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(LUSAKATIMES) African States urged to massively develop their infrastructure

African States urged to massively develop their infrastructure
Thursday, April 7, 2011, 7:25

African Development Bank (ADB) has called for a massive infrastructural development on the continent. ADB Resident Representative for Zambia , Freddie Kwesiga says African States Should put in place measures to improve on road and other infrastructure development in order for Africa to have a medium to long term development thereby contribute towards poverty reduction.

Dr. Kwesiga said infrastructure development plays a key role in achieving economic development and fight poverty in Africa.

“ Major areas which needs attentions include transport, Information Communication Technology (ICT), agriculture, and social infrastructure, “ he said.

The 2011 World Bank study indicates that Zambia’s economic performance which has reached 7 percent growth rate needed to make a significant impact on poverty reduction. However, according to ADB representative , the Southern African country’s economy can improve to a middle income country if it invests in infrastructure.

Dr. Kwesiga said this in Lusaka today at the Expert Group Meeting which is reviewing the handbook on Infrastructure Statistics in Africa.

He has further called on donors and members countries to scientifically measure and quantify the contribution of infrastructure towards overall economic development.

He said the bank has started the process of developing an African specific index for measuring the progress towards the development of key infrastructure which is known as the Africa Infrastructure development index.

Labels: AfDB, FREDDIE KWESIGA, INFRASTRUCTURE

posted by MrK @ 8:57 PM