Tswalu Discussion

Danish Africa Commission

During 2008/9, Dr Greg Mills served as one of the 18 Commissioners on the (Danish) Africa Commission: The Commission on Effective Development Co-operation with Africa.

The Commission consisted of Heads of State and governments, politicians, experts, representatives from international and regional organisations as well as the business community, civil society and the academic world. The majority of the Commissioners were from Africa, which reflected the Commission's overriding commitment to ensure African ownership of its recommendations and initiatives.

The Commission addressed ways to create employment for young people through private sector-led growth and improved competitiveness of African economies. Special emphasis was given to create decent jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and provide greater opportunities for young African women and men through education, skills develop-ment and access to finance. Drawing on existing analyses and best practices, the Commission's aim was to make specific policy recommendations and devise concrete initiatives.

Over the course of its work, the Africa Commission held three summits: The first took place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 16 April 2008; the second in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 20 November 2008; and the third and concluding summit occurred in Copenhagen on 6 May 2009.

For details on the commission go to: http://www.africacommission.um.dk/en

One of the final consultative meetings testing the Commission's findings with an African audience was held at Tswalu in March 2009.

The final Commission report can be accessed here.