Knowledge Experts Gather in Yaoundé to Discuss the Role of the Knowledge Economy on Africa's Ability to Address Key Development Challenges

21 November 2011
Content from a Premium Partner
The African Capacity Building Foundation (Harare)
press release

Yaoundé —
•    Networking for Africa's future

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 21-22 November 2011, to hold the 7th Annual meeting of its knowledge networks – TAPNETs - (ACBF Technical Advisory Panels & Networks). The meeting aims to discuss the role of knowledge in addressing Africa's future and current development challenges, including issues of regional trade in Africa and its effect on employment trends, challenges Africa is likely to face in the near future and adaptation strategies towards those challenges. The meeting will also discuss how to leverage the role of knowledge networks in Africa to better serve the development of Continent.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day meeting, Dr. Frannie Léautier, ACBF Executive Secretary highlighted that "for ACBF, the knowledge networks have made contribution towards the development of ideas on capacity development and augmented the work that ACBF is doing on the ground.  This partnership has enabled ACBF to carry out research that has shaped some of ACBF interventions, also given insight into areas and gaps that ACBF can highlight as capacity development challenges and strengthened the knowledge and learning sharing programs of the Foundation. The knowledge networks are key to ACBF as we move towards our new Strategic Medium Term Plan 2012 – 2016.  Their expertise will help ACBF better shape strategies and design innovative capacity development interventions so the Foundation is able to meet its strategic objectives. " Dr. Léautier also highlighted ACBF's investment in Cameroon.  Since 1992, ACBF has contributed a total of USD18.4 million to capacity development interventions in Cameroon.  USD8.7 million of that total has been invested in national projects and USD9.7 million  in regional projects located in Cameroon.

Officially opening the meeting, Honourable Louis Paul Mataze, Minister of Economy, Planning & Regional Integration in the Government of Cameroon, declared Cameroon's continued commitment to ACBF and also highlighted that the new ACBF third Strategic Medium Term Plan (SMTP III) of 2012 – 2016 highlights new development areas that require more capacity development for African countries. "ACBF's investment in Cameroon has yielded results by assisting in the improvement of economic growth and the country's overall competitiveness," he stated.


The official opening ceremony was graced by the presence of HE Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).  Briefing the gathering, HE Jean Ping stated that, "Africa is facing acute challenges today including dealing with high food prices and famine.  While drought is a natural phenomenon it does not need to lead to famine.  Countries like Ethiopia have shown that you can deal with famine even as you face drought.  The role of capacity in dealing with Africa's challenges is important.  Networks of experts and think tanks are a key tool in spreading good ideas and devising effective policies and programs.  ACBF and indeed the African Union Commission (AUC) rely on networks to support them in dealing with the challenges facing Africa.  Such a gathering of experts in Cameroon is thus a much needed input as we prepare for the aid effectiveness conference in Busan and the COP17 in Durban."

Established in 2002, the ACBF TAPNETs have served three key areas for ACBF, (i) they have supported the review aspects of ACBF activities and added value to ACBF operations; (ii) the networks have provided a pool of experts to seek professional opinion on development issues and discuss in greater depth and (iii) the sharing of experiences and bet practices in the capacity development arena including development policy management.

About the African Capacity Building Foundation

ACBF was established in February 1991. It is the outcome of collaboration between African governments and the international donor community. Its mission is to build sustainable human and institutional capacity for sustainable growth and poverty reduction in Africa. ACBF's vision is for Africa to be recognized for its socio-political and economic capabilities and endowments – a continent with effective institutions and policies acquired through sustained investment in people and institutions. The Foundation aims to become a leader, major partner, and centre of excellence for capacity building in Africa.

For further information contact:

a.mpunzwana@acbf-pact.org
r.kambarami@acbf-pact.org

African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
PO Box 1562, Harare, Zimbabwe

Tel: +263 4 700208/210

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