Prof. Paul Collier

Prof. Paul Collier of Oxford University presented a paper entitled: "Post Conflict Recovery: How Should AfDB Strategies Be Distinctive" in which he said that post-conflict countries in Africa constituted a unique group deserving special policies and assistance from aid donors, given that there was a high risk of these countries reverting to conflict.

He also pointed out that civil conflicts could create opportunities that could be peculiarly distinctive, and that might be harnessed for long-term positive impact on national development processes. Mr. Collier also pointed out that reduced military spending, growth-inducing policies leading to youth employment, were very important in reducing the risk of conflict. He observed that democracy, including holding of elections, tended to aggravate rather than alleviate the risk. He underscored the role the African Development Bank could play in reducing the risk, especially in the provision of policy advice, finance and advocacy. The Bank’s distinctive roles in this regard must also be adequate and generous.