This year’s APP annual report, released last week, shows that although the continent has made remarkable developments, African leaders and international partners must now be poised to face challenges presented by the global financial crisis. In 2007-8, The African Progress Panel (APP) was formed to maintain focus on the commitments made by international donors and partners to African development, especially in the wake of the G8 commitments made at Gleneagles. The APP report provides unique insight into what’s happening on the ground in Africa, and is an excellent complement to ONE’s annual DATA Report, which launched last week on Thursday.

This year’s APP report has three main parts: an account of Africa’s continued but inconsistent progress in the past year; the potential for the current global economic crisis to reverse many of Africa’s positive developments; and how shared responsibility between African leaders and international partners can mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis, helping Africa to meet its potential.

The overall trend in Africa has been positive—Africa is increasing development and decreasing conflict. Specific sectors have also seen success. Health sector improvements, for example, have been significant: Several countries have seen decreases of AIDS prevalence and increases in antiretroviral treatment. In Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia, malaria-related mortalities have reduced significantly. However, some areas need improvement: Nutritional needs remain un-met and food shortages persist.

In the past year, growth in education and governance sectors has been mixed: 29 African countries have developed national educational plans endorsed by the World Bank’s Fast-Track Initiative (FTI) and 15 nations had achieved gender parity by 2008, but the enrollment rate is still the lowest in the world, with 49 million children out of school. The governments of 29 countries have agreed to the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD)’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). However, the African Union estimates that the continent still loses nearly $150 billion a year to corruption.

Despite these advances, the current global economic crisis-turned development crisis will likely hit Africa harder than most regions, threatening to undo the gains Africa has made. The APP charges Africa’s leaders with primary responsibility, but recognizes that they will need help. Therefore, the APP urges international partners and donors to aid Africa in its efforts, calling for immediate assistance to maintain stability and financial flows.

To help maintain Africa’s stability and avoid reverses in development, the APP advocates for job creation, the integration of climate change adaptation/mitigation into development agendas, increased infrastructure development, and greater emphasis on agricultural development. The report calls for G8 and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries to extend the cut-off date for the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program until the end of 2008 and for international donors to deliver on their Gleneagles commitments. The report also encourages African leaders to strengthen relationships with emerging partners, such as India, Brazil, and China, who could lend unique development experience. Finally, it recommends a stronger African voice in international discourse and urges African leaders to focus on governance, accountability, and transparency. With this emphasis on shared responsibility, the APP sees Africa as an emerging international business partner.

ONE is very excited to get this valuable complement to our own analysis. Partnering with APP gives ONE and other members of the international community important insight into the situation on the ground. Read the full report and press release here. Be sure to check out ONE’s 2009 DATA Report as well.

-Pooja Gupta