Regional News of Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Source: Today Newspaper

Kofi Annan to launch 2014 Africa Progress Report

On Thursday, May 8th, 2014, the Africa Progress Panel will release its annual Africa Progress Report – Grain, Fish, Money – Financing Africa’s Green and Blue revolutions, at the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Chaired by former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, last year’s report Equity in Extractives – Stewarding Africa’s Natural Resources for all, made headlines with its analysis of the oil, gas, and minerals industries in Africa.

This year’s report will argue that Africa can and must unleash green and blue revolutions in its agriculture and fisheries. It will highlight the opportunities for Africa of the world’s growing demand for food and the critical importance of agriculture and fisheries for two thirds of people in Africa engaged in these sectors. The report will also recommend related policies, including policies to scale-up Africa’s infrastructure and extend its financial services. The report will also outline the urgent need to stop the plunder of Africa’s timber and fisheries.

The following Panel Members and Members of the Secretariat will be attending WEF on Africa to outline findings shared in the report.

  • Kofi Annan, Chair, Africa Progress Panel, and former UN Secretary-General


  • Olusegun Obasanjo, Member, Africa Progress Panel, and former President of Nigeria


  • Peter Eigen, Member, Africa Progress Panel, Founder of Transparency International, and Founding Chair and Special Representative of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)


  • Bob Geldof, Member, Africa Progress Panel, Musician, Businessman, Founder and Chair of Band Aid, Live Aid and live8, Co-Founder of DATA and ONE Advisor and Advocate


  • Caroline Kende-Robb, Executive Director, Africa Progress Panel


  • Max Bankole Jarrett, Deputy Executive Director, Africa Progress Panel