African countries are working hard to overcome the major handicaps they face. They are privatizing and strengthening their financial markets, and reforming their legal and institutional environments to welcome foreign investment. With the support of United Nations agencies, they are confronting the challenges posed by the relative underdevelopment of their communications infrastructure, developing the capacities of the business sector and addressing educational, social and other problems. The international business community can be an important ally of the United Nations in supporting these positive changes and in our efforts for peace and sustainable development in Africa. There are ample investment opportunities in Africa, provided that potential investors look beneath the surface.
Today there is renewed international interest in Africa.
Recently, the United Nations Security Council held two ministerial-level meetings devoted to Africa. In addition, many countries throughout the world have demonstrated their solidarity with Africa. The commitment of the United States was symbolized by President Clinton's visit last year to several African countries, and by congressional consideration of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. The African-American community has played a successful advocacy role in this regard, and is continuing to increase the profile of African issues in the United States. This Summit in Accra is sustaining that momentum.