To meet these challenges African governments have intensified their proactive participation and contributions to global , regional , and subregional initiatives , through the instrument of regional institutions , in particular , the UN system agencies in coordinating and fostering a `` common destiny '' development strategy for the continent . Notable policy developments and initiatives that the ECA , in fulfillment of its mandate to promote policies for the economic development of Africa , was engaged in during the year include : 1 ) Monterrey Conference , the World Summit on Sustainable Development , and the G8 summit at Kananaskis , 2 ) NEPAD consultations , and 3 ) ECA subregional offices ' ( SROs ) ICE meetings , and other policy engagements .