Summit on future direction of Africa ends

Accra (Greater Accra), 24th May '99-

The Fifth African-African American Summit aimed at preparing Africa for the new millennium ended in Accra last Friday with a renewed dedication and commitment from delegates to lift Africa from poverty to becoming a partner in the global market.

The Summit, which opened last Monday, May 13, was under the broad theme of "Business, Trade and Investment - Africa Can Compete".

It brought together an unprecedented 19 Presidents and Heads of Government, 25 City Mayors from the United States, over 300 foreign companies and the largest number of African Americans ever "to return to Africa after slavery".

For the first time in the history of the Summit, which started in 1991 with Abidjan, some definite consensus on a "New Africa Vision", were reached.

Among them was the launch of the People's Investment Fund for Africa (PIFA), institution of the Global Sullivan Principles, Signing of an Agreement between Ghana and the State of Georgia in the US to help boost tourism in Ghana.

Memoranda of understanding were signed between some African Companies and their foreign counterparts.

Miss Rosa Whitaker, Assistant Trade Representative for Africa at the White House, said the continent needs about 100 billion dollars to sustain a growth rate of between six to seven per cent in a year.

"This cannot come in aid and grants but through investments and opportunity to be active partners in the world trade," Miss Whitaker said.

But, the most significant success was the shared commitment by the American Mayors, the Black Caucus in the US Congress and the Official African American representatives in the White House to push for the passing of the "African Growth and Opportunity Act."

"Even though that may not be all that we want for Africa, it will be a strong beginning for bringing Africa in the global market", Miss Whitaker, said.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, US President's special envoy for the promotion of democracy and human rights in Africa, said that Africa "can go forward with hope", when the bill is passed.

The Growth and Opportunity Act, at least, would give Africa access to the American market and improve trade relations with the rest of the world.

Apart from the consensus on the Act, American businesses were told to adopt a more proactive and positive outlook to the numerous business opportunities in Africa.

"We need to free ourselves from the 'ugly American syndrome' of seeing Africa as a continent with no future", the Reverend Leon Sullivan, the Convenor of the Summit said at a press conference to close the it.

Rev. Sullivan said he appreciated President Clinton's visit to Africa, which was "historic and important" and the efforts he is making to give Africa a focus on the global play-ground.

However, he said, there is more America could do to help Africa.

"The big thing, which we expect America to do is debt relief for Africa", Rev. Sullivan said.

The issue of relief was also played up at one of the Summit's workshops on - Business and trade and investment - where concerns were expressed about the huge debt overhung of the Continent.

About a third of the annual income of Africa, is spent on servicing debts owed to rich Western Nations and multilateral institutions.

Some of the workshops also dealt with health, agriculture and food security, good governance, education and the environment.

From a distance, the Summit was a big step towards Africa's reawakening vision for the 21st Century.

"This summit, by far is the most successful of all", the 67-year old Rev.

Sullivan, who looked exhausted from preaching the "New Africa" dream, said.

The success was partly measured by the quick response of the delegates to PIFA, which realised 250,000 dollars at six per cent interest per annum.

Rev. Sullivan said PIFA would be used to support small businesses and also create about 5,000 new businesses in Africa in the next five years.

GRi?/