The New Initiative for Africa's Development: A Study in Concept and Challenges

In light of the poverty, underdevelopment, and lack of progress that the African continent is experiencing, its leaders have attempted to find solutions to its economic problems by adopting development policies based on partnership and cooperation. This has led them to reorder their priorities and set developmental goals aimed at advancing Africa. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development, known as NEPAD, was launched in October 2001 with the goal of eradicating the social and economic underdevelopment afflicting African countries. NEPAD sought to develop a comprehensive and consensual development project within Africa, and worked on establishing an African model of good governance rooted in moderate liberalism, combining the public and private sectors, and activating the role of civil society. Despite achieving some positive results since its inception, NEPAD has faced a number of challenges that have hindered the full realization of its goals. Additionally, its reliance on external direction and support has undermined its ability to depend on itself and its own resources to solve its problems.