On April 9, the Permanent Missions of the Republic of Benin and Japan to the United Nation co-hosted a panel discussion on “Good Growth and Governance in Africa- Rethinking Development Strategies” at the United Nations Headquarters.  This event was organized after the publication of a book(*)  on development in Africa to highlight on lessons of the experience of a government-led economic development in East Asia, including Japan,  by developing infrastructure and human resources and transferring technology, and explore whether those experience can serve as reference to the economic development of Africa.
(* Good Growth and Governance in Africa: Rethinking Development Strategies, Edited by Akbar Noman, Joseph E. Stiglitz and others, Oxford University Press, 2012)

Mr. Cheick Sidi Diarra, Under-Secretary General and UN Special Advisor on Africa, served as a moderator for the discussion, while four professional economists/experts participated as panelists: Dr. Akio Hosono, Director of JICA Research Institute, Prof. Akibar Noman, Professor of Columbia University, Dr, Yaw Ansu, Chief Economist of African Center for Economic Transformation, and Prof. Joseph E. Stiglitz, Professor of Columbia University.  

H.E. Mr. Jean-Francis Zinsou, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Benin and H.E. Mr. Tsuneo Nishida, Permanent Representative of Japan made opening remarks to commence the panel discussion.   Ambassador Nishida, in his remarks, noted Japan’s contribution to development in Africa through TICAD and stressed the importance of the international community continuing  efforts towards further development of Africa. (Full text of Ambassador Nishida’s remarks)

Each panelist made a presentation on the subject of development of Africa and covered topics, such as the current situation of the economic growth in Africa and remaining challenges.  Suggestions were made that the experience of economic development in East Asia can serve as a model to formulate development policies for Africa.  The “KAIZEN” project launched by JICA was also noted along with its concrete results and progress.

More than 150 UN officials, diplomats and others, attended the event and listened to the presentations eagerly. After the presentations, panelists and participants held a lively exchange of opinions and views.

PowerPoint files used in the event:
PowerPoint file used in the presentation by Professor Noman

PowerPoint file used in the presentation by Mr. Hosono