite the stronger economic outcomes. Hence the need to examine carefully what has worked.
Second, discussions will focus on the key macroeconomic challenges facing the continent. The global crisis currently dominates most policy-makers' thoughts, but there are other longstanding issues too. How to deal with high and volatile commodity prices--food and fuel--and how to close the infrastructure gap?
And finally, looking forward, how is the partnership between Africa and the rest of the world doing and what needs to be changed to ensure that the partnership delivers better living standards to all? One are of special focus will be the IMF--how can the IMF's policies and financial facilities be strengthened to better fit the diverse needs of its African members.
Big issues. Check back next week for the conclusions...
