World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz praised Benin on Wednesday as a democratic example that other countries in West Africa could learn from, reports the World Bank press review Friday.
Visiting the small, cotton-dependent country on an African tour, Wolfowitz met President Thomas Boni Yayi, a former head of the West African Development Bank, and congratulated him on his election in March.
– The country is an example of democracy and peaceful transfer of power in Africa, Wolfowitz said on arriving in the main city Cotonou. – It is an important example, especially for West Africa which has seen too many conflicts in recent years, added he.
Wolfowitz hoped to learn about the challenges facing the government of Mr. Yayi, who has promised to foster a spirit of enterprise to boost economic growth and fight high unemployment. During his visit, he is expected to discuss how to increase production in the important cotton sector.
Wolfowitz is also expected to raise matters of accountability and corruption, long-standing problems in Benin and other countries in West Africa. He said the World Bank was ready to help Benin, but the country would need to take responsibility for itself for aid to be effective.
The World Bank President said Africa is a priority for the international economic body, as a part of the world most in need of assistance. Wolfowitzs Africa tour has already taken him to Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria. He also plans to visit Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Benin er et af Danidas programsamarbejdslande i bistanden og en række heldigt gennemførte programmer præger samarbejdet.
Kilde: www.worldbank.org
