To a large extent, the prospects for progress in human development will be determined by the opportunities for reversing Africa's economic decline and launching the countries of the region on the path of economic recovery and development. While it is possible to have economic growth without human development, it is inconceivable to bring about the latter in the absence of the former.
Economic growth is therefore imperative.
The short run prospects will be highly dependent on such factors as the weather, the prices of commodities on the international market, the degree of success in resolving the debt crisis, the magnitude of resource flows from abroad and political conditions at home. By their very nature, such factors are difficult to predict with any degree of accuracy. With respect to prospects in the long run, much will depend on the extent to which Africa addresses its underlying structural problems. A new start would involve a serious reconsideration of traditional policies and strategies, most significantly creating an enabling environment for ensuring people's participation not only in the economic arena but also in the social and political spheres. This will require more visionary and bold leadership and a more understanding international economic environment than Africa has known in the past.