Human capital development critical to achieving inclusive growth in Africa, declare African leaders

DAR ES SALAAM, July 26 (Xinhua) -- African heads of state on Wednesday said that human capital development is critical to achieving sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth in Africa.

In a declaration read by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the end of a two-day Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit, the leaders said that investment in human beings through quality education, health care nutrition, job creation and skills development is necessary for improved social and economic outcomes.

The declaration acknowledged that human capital development in Africa requires much-coordinated financing and efforts to strengthen quantity, efficiency and impact of investment in people.

The declaration, called the Dar es Salaam Declaration, pledged to prioritize education and skills development, enhance health and well-being, empower women and girls, strengthen research and innovation, promote job creation and economic opportunities, ensure political protection and inclusion, and mobilize resources and partnerships.

The declaration was made at the end of two days of deliberations on the challenges and prospects of human capital in Africa. It was a commitment expressing a desire to act individually and collectively to resolve the challenges the leaders identified in the area of human capital development.

The summit, themed "Accelerating Africa's Economic Growth: Boosting Youth Productivity by Improving Learning and Skills," was attended by more than 2,000 delegates from 44 African countries, including eight heads of state and government, vice presidents, prime ministers and ministers.