Ezekwesili improves Africa-World Bank ties

Ezekwesili improves Africa-World Bank ties

The African Union,(AU) has identified a Nigerian, Oby Ezekwesili as the architect of the improved relationship between Africa and the World Bank.

The AU, which praised Ezekwesili for representing the continent well at Bretton Woods’ institution as African Region Vice President, said she had done an excellent work in the organisation.

In a statement issued in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after the just-concluded AU summit, where the continental body’s officials and those of the World Bank met, the AU Commission said Ezekwesili through her fruitful efforts had improved the relations between the World Bank and Africa.

The AU chairperson, Dr. Jean Ping from Gabon, thanked Ezekwesili, also a former education minister in Nigeria, for excellent in improving relations between the World Bank and Africa.

Dr Ping said “We understand the challenges you may have encountered in the process and appreciate your productive focus and tenacity,” adding that “the AU Commission hoped that wherever you go, you will not forget Africa.”

Ezekwesili’s response

In her response, Ezekwesili thanked Ping for receiving her delegation despite his tight schedules.

She said as VP at the World Bank, “Improving relations between the bank and the AU was the most natural thing for me to do.”

According to her, “dealing with Africa as a true partner and not simply dictating policy to the continent is the right approach. It was not easy but I am proud of what we accomplished by working together and I promise that my successor will continue in the same vein.”

Ezekwesili said “this is a good time for Africa, as all the key macroeconomic indicators suggest. Africa and the AU must continue to drive the agenda, with more emphasis on economics than politics.”

She is leaving the World Bank in May this year.

Purpose of the meeting

The AU statement said the purpose of the meeting was to follow up on the theme of the summit, “Boosting intra-African trade” and review ways and means of enhancing and maximising the effectiveness of World Bank support for the AU and Africa, in that respect.

NP/Adekusibe/Cokey