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ViewpointSeptember 1 2011

AFDB: All Africans must benefit from the continent's economic growth

Economically, Africa has been growing apace according to Donald Kaberuka, the president of the African Development Bank. But socially the continent is still struggling, as shown by its high unemployment, widespread poverty and poor governance. The north African uprisings show that now, more than ever, it is time to focus on what Africans actually want.
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AFDB: All Africans must benefit from the continent's economic growthDonald Kaberuka, president, AfDB

I witnessed first-hand the Jasmine revolution in Tunisia. It was at once exhilarating and sobering. Exhilarating because of the pace of change and the palpable sense of optimism, because we saw people from all walks of life demanding that their voices be heard, that the government be held to account, and above all demanding justice, to share the fruits of progress.

It was sobering because the underlying causes of the revolution – jobs, exclusion, corruption – had been present for years, and had been largely ignored by the international community. It felt sobering to be asked, as I was in the first press conference after Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali had fled, why the international financial institutions had been financing dictatorships and turning a blind eye to poor governance. Sobering too when we see the fear that legitimate aspirations will be stifled.

Same story, different country

There is a broadly similar story in Egypt, and the same factors are present in other north and sub-Saharan African countries. It is time to act and do so decisively. The global response in north Africa must not be confined to short-term actions. This is a continuing effort requiring both short- and long-term responses.

But it is also a broader African issue. For the past decade, Africa has had strong growth. A new economic momentum has been created. The continent weathered the financial crisis and has bounced back. But headline economic growth is not enough. Deliberate policies to reduce inequalities and promote inclusion are needed now more than ever. It is time to focus on what people want: decent work, a living wage, access to basic services, more democracy and accountable governments. 

Benchmark for change

Africa and its people aim to be a pole of growth in the decades ahead. 

Two-thirds of Africa’s population is under 25, making it the youngest continent. However, far too many Africans, even the better educated, are unemployed and have few prospects. If they don’t have opportunities, young people naturally will migrate to where they believe there are jobs: to urban areas, worsening urban unemployment, or abroad, often under precarious conditions. The internet means that the young are better informed and connected, and they are demanding social justice.

Promoting inclusive growth is imperative at the moment. That was the theme for the African Development Bank’s 2011 annual meetings in Lisbon in June. For Africa, the ingredients are well known: boosting agricultural production, helping small businesses, better quality and more relevant education, encouraging the private sector, improving the investment climate, addressing gender and regional disparities. 

The time to unlock Africa’s potential is now. It is time to build the physical connections that enable economic integration and trade within the continent and beyond. We are challenged to reduce the massive energy deficits that so hamper business and undermine access to basic services in health and education. Africa provides a unique opportunity to chart a new lower carbon development path, true green growth. It has massive unused renewable potential in hydro and solar power.

Like the young in north Africa, Africans are demanding that their voice be heard. Africa wants to participate in decision making on key global issues. That too is an essential element of inclusion.

Donald Kaberuka is president of the African Development Bank, which is currently based in Tunis, Tunisia.

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