The first Preparatory Committee meeting held in Dakar from 2-3 March 1998 was attended by representatives of all 24 members. A list of participants is attached. The second meeting will also take into account the inputs from the forthcoming Regional Workshops in May 1998. The structure of the Agenda for Action as proposed by the co-organizers was endorsed by the participants of the Preparatory Committee as a basis for preparing a preliminary draft. The participants stressed the importance of strengthening coordination of not only multi-lateral and bilateral development assistance but also various initiatives on African development.
Economic growth is a necessary condition for poverty alleviation.
Integration of the poor into the development process is essential through the creation of income generating activities, opportunity for self-employment, mobilization of domestic savings and increased access to land and credit. Infrastructure including rural roads, potable water supply, energy supply and communication needs to be enhanced in order to improve the living conditions of the poor. The participants acknowledged the education sector as a priority area that cuts across all aspects of social development. Human capital development is the foundation for national development and contributes to poverty alleviation. The participants generally endorsed the goals and objectives presented by the co-organizers, while it was observed that the goals should be realistic and country specific.