Cash aid for Africa

But boosting aid to countries that are already aid-dependent requires clearer delivery mechanisms and a degree of budgetary predictability. Something new is called for, and cash transfers directly to poor people could be an alternative but only as a part of a longer-term vision of partner countries' welfare systems.

The European Union has committed itself and its member states to increase aid flows to 0.56 percent of GDP by 2010 and 0.7 percent by 2015 with a big focus on Africa. The combined aid commitments of OECD Development Assistance Committee member countries would mean a doubling of official development assistance to Africa between 2004 and 2010 - that is, if they are honoured.