Although it is largely a vision rather than a specific set of projects, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) has given vigour to breaking the entrenched pessimism about Africa’s future. That may be because of the political commitment to an African owned and led programme that addresses development and governance problems. Nepad’s break with the past is widely viewed as stemming from the direct responsibility that African countries say they are taking for governance issues.
Nepad is a pledge by African leaders to eradicate poverty, ensure growth, participate in the world economy and ensure improved governance. While only 14 of the continent’s 53 countries are considered democratic by most standards, Nepad has been endorsed by African leaders as the development programme of the African Union, the continent-wide organisation.
