Communiqué Issued at the End of the Tenth Summit of the Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, Maputo, 23 May 2004

1. The Tenth Summit of the Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) was held in Maputo, on Sunday, 23rd May 2004, at the invitation of H.E. Joaquim Chissano, President of the Republic of Mozambique, and Chairman of the African Union.

2. The following Heads of State and Government attended the Summit:

(i) His Excellency, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika
President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria;

(ii) His Excellency, Mr. Festus Mogae
President of the Republic of Botswana;

(iii) His Excellency, Mr. Amadou Toumani Touré
President of the Republic of Mali;

(iv) His Excellency, Mr. Joaquim Alberto Chissano
President of the Republic of Mozambique;

(v) His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

(vi) His Excellency, Mr. Abdoulaye Wade
President of the Republic of Senegal;

(vii) His Excellency, Mr. Thabo Mbeki
President of the Republic of South Africa;

(viii) His Excellency, Mr. Paul Kagame
President of the Republic of Rwanda;

(ix) Her Excellency, Ms. Maria das Neves
Prime Minister of the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe;

3. The following Delegates also represented their Heads of State or Government:

(i) Mr. Rodolphe Adada,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Congo;

(ii) Dr. K. K. Apraku,
Minister of Regional Cooperation and NEPAD of the Republic of Ghana;

(iii) Mr. Mohamad T. H. Siala,
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

(iv) Amb. Joao Garcia Pires,
Ambassador of the Republic of Angola in Mozambique

(v) Amb. Ali Goutali
Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia in South Africa;

(vi) Amb. Ibrahim Ali Hassan,
Personal Representative of the Head of State of Egypt in the NEPAD Steering Committee

(vii) Mr. Newai Gebre-ab
Personal Representative of the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia in the NEPAD Steering Committee;

(viii) Mr. David F. O. Nalo,
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning of the Republic of Kenya;

4. President Chissano welcomed all Heads of State and Government and their delegations to Maputo. He congratulated Presidents Bouteflika of Algeria, and Mbeki of South Africa on their re-election as presidents in their respective countries. He further congratulated President Mbeki for South Africa's successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup Competition. He noted that Mozambique had successfully hosted the 2nd Africa Partnership Forum on 16-17 April 2004, and expressed satisfaction at Mozambique's hosting the 10th HSGIC Session, which demonstrates Mozambique's commitment to the African development agenda, and to the achievement of the MDGs on the continent.

5. The Chairman of the HSGIC, President Olusegun Obasanjo, welcomed all Heads of Delegation and participants to the 10th Summit. He thanked President Chissano and the Government of Mozambique for their warm reception, and the facilities they had provided for the meeting. He noted that the last time he had been in Mozambique, during the 2nd AU Summit, an innovative idea regarding Public-Private Partnerships had been born, and demonstrated through the interactive Round Table with stakeholders. He noted progress being made in peace building in Sudan, and the role that the African Union is playing in that peace process.

6. The Chairman noted the key development challenges facing Africa that necessitated the institutionalisation of NEPAD, namely, changing the negative perceptions of Africa, and ensuring Africa remains the focus of the international community; the need for Africans to take charge of their destiny; as well as meeting the MDGs; and eradicating poverty. He highlighted the need to ensure that Africa remains united in addressing these challenges. He explained that the meeting would assess progress made in the implementation of NEPAD, including meeting the commitments made by development partners in Kananaskis in June 2002.

Congratulatory Message on Re-election of Presidents Bouteflika and Mbeki

7. The HSGIC congratulated Presidents Bouteflika, and Thabo Mbeki for their re-election as presidents in their respective countries.

Progress Report by Chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee

8. The Chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee presented his progress report which concentrated on follow up actions on programme implementation and advocacy.

APRM

9. The meeting noted that there has been a delay in the commencement of the APRM reviews. The meeting was informed that the APR Panel has spent the last eight months reviewing the relevant documents, and finalizing its preparations. The Panel is now ready to commence with the first review, which is Ghana, on 25th of May 2004.

10. The HSGIC mandated the Steering Committee to work with the APR Panel to speed up the reviews, and report back to the next HSGIC meeting on how to fast-track the implementation of the APRM. The meeting noted the importance of ensuring that the APRM is implemented to demonstrate Africa's commitment to its won ideals.

Follow-Up on the Offer of Support by the Government of India

11. The meeting noted progress being made in follow-up discussions with the Government of the Republic of India, which are focused on possible cooperation in the establishment of Centres of Excellence in ICT and pharmaceuticals.

