Written by Isura Christoper 2012-05-14 16:37:00 Read 489 Times

Africa progress panel has warned that Africa’s strong economic growth trajectory which will see the region increase the pace of growth well beyond 5 percent over the next two years is at risk because of rising inequality and the marginalization of whole sections of society.

In the report, Koffi Annan who is the chair of the African progress panel said that disparities in the basic life chances for health education and participation in society are preventing millions of Africans from realizing their potential, holding back social and economic progress in the process.

In the Kenyan Scenario the report reveals that in spite of the country’s strong economic growth, inequality levels in Kenya is still ranked among the highest in Africa with 40% of the country’s wealth being controlled by only 10% of the richest population.

The panel report identified youth unemployment as a major challenge for 74 million jobs are required over the next decade to prevent youth unemployment from rising. Africa’s youth population of age group 15-24 years is said to rise from 133 million at the start of the century to 246 million by 2020.

Among the other key challenges are small holder agriculture for Africa will remain vulnerable to food security, Education whereby the report is calling for strengthened focus on education and the creation of appropriate funding mechanisms and lastly the global economic governance and aid for aid still remains vitally important.

“Africa is on its way to becoming preferred investment destination, a potential pole of global growth and a place of immense innovation and creativity. But there is also a long way to go and Africa’s governments must as a matter of urgency turn their attention to those who are being left behind. I believe Africa and its leaders can rise to this challenge. If they do, Africa will become more prosperous, stable, and equitable. This is a prize which we all, wherever we live, will share,” Koffi Annan stated in the report.

The Africa progress report 2012 with the title jobs, justice and equity with a theme seizing opportunities in times of global change was launched Monday in Nairobi.

Switch to Our Mobile Site