The Commissioners responsible for this theme were Gordon Brown, Ralph Goodale and Trevor Manuel.
Key to the work under the Commission’s Economy theme was the way that recommendations closely Interlocked with other themes from a very early start. For example, strategies for growth and poverty reduction were developed with strong consideration of governance or human development issues. The starting point for work under this theme was a division into three main areas: growth; trade and investment; and finance.
Some of the main lines of enquiry at the outset were to determine, in relation to growth:
- The key factors in Africa that drive / inhibit growth and foreign investment, and shape economic opportunities, particularly for the poor;
- Where governments should focus to promote growth, and how they can ensure the poor participate in and share the benefits of growth;
- What the business community should do to help; and
- What can be done through regional action, for example in areas such as trade and infrastructure.
In relation to trade
- Why Africans share of international trade has remained so low;
- The key constraints to increasing the share and the benefits of international trade for Africa, particularly for poor people;
- The realistic action that can be taken to reduce OECD protectionism and address the commodity crisis;
And in relation to finance :
- The financial needs for meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and creating a platform for sustainable growth and poverty reduction;
- The factors that influence aid absorption and effectiveness;
- How to mobilise increased domestic revenue without undermining growth;
- Options for mobilising increased aid, e.g. use of front loading through the International Finance Facility; and
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