Scientists believe that human life first began on the African continent some 5-6 million years ago. Recent DNA research traces modern man to the "Original Eve" some 150,000 years ago in the Rift Valley of Africa. From these early beginnings - world population has grown to some 6.5 billion persons of which 900 million reside in the 53 countries of Africa.

While Africa is the "Cradle of Civilization" it lags behind all other regions of the world as we enter the 3rd Millennium. Half the population lives on less than US$1 per day, school enrollment is declining, and the average life-span is becoming shorter. While Africa accounts for 14 % of the world's population, its exports account for less than 1.6% and investment in Africa is less than 1% of global investment. Further, total net "Official Development Assistance" to Africa has fallen from previous levels of $17 billion to US$12 billion a year.

This scenario is changing however. In July 2001, the 37th Summit of the OAU formally adopted a strategic framework for Africa's renewal called NEPAD - "New Partnership for African Development." NEPAD is first and foremost a pledge by African leaders to the people of Africa to consolidate democracy, sound ...