International experts meet to chart the course for the effective running of NEPAD

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Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, NEPAD CEO, addresses attendees of the Regional Dialogue on Enhanced Coordination toward NEPAD Implementation

Durban, South Africa, June 6 – A high level meeting has convened in Durban to discuss how best to implement the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) Programme.

In February 2010 the African Union (AU) adopted to integrate NEPAD into the structures and processes of the AU. This included the establishment of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA) as a technical body of the AU to replace the NEPAD Secretariat. 

Representatives from the African Union, United Nations Agencies, the South African Government and the Private Sector are meeting in Durban to discuss ways to work together in effectively implementing NEPAD Programmes. The Regional dialogue is set for June 6 and 7, 2012.

The experts, who include NEPAD’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, International Relations Advisor to the South Africa President, and senior representatives from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, SADC and the Common Markets for East and Southern Africa, (COMESA), as well other stakeholders, will assess ways of promoting African ownership of NEPAD and how to bring the Agency’s vision closer to the people.

“NEPAD, as the main development framework of the Continent is an African public good; as such, the issues of partnership and ownership are critical for its success. We are here to listen to our stakeholders, RECs, UN institutions, the private sector, development partners and NEPAD national offices in order to integrate their recommendations for better delivery,”said Dr Mayaki at the opening ceremony.

To ensure effective coordination of NEPAD’s work, African countries have focal points who work closely with their Regional Economic Communities such as United Nations agencies, Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) and government partners.

The meeting which will be assessing good practices in coordinating development and in showcasing the impact of NEPADs programmes will also address better ways of coordinating the NEPAD’s work.

Speaking on behalf of the South African Government, Ms Lindiwe Zulu said it was vital to communicate NEPAD programmes more effectively to ensure a wider understanding of how the Agency operates and as well as to showcase the impact of its work.

For more detail contact:

Millicent Seganoe

Phone: +27 832661829

Email: millicents@nepad.org

Maureen Nkandu

Phone: 27 724433163

Email: maureenn@nepad.org