Foreign aid is helping Africa and making a difference. We can help African governments to strengthen their capacity to make good policy choices and to carry through with them. But they must be committed to creating an appropriate policy environment, and must demonstrate their commitment through actions. This is their essential contribution to our Partnership. The most enduring investment a country can make is in its people.
Numerous studies highlight the importance of and high rate of return on investments in people.
Unfortunately, not enough African governments have invested adequately or wisely in people. When governments do invest in education and health, all too often expenditures are focused on urban hospitals and universities rather than on relatively neglected primary health care programs and elementary schools. Government officials must use the instruments of government with a sense of public stewardship and accountability. But the effects of mis-using the instruments of government are powerful and can overwhelm progress made over many years and on many fronts. First, to encourage the streamlining of government, and the elimination of government activities, structures and regulations that lend themselves to discretionary application, such as investment approval boards and import licensing requirements.