Africa’s economic prospects good:

UNITED NATIONS — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday that Africa’s economic prospects are good and urged Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities.

In his message to mark Africa Day, Ban expressed optimism about Africa’s economic prospects, given that “growth is projected to increase to 4.4 percent in 2016, from 3.7 percent in 2015.”

“I urge Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities, and ensure that no African is left behind,” he said.

The UN chief also welcomed the commitment of Africa’s leaders to place women — as key drivers and enablers — at the front and centre of all efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The frameworks share similar strategic principles, with a focus on people, prosperity, environmental sustainability, justice, human rights and mutually accountable partnerships, he added.

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