frica is moving forward with a plan to overhaul the region’s troubled and inefficient ways and lay the groundwork for future growth and prosperity.

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) is a vision and strategic framework for the social and economic renewal of the African continent. Set out by the leaders of the five initiating countries – Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa – the blueprint offers a way forward for a region still marginalized from the rest of the world. Its agenda targets deep-rooted issues such as escalating poverty levels, debt, and chronic underdevelopment.

A measure of the new-found confidence spreading through parts of the continent, NEPAD is an attempt by African leaders to fight some of the persistent and more complex problems that blight the region. There are four main objectives: to eradicate poverty; achieve sustainable development; integrate Africa into the global economy; and accelerate the empowerment of women.

At the heart of the initiative is a partnership approach. This includes a peer review mechanism in which African countries submit themselves to voluntary evaluation by other states. The aim is for the continent to be able to help itself rather than rely on support from outside. In addition to advocating good
governance, NEPAD fosters African ownership and leadership and encourages the participation of all layers of society. It also promotes regional integration and competitiveness. The intention is to anchor the long-term development of Africa on its own natural resources and especially the unique resourcefulness of its people.

On a practical level, NEPAD seeks to promote the conditions for sustainable development through enhanced peace and security, the promotion of democracy and good governance, regional cooperation, and capacity building. It seeks policy reform and increased investment in priority areas such as agriculture, education and technology, in addition to diversification into manufacturing, processing, and other added-value techniques.

At the same time, there is a need to mobilize additional resources such as inward investment; to improve Africa’s share of global trade; to raise domestic savings and investments; and to ease the longstanding debt burden. The material benefits are obvious. Those countries that set up good governance systems, tackle corruption and other structural weaknesses are rewarded by increased inward investment. Slowly, things are changing for many African countries. There are success stories throughout the continent.

Mozambique has emerged from the shadows of civil war to become one of southern Africa’s hottest investment prospects. With close ties to regional superpower South Africa it is now home to the multi-billion dollar Mozal aluminum export plant, a flagship for industrial achievement in the country. The project would have been inconceivable a decade earlier. Improvements to the country’s infrastructure have also boosted cross-border links and facilitated intra-regional trade flows.

In eastern Africa, Uganda has transformed itself over the last two decades from the corrupt and dark days of dictator Idi Amin to become a vibrant and free economy, with appeal to international investors. The country has achieved impressive growth rates in recent years and received widespread praise from the donor community.

NEPAD calls for a new international relationship between Africa and the rest of the world. The aim is to ensure that the continent does not get left behind in the march toward globalization. Certainly, the relationship between the U.S. and many African nations has improved dramatically. Visits by President George W. Bush and his predecessor Bill Clinton have helped to open a new dialogue with the continent. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has improved the terms for doing business, while west African oil – from Nigeria, Angola and other smaller producers – is becoming more important too.

A pledge by African leaders based on a common vision, NEPAD is a chance for Africa to turn things around. It is a monumental task and one that will require the full support of key foreign partners such as the U.S. but a start has been made. Mozambique and Uganda show what can be done.