The Secretary-General's agenda: sustainable development in Africa requires good governance.

• Author: Ibrahim, Mo
• Position: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The significance of the selection of Africa for the first official overseas visit of Ban Ki-moon as Secretary-General of the United Nations cannot be overstated. Promoting stability and development in the region must continue to be at the heart of the Organization's work.

Africa is the continent of generalizations. No other place in the world tends to be reported with such sweeping coverage than the region's 53 countries, which are as varied as befits the largest and second most populous continent on earth. What is new is the tone of generalizations. Stories of strong economic growth and rising prosperity are vying for space with the traditional clutch of stories about conflict, famine and poverty. Why? Because Africa's current economic growth commands our attention.

African economies are recording unprecedented levels of growth; since 2000 over 20 have grown by more than 5 per cent per year. During this period, African stock markets routinely outperformed other regional markets. In 2005, according to research by Databank Ghana, investment in the region's stock markets would have generated a 56-per cent return in United States dollar terms. Data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that, in the same year, Africa received record foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of $31 billion, a 78-per cent increase on 2004. This groundswell of positive economic news marks a watershed in Africa's history and will be crucial in tackling the deep-rooted "Afro-pessimism" which has done so much to constrain the continent's development.

Political reform is also providing good news from Africa. In the past four years, the region has been home to over 50 elections. Democratic government is now being pursued by the majority of African countries. These developments mark what is, perhaps, an even more important turning point for the region, for improved governance is crucial in ensuring that economic growth can be sustained and can make a significant contribution to alleviating poverty in Africa.

It is often asked why, even though Africa is so rich, Africans themselves are so poor? The answer lies with governance.

* Without good governance, the State's resources cannot be effectively administered to provide education and health-care services, of which acute shortages exist in much of the continent. Potential gains from increased aid and debt relief cannot be as effective as they could be.

* Without good governance, laws...