21st March 2007, Algiers, Algeria

The Ad-Hoc Committee of Heads of State and Government :

Took note of the joint proposal by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the NEPAD Secretariat of the integration into the Processes and Structures of the African Union (AU).

Commended the initiative taken in this regard by the AUC and NEPAD Secretariat under the auspices of the Chairperson of the Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC).

Endorsed the joint proposal of the AUC and the NEPAD Secretariat particularly the implementation modalities and time frame adjustment of the management structures and the establishment of working relations between AUC and NEPAD Secretariat. The Ad-Hoc Committee of Heads of State and Government concluded that :

NEPAD is a Program of AU which constitutes a philosophical framework, a vision and mission for Africa. NEPAD is therefore, not an Implementing institution.

Implementation of NEPAD must focus on countries and regions. Therefore implementation of NEPAD should be done through :

a) Countries b) Regional Economic Communities (REC”s) c) Development Institutions d) Bilateral and Multilateral organizations

NEPAD Secretariat is a technical body. HSGIC is an executive body which provides leadership and political orientation to the NEPAD Secretariat. HSGIC must retain its role and should be strengthened. The Chairperson of the AUC is a member of the HSGIC.

The NEPAD Steering Committee should continue during the transition period in its current form.

A NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Authority should be created. The structure and profile should be defined later through a study to be commissioned.

The essence of NEPAD is not the Secretariat, it comprises the philosophy, the principles and values which are an integral part of the African Union.

A transitional period of one year is needed for a smooth streamlining of NEPAD activities and processes with those of the African Union Commission.

The Coordinating Unit recommended in the joint proposal should be created to elaborate a detailed roadmap on integration of NEPAD and creation of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Authority, with clear steps, stages, milestones and indicators.

African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) should remain in its current setting.

The Ad-Hoc Committee of Heads of State and Government requests :

The AUC and the Government of South Africa to take necessary steps to facilitate conclusion of a host agreement for the NEPAD Secretariat in the transition period and later, a Headquarters’ agreement for the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Authority to be established. NEPAD News, March 23, 2007