PDF (2.0 MB)

Doha with a clear position on these and related issues, such as mobilisingforeign direct investment, international trade, external debt,and systemic issues in monetary, financial and trading systems.We are also gathered here for the African Economic Conferencewhose theme is “Globalization, Institutions and Economic Developmentof Africa”. Although this topic was chosen before the currentfinancial crisis broke out on a full-scale, it is very apt because it providesa good framework for addressing the impact of the crisis onAfrica. This is because solutions to the crisis, whether they are short,intermediate or long-term have to be grounded in sound economicresearch and empirical evidence. The challenge before Africanscholars and researchers and their counterparts from other regionswho also work on African economic issues, therefore, is to bring theircollective efforts to bear in gaining a better understanding of Africaneconomies and searching for solutions to its socio-economic challenges.I am confident that working together with this common purpose inmind, the African Economic Conference will grow into the leadingplatform where policymakers and academics can meet and interactin a mutually beneficial manner on matters of critical importance forAfrica’s development.194 Part Four