Former United Nations, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan launched Africa Progress Report on Thursday, calling on African leaders to tackle inequality and international community tackle stealing of African natural resources including timber and fisheries.
The reported launched in Abuja, Nigeria says Africa’s rich natural resources offer a unique opportunity for a success in improving the lives of Africa’s citizens.
Mr Annan in his report highlighted that rising inequality is blocking Africa from seizing development opportunity and that African leaders should address the inequality problem in the continent.
He pointed out Africa’s resources are often stolen by corrupt officials and foreign investors.
Mr Annan urges Africa’s political leaders to take concrete measures to reduce inequality by investing in agriculture.
He observed that inequality is weakening the link between economic growth and improvements in wellbeing of citizens, maintaining Africa in poverty.
Mr Annan criticized African political leaders for failing to manage natural resources in the interests of their own citizens.