Agriculture

12. The HSGIC was briefed on the PAN-Africa Cassava Programme, which is being developed by the NEPAD Secretariat, in consultation with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). The meeting further noted that FAO has made available funding to 49 countries for medium-term investment programmes to fast-track the implementation of CAADP.

13. The meeting called to the NEPAD Secretariat to harmonise all relevant initiatives in the agricultural sector within the context of CAADP.

14. The HSGIC encouraged relevant ministers to attend the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEC) to be held in Mozambique on 2-4 June 2004.

Science and Technology Strategies for Improving Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Africa

15. The meeting welcomed the presentation by the Inter-Academy Council on UN Secretary General's Initiative on Science and Technology Strategies for Improving Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Africa. The report will be useful in focusing attention on the role of science of and technology in increasing productivity of the agricultural sector in Africa. It was noted that the report will be made available by the Secretary General in June 2004.

16. The HSGIC recommended that the report should go beyond identifying deficiencies in the sector, by identifying the need for curricula relevance by research agencies as well as sources of funding for the implementation of its recommendations. The findings of the report should be disseminated to technical persons in agricultural sector in Africa.

Infrastructure

17. The HSGIC considered the report on infrastructure, and stressed the important role of RECs in the implementation of NEPAD infrastructure projects. The HSGIC recommended that a second meeting of RECs be convened, with the primary purpose of sharing information and experiences, as is being done in ECOWAS. The meeting noted that such information sharing will also contribute to coordinated action amongst RECs.

ECOWAS Progress in Implementing STAP

18. The meeting noted the progress that ECOWAS is making with the implementation of STAP, and its engagement with Development Partners, exemplified by the meeting that ECOWAS had with the World Bank on 20th March 2004, and encouraged other sub-regions to consider adopting the ECOWAS approach and learn from their experience.

Update On the Implementation of Regional Infrastructure Projects

19. In noting progress, and the important role of the African Development Bank (ADB) in the implementation of the Regional Infrastructure Projects, and the establishment of the Medium to Long Term Strategic Framework, the meeting called for increased focus on implementation. It called on countries to make full and effective use of the Project Preparation Facility, with a view to saving money for implementation of planned projects.

The HSGIC was informed that the ADB had funded projects totaling US$372.5m, and that the World Bank had funded projects, totaling US$570m. It was reported that the total budget required to fund all NEPAD infrastructure projects is US$ 8.1b.

20. The HSGIC reiterated the important role of the ADB in the implementation of NEPAD Infrastructure Projects, and mandated the Steering Committee to take leadership in the implementation of infrastructure projects. The HSGIC directed the ADB to work with the Steering Committee in order to address obstacles to implementation, particularly with respect to resource mobilization and project preparation. It also called for the fast tracking of the implementation of the Great Inga project, and Hydro Electricity generation on the Inga in the Congo.

Launch of the Project Preparation Facility

21. The HSGIC launched the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility. The meeting expressed its appreciation to the government of Canada for the seed funding for the Facility, which is aimed at enhancing preparation of projects, which will facilitate the participation of both public and private investors.

ICT

22. The meeting noted that a workshop, with the countries that are taking part in the pilot phase of the e-schools, took place on the 13-16th May 2004 in Johannesburg. The meeting was informed that implementation of the first phase of the pilot project, in which 100 schools will be participating, from countries that have acceded to the APRM, is due to start in July 2004.

The Digital Solidarity Fund

23. President Wade briefed the meeting on a Ministerial Conference on ICTs that took place in Dakar, Senegal on 19-21 April 2004. The conference was aimed at coordinating African positions on major issues for discussion with the international community, including the setting up of a Ministerial body on ICTs, and the building of consensus on a document to be presented to the next AU Summit on the Digital Solidarity Fund.

Funding of key NEPAD Projects

24. The HSGIC observed that there is a need to demonstrate the import of NEPAD by identifying, and implementing key projects that rely on domestic resources. The HSGIC recommended that each country identifies such projects, and report on progress on the matter in the next meeting. These projects can either be bilateral or multilateral. It was reported that some countries are already contributing to the implementation of NEPAD projects, for example, in the Optic Fibre Sub-Marine project, and the e-schools project, both under the ICT sector.

25. The HSGIC called for increased political commitment and inter-regional co-operation to facilitate speedy implementation of such projects. The meeting reiterated the importance of ensuring that NEPAD succeeds.

The Africa Partnership Forum

26. The meeting noted that the 2nd meeting of the Africa Partnership Forum, which was well attended by the partners, took place on 16-17 April 2004. The meeting was informed that the challenge is now to ensure that this Forum can be used to push implementation and monitoring of the adherence to commitments by both sides.

