Resources released from defense will be available for alternative uses in the economy. Public expenditures in the social sector can be increased. In the final analysis, investiments in basic social services can yield higher payoffs than investment in the military. Herein lies the importance of broad-based growth and poverty reduction. Poverty is the root cause of the social and political chaos we are witnessing throughout Africa.
Governments have an important role to play in poverty reduction.
Investments must also be made in institutions of governance. The three decades of conflict have left much of the structures of civil society in ruin and most institutions of governance discredited. The Special Initiative counts governance as one of five broad areas of highest priority to Africa. The governance cluster, under the leadership of ECA and UNDP, will provide strategies and support for peace-building, conflict resolution, and national reconciliation. Without proper governance or confidence in the governance structure, our best and brightest leave Africa.