For more than a decade today, we have followed, closely, efforts to move African countries towards more democratic governance and real economic prosperity. Most of you have been involved, directly or indirectly, in positive initiatives in these two key areas. Recent positive developments in countries such as Kenya and Benin on the one hand, and current crises in Zimbabwe and Côte d’Ivoire on the other, again underscore the point that those of us with new ideas and valuable experience can contribute a lot to our dear continent. Most of Africa needs help to realize the full potential of its resources and the aspirations of its people.