*  *  *  I wish to begin by tendering profound apologies from the Chairman of the Africa Progress Panel, Mr Kofi Annan, who is unable to be a part of this meeting due to overlapping commitments.
He is particularly disappointed by his inability to attend as today’s meeting is taking place partly as a result of conversations between him and the President of the African Development Bank (ADB), Dr Kaberuka. I have, therefore, been asked and accepted to speak on his behalf and on behalf of the other members of the Africa Progress Panel.