Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 11: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the achievements of the New Partnership for Africa's Development with particular reference to its achievement of its stated aims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34204/08]

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

NEPAD, the New Partnership for Africa's Development, is an African-owned and led initiative which is intended to eradicate poverty, achieve sustainable development in Africa, enhance Africa's potential in the global economy and accelerate the empowerment of women. It is based on the recognition that the primary responsibility for Africa's future lies not in the hands of donors or multilateral institutions but in the actions of Africa's governments and peoples. NEPAD has been adopted by the African Union as its socio-economic programme and has also been endorsed by the UN General Assembly which has urged international support for its implementation.The priorities of NEPAD are: (a) The establishment of conditions for sustainable development by ensuring peace and security, and good political, economic and corporate governance; (b) The promotion of regional cooperation and integration; (c) Capacity building; (d) The promotion of policy reforms and increased investment; (e) The mobilization of resources both domestically and from international sources.

The major progress achieved to date through NEPAD has been the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) which scrutinizes, monitors and reports on progress in good governance (both political and economic) through a forum of Heads of State of participating countries. Twenty-nine countries, including Irish Aid's seven programme countries in Africa, and South Africa itself have so far signed up to the APRM. Seven reviews have been completed to date — in Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, Algeria, Benin, South Africa and Uganda. Two more reviews — in Burkina Faso and Nigeria, are due to be completed by the end of 2008. A number of others are also underway.

Progress has however been slower than expected. One reason is the lack of capacity to manage the process at national and continental level. While the reviews have highlighted some of the key governance problems in the countries surveyed, implementing the recommendations has proven challenging.

However, it should be acknowledged that this is a politically sensitive process and the full impact of the APRM on governance standards in Africa will not become apparent for several years. In spite of the challenges it faces, the APRM arguably remains one of the most important initiatives to date aimed at the improvement of governance in Africa. The commitment of African leaders to the process, the necessary capacity to manage it, and the continued implementation and guaranteed integrity of the APRM will be key to its success.