"The era of Nation glorification, which also often proves to be little more than power manifestation and leadership vanity should be brought to an end."
Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate.

"NEPAD is an instrument of the removing the political and economic impediments to the creation of one economic & political space in Africa."
H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

"Regional Integration is indeed an essential building block to what a strong African Union with a strong economic foundation."
H.E. Jacob Zuma, Vice President of South Africa

"Before NEPAD, the African landscape had been littered with failed initiatives, development plans and programmes of action."
Prof. Wiseman Nkuhlu, Chairman of the NEPAD steering committee

"The African Union has raised lot of hopes and expectations both within and outside Africa."
Ambassador Said Djillit, OAU Assistant Secretary General

"Integrated economic development involves coordinating the efforts of a number of independent nation states to coordinate in same ways their economic activities."
Mr. Kenneth Button, George Mason University

"Peace and Security in Africa is an integral part and parcel of the global peace and security."
Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim

"The lack of a breakthrough and even the demise of a regional integration arrangement have deterred renewed effort. Hardly ever is the towel thrown in !."
Professor Adebayo Adedeji, Former Executive Secretary of ECA

"A delicate aspect of economic integration, not yet touched upon, is the perception of costs and benefits by the participating countries."
Mr. Walter Kennes, EU

  
"We must be candid about usualy are unspoken fears: the possible loss of sovereignty, development oportunities and revenues."
Mr. K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of ECA.

"I wish to assure you that here in Ethiopia We will continue to be committed to regional integration and to African Unity "
H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

"Vous êtes dans cette salle le meilleur prototype de la pluridisciplinarité que l'Afrique peut aligner pour s'attaquer à tous les aspects qu'est le défi de la création de l'Union africaine."
S.E M. Amara Essy, Secrétaire général de l'OUA

"The Bank considers that effective regional institutions will be critical for sustainability and effectiveness of any efforts at improving regional integartion and economic co-operation."
Mr. Omar Kabbaj, President of the African Development Bank. (Speech delivered by the Vice President of ADB on behalf of Mr. Omar Kabbaj)