27. The HSGIC was briefed on one of the key conclusions of the APF, which has far reaching implications for the success of NEPAD, namely: that African countries will not meet MDGs unless resource flows to Africa are increased significantly, and that African countries prepare need-based national development plans that would ensure achievement of the MDGs and sustainable development.

28. The meeting noted that the next APF meeting will be in Washington in November 2004.

Multi-lateral Trade Negotiations and Market Access in NEPAD

29. The meeting noted that since the Cancun meeting, there have been many meetings that are focused on reviving multilateral trade negotiations, including that of 3 May 2004 in Dakar. The meeting noted that there is a need for African countries to maintain cohesion in order to achieve progress in the multilateral negotiations with the industrialized world. The meeting noted that the major challenge is the lack of concrete proposals that would overcome current constraints towards reaching consensus for the benefit African countries in pursuance of long-term development opportunities.

The Case of Small Island States

30. The meeting acknowledged the challenges faced by small island states towards integration into the continent. The HSGIC expressed satisfaction at the increased attention that the African Union is now devoting to small island states.

Statement of Appreciation to South Africa

31. The HSGIC expressed its appreciation to President Mbeki, whose government has borne much of the expenses of the NEPAD Steering Committee, the APRM and the NEPAD Secretariats.

Update on Integration of NEPAD into AU Structures and Processes

32. The meeting was briefed on progress being made in the preparations of joint work plans between the AU Commission and the NEPAD Secretariat. It noted that the AU Commission Chairman will report on the integration process at the next HSGIC meeting.

UK Commission for Africa

33. The HSGIC was informed that Prime Minister Blair's representative on NEPAD briefed the APF on the UK Commission for Africa on 16th of April 2004. The Commission is not aimed at replacing, but rather at reinforcing NEPAD. Continued discussion between the NEPAD Secretariat, and the Secretariat of the UK Commission for Africa was encouraged. Arrangements are being made for the first consultation to take place at the end of May 2004. A report will be presented to the next HSGIC.

34. The HSGIC noted with concern that African representation on the Commission is not reflective of Africa's sub-regions. The HSGIC decided to recommend that Algeria be included on the Commission to ensure regional representation, with a view to ensure that Africa remains undivided, and that all its 5 sub-regions are represented. The HSGIC agreed that this decision be conveyed to the UK.

Mutual Reviews of Development Effectiveness in the Context of NEPAD

35. The meeting noted the report by the ECA on Mutual Reviews of Development Effectiveness in the Context of NEPAD.

Preparations for the Next G8 Summit in USA

36. The HSGIC, noted, that 6 African Heads of State and Government have been invited to the G8 Summit in June, namely Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria. Mozambique had been invited as Chair of the African Union, but unfortunately, President Chissano will not be able to attend.

The HSGIC noted with concern that no Heads of State and Government from Central Africa has been invited. The meeting decided the matter be brought to the attention of the US.

37. The HSGIC reiterated the importance of ensuring Africa's cohesion in such processes. The HSGIC agreed that during the planned lunch meeting for Africa, Presidents Obasanjo and Mbeki, as the two principal speakers, will make presentations on behalf of AU and NEPAD, on all the issues on the agenda; while their colleagues could make additional comments.

The NEPAD Council

38. The HSGIC noted, with appreciation, a report that young African scholars based in the US, with outstanding academic records in their fields, had established a group, whose objective is to mobilize their intellectual capital for the implementation of NEPAD. The meeting decided that efforts be made to make contact with members of the Group to meet with the Heads of State and Government in the USA during the G8 Summit.

Launch of the AU Peace and Security Council

39. President Chissano briefed the meeting on the Launch of the AU Peace and Security Council on 25 May 2004, and invited his colleagues to attend. Presidents Obasanjo and Bouteflika confirmed their attendance.

Attendance at HSGIC Meetings

40. The HSGIC decided that if a Head of State or Government is not present, their representatives will be treated as observers to such meetings. Noting the voluntary nature of participation in the HSGIC, it was recommended that the sub-regions should reexamine their choice of representation on the HSGIC in order to ensure effective participation. It was observed that other than the AU, there is nothing more important than NEPAD in the history of Africa.

Engagements with the Arab Community

41. The HSGIC agreed to explore effective mechanisms for engaging with the Arab community for the benefit of NEPAD and Africa.

Date of the Next HSGIC Meeting

42. The HSGIC decided that its next meeting, be a breakfast meeting, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on 6 July 2004. It was agreed that no formal invitations would be sent for this next meeting.

Done at Maputo, Mozambique, this 23rd Day of May 2004