Ethiopian Prime Minister Zenawi Commends NEPAD Agency

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January 28, Addis Ababa -- Ethiopian Prime Minister and chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee, Mr. Meles Zenawi, has commended the NEPAD Agency for its efforts in facilitating the social-economic development of Africa.

Speaking at the opening of the 26^th meeting of the Committee in Addis Ababa, Mr. Zenawi praised the Agency for its role in boosting agriculture, empowering women, alleviating poverty and improving infrastructure on the African continent since its formation.

At a time of serious global economic crisis which has curbed growth in developed countries, Mr. Zenawi noted that the annual growth rate of many African nations in 2011 exceeded the growth rates recorded in the developed economies. However, in order to ensure a reduction in the poverty rate on the continent, he urged African countries to be prepared to ensure a more robust growth in the coming years.

Equatorial Guinea President and Chairperson of the African Union, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission, were also present at the meeting. Other participants included representatives of various partners, including United Nations agencies, led by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Agency, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, said 2011 was a “milestone” for the Agency during which it marked the 10^th year anniversary of its formation as the flagship development programme of the AU. “The NEPAD Agency has scaled up efforts, in conjunction with partner institutions, in delivering on its mandate as approved by African leaders,” he said, adding that the outlook for 2012 is brighter.