Library and Information Support for New Partnership for Africa 's Development (NEPAD)

Abstract

Despite abundant human and natural resources, Africa is adjudged the poorest region of the world. It has 34 out of the 44 countries in the globe classified as “least developed”. In trying to solve the problems of underdevelopment, African leaders have a determination to extricate themselves and the continent from the malaise of underdevelopment and exclusion in globalizing world. No one, no matter how benevolent, can identify and seek lasting solutions to the continent's impoverishment except Africans. It behooves our leaders to galvanize all available forces to redefine our external relationships, strengthen internal dynamics, and harness collective talents and will for making life more meaningful. Bukarambe (2004) avers that Africa is the poorest and most marginalized of all continents, with about half of its population living below the poverty line on less than $1 a day. There is impatience among a vanguard group, the rank and file of Africa, to reverse this hardship and to create a standard of living comparable to other continents. NEPAD is one of the most efforts to address the issue of sustainable development on the continent. Izeze (2004), citing the African Development Bank, defines NEPAD as a holistic, integrated, strategic development plan to enhance growth and poverty reduction in Africa by focusing key social, economic, and political priorities in a coherent and balanced manner. African leaders formed a common vision and a shared conviction that they have a pressing duty to eradicate poverty and place their countries on a path of sustainable growth and development and participate in the world economy and body politic.