Will Nepad stem the social economic disparities in Africa?

Abstract

The new Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is a pledge by African leaders based on a common vision and shared conviction that they have a duty to promote economic growth, encourage strong nations, aim at high living standards and national security. NEPAD is the newest initiative geared towards getting Africa from the social and economic quagmire that is so characteristic of many African nations. The African Union (AU) is set to adopt NEPAD as its economic blueprint for Africa. NEPAD is not the first initiative aimed at improving Africa. Many other initiatives have been formed in previous years with varied results. Nepad continues to draw a lot of attention across Africa and the world at large, as it is seen as probably the best effort so far at Africa's development. There is anticipation at how much will be achieved under this initiative to which Kenya is a signatory. Whereas it may be early to 'judge' NEPAD there are pertinent issues that arise from the proposals contained in the NEPAD document, which are to be adopted by African countries. This paper therefore examines the various proposals and their application in Africa.