The MDG Africa Steering Group

The MDG Africa Steering Group was convened in September 2007 and brings together the leaders of multilateral development organizations to identify the practical steps needed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals in Africa. The Group is chaired by the United Nations Secretary-General and comprises the President of the African Development Bank Group, the Chairperson of the African Union Com­mission, the President of the European Commission, the Managing Director of the Interna­tional Monetary Fund, the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the President of the World Bank Group.

The MDG Africa Steering Group objectives are to

1. strengthen international mechanisms for implementation in the five areas of health, education, agriculture and food security, infrastructure and statistical systems;
2. improve aid predictability; and
3. enhance coordination at the country level.

The MDG Africa Steering Group has identified a list of concrete opportunities to implement and scale-up interventions in support of the MDGs.

The evidence surveyed by the Steering Group shows that — if fully implemented — the recommendations will produce verifiable development results that can serve to monitor progress and ensure the effective use of domestic and external resources. In combination with sound economic policies to promote private sector development and increased participation in trade, these results will reduce barriers to progress, take countries closer to achieving the MDGs and lay the foundation for robust economic growth.

Full text of the recommendations: