Lagos – Heads of State and Government delegations from
Japan and 54 African and partner countries have identified emerging
challenges in African countries.
The countries’ representatives made the observation in a joint
‘’Nairobi Declaration’’ at the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on
African Development (TICAD VI), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from Aug.27th
to Aug. 28th.
The Declaration also had the support of 74 international and regional
Organisations, representatives of the Private Sector and Civil Society
Organiations (CSOs) from Japan and Africa.
They identified the continent’s challenges to include the decline in
global commodity prices, ebola outbreaks, radicalisation, terrorism,
armed conflicts and climate change.
“We acknowledge and share concerns on three major emerging challenges
that have been impacting the development landscape in Africa since
TICAD V in 2013.
“Firstly, we recognise that the decline in global primary commodity prices
has exacerbated fiscal pressure and debt sustainability of many
countries.
“Secondly, the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease has caused loss of
lives, crippled socio-economic activities in affected countries and
impacted the rest of the continent.
“Thirdly, the rising wave of radicalisation, acts of terrorism and
armed conflicts impedes social cohesion, destroys livelihoods and
deepens vulnerabilities,’’ it said.
The representatives also acknowledged in the declaration that most
African economies needed further diversification to reduce dependence
on the primary commodity sector, especially the extractive industries.
They also agreed in the declaration that countries build resilient and
sustainable health systems in achieving human security, maintaining
and promoting national productivity, and generating wealth in their
communities.
“We reiterate the importance of social stability to address
radicalisation, terrorism and violent extremism through a
multidimensional strategy encompassing political, economic, social and
cultural dimensions,’’ it said.
TICAD, which was started in 1993, is a multilateral forum for
international cooperation on African development. (NAN)