Weathering the Storm: Africa after the Crisis

Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 2:00 — 4:00 pm

The Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium

1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC

 

Throughout the financial crisis, Africa has proved resilient, despite a 50 percent reduction in the pace of economic growth from the previous decade. Prudent macroeconomic policies prior to the crisis, coupled with sustained foreign aid and loan support from the IMF, the World Bank and the African Development Bank, have softened the impact of the crisis on Africa. However, challenges still remain to ensure that African countries stay on track to meet the Millenium Development Goals and recover growth rates to pre-crisis levels.

On July 7, the Brookings Institution will host Abebe Shimeles, prinicipal research economist at the African Development Bank, for a discussion of the recently released African Economic Outlook for 2010. The report, produced by the African Development Bank, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), reviews Africa’s performance through the crisis and presents projections for future recovery. Dr. Shimeles’ remarks will be followed by a panel discussion with Brookings scholars to examine how public resources may be utilized in Africa to reduce external dependence moving forward.

After the program, Dr. Shimeles and the panelists will take audience questions.
 
Introduction and Moderator     
Ernest Aryeetey
Senior Fellow and Director, Africa Growth Initiative
The Brookings Institution     

 

Featured Speaker     
Abebe Shimeles
Principal Research Economist
African Development Bank     

 

Panelists     
Emmanuel Asmah
Africa Research Fellow
The Brookings Institution

 

John Mutenyo
Africa Research Fellow
The Brookings Institution
 

Olumide Taiwo
Africa Research Fellow
The Brookings Institution     
 
To RSVP for this event, please call the Office of Communications at 202.797.6105 or click here.