African countries urged to prioritize inclusive development strategies

African countries have been called upon to prioritize inclusive development strategies to benefit the needs of the youth, the poorest and most fragile states.

The call was made by Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, at the closing ceremony of the 13th Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa (RCM-Africa) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 14 and 15, 2012.

Prof. Nnadozie, who is the Director of Economic Development and NEPAD Division of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said the post-2015 Development Agenda for Africa should take on board the following: participation and ownership of an African-owned and led process that captures the reality of Africa reduction of poverty and vulnerability to crises; learning from past experiences; resource mobilization for transformative development;  and a human- centered approach to development.

He also emphasized the prioritization of inclusive development strategies to benefit the needs of the youth, the poorest and most fragile states; the need for an integrated approach; managing urbanization; responding to climate change and natural disasters; strengthening evidence-based planning and policy making; and enhancing coordination for development effectiveness, a press release from the organisers has said.

According to the release, the Outcome Document of the meeting highlighted the need for continental goals to be reflected in national plans and budgets to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Post-2015 agenda.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi