WORK PROGRAMME ON POLICY AND POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR ACTION

The document outlines a work programme for Commissioners to generate effective action by developed countries to support the acceleration of development in Africa. It identifies key constraints to growth, proposes a three-pillared analytical framework (growth and resources; empowerment and culture; governance and institutions), and suggests a comprehensive programme of action focusing on governance, trade, human development, and peace and security.

• Growth and development in Africa have stagnated over the last 30 years due to a combination of geographic, economic, and political factors. These include landlocked economies with high transport costs, dependence on volatile primary commodities, negative investor perceptions, high indebtedness, weak governance, and conflict.
• The domestic private sector is identified as the primary driver of growth, as domestic resources exceed external ones. However, growth is hindered by poor investment climates, capital flight, and overestimated risk perceptions by external investors who often view Africa as a single entity.
• Agriculture and natural resources are critical engines for poverty reduction, but their potential is limited by poor governance and resource degradation. The programme emphasizes the need to protect the livelihoods of the chronically poor, such as orphans and vulnerable children, and to mitigate risks through improved land rights and financial sector changes.
• Africa is described as almost exclusively a recipient of climate change rather than a driver. The Commission aims to generate action from developed countries to improve information on climate impacts, strengthen coping systems for climate variability, and increase Africa's voice in international climate negotiations.
• Trade acceleration requires addressing barriers to agricultural and manufacturing exports, reducing reliance on primary commodities, and maximizing market access through initiatives like the US Africa Growth and Opportunities Act and the EU Everything but Arms initiative.
• Human development progress from the 1970s has not been maintained and is further exacerbated by HIV/AIDS. The strategy focuses on increasing demand for quality services among the excluded—specifically women, girls, and orphans—and improving the distribution of drugs and personnel.
• Effective governance is viewed as essential for attracting aid and investment. The programme seeks to build on the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and international standards like the UN Convention against Corruption and the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials to improve transparency and recover stolen assets.
• Conflict is a central obstacle to development. The programme explores the balance of responsibility between African and non-African participants under the concept of "African solutions for African problems" and examines how aid, political, and military tools can promote post-conflict reconstruction.

APA

Institute for Security Studies (n.d.). WORK PROGRAMME ON POLICY AND POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR ACTION. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/UKCOMMPROG.PDF

Chicago

Institute for Security Studies. WORK PROGRAMME ON POLICY AND POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR ACTION. n.d. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/UKCOMMPROG.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Institute for Security Studies |title=WORK PROGRAMME ON POLICY AND POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR ACTION |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/UKCOMMPROG.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{instituteforsecuritystudiesndwork, author = {{Institute for Security Studies}}, title = {{WORK PROGRAMME ON POLICY AND POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR ACTION}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/UKCOMMPROG.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }