African states must seize on increased world interest in the poor continent to boost development and have already made a start with greater commitment to good governance, Nigeria said on Tuesday. Britain, which this year heads the Group of Eight most industrial countries, has backed an economic rescue plan that could be worth billions of dollars for Africa. But, like other donors, the G8 wants better political and economic practices. ?It is important to harness the opportunities presented by these developments for increased support for Africa?s growth and development,? Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo told an African summit in Egypt to discuss the New Partnership for Africa?s Development (NEPAD). NEPAD preaches improved governance in exchange for donor dollars and investment to a continent that attracts barely 2 percent of global foreign direct investment flows.

Twenty-four countries have signed up or are ready to sign up to the reviews, starting with Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya and Mauritius. Algeria and Nigeria are among those to follow. Economists say that, despite the review delays, some African states are showing more commitment to cleaning up their economic act and some are having their best growth in years. But they say NEPAD still has to prove it can go beyond rhetoric and attract more investment to Africa. NEPAD has drawn up plans for national and regional development including infrastructure, agriculture, health and education. ?If NEPAD is to succeed, it must be seen as the deliverer of funding. That is when countries will begin to see it seriously,? said Ross Herbert, a South African specialist on NEPAD.

Peer reviews aim to encourage better governance, with an African panel assessing a government?s record in democracy, human rights, peace and security, economic policy, and business environment.

Edmund BLAIR and David MAGERIA