This is a task that is exacting in the extreme, but especially so for African countries. Markets are poorly developed and they are highly fragmented. The private sector is small in size and operates within serious constraints. In such circumstances, even with the best of will and commitment, progress towards people-friendly markets is bound to be slow. Also, what happens in the political arena will have a great deal of influence on the pace of economic reform.
Unbounded optimism is therefore difficult to justify.
The role of civil society is intimately linked to the question of governance raised above. Much of the political instability and lack of representative governance that have been plaguing Africa are due to the absence of a robust civil society in most African countries. The lack of a free press, strong professional organisations, and effective citizens' groups creates an atmosphere of political irresponsibility. There may be no laws to protect the citizenry, and even if there, they may be flouted at will by the powers that be. The accent put on people's participation by HDR93 is highly appropriate.