EU works with Africa on aid

Europe has worked closely with Africa to ensure increased aid will be allocated effectively, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid said on Thursday.

Louis Michel met representatives from African charities on Thursday to finalise ideas that have come out of a two month long consultation on aid.

“Too many times policies have been written about or for rather than with African partners,” the Commissioner said.

“It is absolutely crucial that this strategy reflects Africa’s vision and priorities.”

Michel said formal plans to boost economic growth and fight poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa will be unveiled next month.

In the new plan for Africa, the commission plans to focus on peace and security, good governance, improving infrastructure and trade links as well as social services, education and the environment.

Earlier this year the EU agreed to boost aid spending to 0.51 percent of gross national income by 2010 and 0.7 percent by 2015.

As part of the EU’s focus on Africa, Michel says half of the increase in aid will go to the continent.

The commission has said would mean more than 20 billion euros (.11 billion) in aid.

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