BY NEW BUSINESS ETHIOPIA REPORTER
A World Bank delegation led by its Vice President for Africa, Obiageli Ezekwesili, arrived here today to take part in the 18th session of the African Union Summit which meets this year on the special theme of Boosting Intra-African Trade.
The World Bank will add its weight to calls from the AU and African leaders to galvanize support for greater regional trade integration. The Bank says this is vital to expanding boosting economic growth and job creation on the continent, as well as achieving food security for Africa’s families.
Currently, increased demand for food in Africa is primarily being met by global imports. Only five percent of Africa’s grain imports come from regional sources. As a result, African governments will need to embrace a regional approach to food security in order to achieve a lasting solution to eliminating hunger in their communities.
Ms. Ezewesili and her Bank delegation will host events bringing together African leaders, development partners, Heads of regional institutions and private investors in the margins of the summit to discuss strategies for job creation and economic transformation; and trade in food staples.
In addition to meeting with African Heads of State, the Bank delegation will also hold consultations with representatives of civil society organizations on establishing a Global Partnership for Enhanced Social Accountability. The partnership aims to strengthen beneficiary feedback and participation, by supporting the capacity of CSOs to engage with governments and contribute to improving development outcomes.
