| The World Bank has subtly criticized the G8 countries for falling short of delivering their promise to increase aid to Africa to 50 billion U.S. dollars by 2010.
"It is important that when commitments are made, such commitments come through," said Obiageli Ezekwesili, the bank's vice president for Africa, at the 9th African Union Summit, due to end later Tuesday.
Net official flows of aid to African countries dropped to 35.1 billion dollars in 2006 from 35.8 billion the previous year, according to estimates in the World Bank's Global Development Finance 2007.
Ezekwesili expressed the hope that the G8 countries would highlight their decision to make Africa a priority with generous contributions during the 15th replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA), through which the bank funds crucial programmes and projects in Africa and other regions.
While the World Bank raises its fund through the international capital markets, IDA is funded by direct contributions from richer nations. |
