Progress in the implementation of the priority areas of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the decade 2011–2020: Istanbul Programme of action

The least developed countries (LDCs) are those that face the most difficult obstacles to their ongoing effort towards inclusive growth and sustainable development. On the whole, African LDCs are making progress on the priority areas identified in the Program of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011–2020 (Istanbul Program of Action), albeit from very low baselines and with large variations throughout the countries. Productive capacity remains very low among LDCs in Africa and concerted efforts to improve value added per worker in all sectors are required to increase household earnings and promote inclusive and sustainable development. The declining trends in foreign investment flows to African LDCs are concerning. Improving governance is critical towards mobilizing resources and realizing inclusive and sustainable development. Lastly, although five African LDCs (Djibouti, Lesotho, Togo, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia) are approaching the graduation thresholds, there is uncertainty regarding how soon they can reach them. Efforts to diversify their economies (especially in the case of Zambia) and build their human assets must continue.