Participants reactions

Ms. Lily Talapessy, AfDB Alternate Executive Director

I have attended the meetings. For me, this is an opportunity for new thinking that we can use for  policy-making at the Bank. What I also expect is that this conference contributes in elevating the level of discourse in a number of topics discussed. For example, we had a presentation on the theme “Is Brain Drain Good for Africa” by Yaw Nyarko. I really find it interesting as it explains why the level of discussions should be raised. Issues such as regional integration and climate change being discussed now are interesting as well.

Mr. Alioune Badiane, UN Habitat Regional Director for Africa and Arab Countries

I must acknowledge that the African Development Bank (AfDB) has been proactive in organizing this conference with the Economic Commission for Africa. It is never too late to act, especially as other continents are already working to check the financial crisis. At the end of this conference, we must send a very strong message to the international community regarding the exclusion we have suffered. In fact, Africa had been marginalized during the G20 Summit of November 15, 2008. The continent must also react at the ethical level. This is the very first phase of the crisis. The continent could be affected by the financial crisis in the second phase we do not watch out.

Mr. Essomba Ngoula Blaise, Senior Civil Administrator, Cameroon’s Economy and Planning Ministry

I am expecting a lot from the conference organized by the African Development Bank and the Economic Commission for Africa. Today, our experts must take preventive measures to cushion the effects of the financial crisis on African economies. This is, of course, about trade. But the AfDB which has an office of the chief economist should bring together and propose possible solutions to the financial crisis. In Europe, actions were well coordinated. We would have loved to have the reports a head of the conference in order to reflect on them.

Ms. Diarétou Gaye, AfDB Operations Director

This is an opportunity for our ministers to meet in a different context to reflect on an approach in order to seek a proper solution to the global financial crisis.

Mr. A. Rakotobe, AfDB African Water Facility Director

The conference comes at the right time. The mobilization is great. It is formidable. This implies that all potential actors are willing to discuss at the continental level. Experts want to discuss and come up with a concerted response to the financial, whose economic impact could be severe. The continent strongly needs the voice of its experts at this time when the crisis is spreading across the globe. I think that they should be part of discussions and influence solutions which will take into account the peculiarities of our economies and our development context. They must learn lessons from the first phase of the crisis, see how to check it to ensure that it does not cause pain and suffering to our people who are already vulnerable. I hope that at the end of the conference, there will be a strong message to Africa and the world.

Mr. Augusto Maquengo, Portfolio Data Analyst, OIVP/ONRI, African Development Bank

I believe it is a golden opportunity for African governments and Africans to prevent any possible financial breakdown and captivate ideas of globalization to better integrate the global economy. It was well said that “Africans don’t have to wait for favors or hand outs”. We need to be proactive and take initiatives to promote development through investment in agriculture, infrastructure and above all, elevate our level of skills. Our Bank has a major role in developing countries. The role of the AfDB is to help mitigate the current crisis in its regional member countries. These countries also need to be proactive. This is why, I think, the presence of African Finance and Economy ministers among us today is very welcome.

Miss. Sophia Gollwitzer, German Ph.D Student at the Graduate Institute in Geneva

I am here to conduct research for my thesis and I am trying to take the opportunity to get more acquainted with the AfDB Group. I have read a lot about the AfDB, and I am happy to be part of this gathering. I have had discussions with few African intellectuals during today’s meeting.  It is interesting that the AfDB has taken the initiative to coordinate its regional member countries' position on this global financial crisis. It is an excellent way to bring Africans together to  brainstorm and provide concrete advice and ideas to African governments. This will make them more proactive.