Aid figures paint a worrying picture about aid to Africa

Commenting on the release of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) figures showing overseas aid levels for 2010, Jamie Drummond, Executive Director of ONE, said:

"Today's figures paint a worrying picture about Africa not receiving the share of aid increases it was promised by world leaders, despite overall historic highs for global aid.

"The OECD predicts that aid to Africa will increase at just 1% per year in real terms over the coming years, despite strong performance by countries like the UK. This is worrying and must be addressed as a matter of urgency by the G8, G20 and all OECD countries. While African nations and citizens will only be able to pull themselves out of poverty through smart partnerships on trade, investment and good governance, the region is still in great need of the effective smart aid it was promised.

"The increases that have been delivered are being put to great use, and we have the living proof to show it: 2.4 million fewer children dying before their fifth birthdays in 2009 than in 2004; 46 million more children in school since 1999. This only underlines the importance of keeping up our quality and quantity commitments.

"These statistics show that keeping aid promises is worth the world - and that breaking them should be deemed immoral.

"Yet it was not just an increase in the quantity of aid that was promised by world leaders, but also improvements in aid quality and innovation.

"This year President Sarkozy, as host of the G8 and G20, has a huge leadership role to play. He must inspire innovation; build on the momentum towards smarter aid; and ensure that he and his fellow leaders take concrete steps to address the underlying causes of extreme poverty.

"This isn't just about promises that were made in the past; it's about this generation of leaders doing what's right to ensure the future stability and prosperity of all people."