It is also a stark reminder of the very long road we still have to travel before we achieve our common vision of the African Monetary Union. To paraphrase Lao-Tse, the longest journey begins with but a short step. We have taken many steps and we are well on our way. And, in our sub-region, we have made great strides since Governors last met.
We are aware that much remains to be done to make a bigger dent on poverty and to raise living standards. We need to accelerate growth through more trade, more private sector development, more effective use of public resources and a deepening of our respective financial sectors. There are wide disparities in the financial sector across Africa.