26 February 2004
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced an international commission to examine Africa’s past, present and future at his monthly press conference today [PM press conference - 26 February].
"It will be a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Africa and policies towards Africa," said Mr Blair who will chair the Commission’s meetings.
Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer in the past 25 years. Its share of world trade has halved in the generation, and it receives less than 1 per cent of direct foreign investment.
The Commission aims to generate increased support for the G8 Africa Action Plan and the New Partnership for African Development.
The Commissioners will be politicians and opinion formers from Africa and around the world. Chancellor Gordon Brown and International Development Secretary Hilary Benn are already confirmed as Commissioners. Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia and Trevor Manuel, the South African Minister of Finance, and Sir Bob Geldof have also agreed to serve.
Each Commissioner is expected to consult widely with expert thinkers and the public on the issues.
Mr Blair said:
"I have said on many occasions that I believe Africa is the scar on the conscience of the world, and I think it is right that we continue to treat this as an absolute priority over the coming years."
The Prime Minister will ask the Commission to submit the report by next Spring.
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