TONY BLAIR and Gordon Brown will underline the Government’s commitment to Africa today after the first meeting of the multinational commission on the continent’s problems.

Mr Blair and the Chancellor will hold a press conference at Number 10, to be attended by other commission members Bob Geldof, Benjamin Mkapa, President of Tanzania, and Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of Ethiopia. The commission is due to publish a report next year on economics, education, conflict resolution, health, the environment, Aids, governance and culture in Africa.

Mr Blair intends then to use its findings to push leading nations to seek solutions for Africa during Britain’s twin presidencies of the G 8 and the European Union next year.

Announcing the commission in February, Mr Blair said: “I have decided with others to form a Commission for Africa to take a fresh look at Africa’s past, present and future.

“It will be a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Africa and policies towards Africa. What has worked, what has not worked and what more can and should be done.”

Mr Blair added: “I have said on many occasions that I believe Africa is the scar on the conscience of the world. And I think it is right that we continue to treat this as an absolute priority over the coming years.”

He said when setting up the commission that it would take a fresh look at Africa’s past, present and future and produce a comprehensive assessement of the situation there and policies towards the continent.

Other members include Michel Camdessus, a former head of the International Monetary Fund who is representing France, Hilary Benn, International Development Secretary, and Trevor Manuel, Finance Minister in South Africa.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• UK regional accents thrive against the odds
• ‘Scarecrow’ wind farms put rare birds to flight
• What an anti-climax: G-spot is a myth