By Vivienne Russell | 28 January 2014

Ways to sustain sub-Saharan Africa’s strong economic growth will be considered at a conference to be hosted by the International Monetary Fund and the government of Mozambique later this year.

The Africa Rising conference, scheduled for May 29-30 in Mozambique’s capital city Maputo, will bring together policymakers from Africa and beyond, as well as private sector and civil society leaders and academics.

While Africa has experienced buoyant economic growth and increased living standards, poverty remains high in too many countries in the region, the IMF said.

For those countries that have performed well, the challenge is to maintain performance and accelerate structural reforms. For economically weaker nations, particularly those that have recently emerged from conflict, their key priority is to re-establish political and economic stability.

Other issues to be discussed at the conference include the financing of infrastructure and how to create broader and deeper financial markets.

As well as consideration of the ongoing challenges facing the region, it will explore ways in which the IMF can strengthen its relationship with African members.

‘The Mozambique conference will provide a unique opportunity to address Africa’s achievements and the road ahead. We are very much looking forward to listening to all our partners in Africa,’ said IMF managing director Christine Lagarde.

‘The fund has a very constructive dialogue with African policymakers that we believe has assisted the region in a reform effort that has paid off significantly. So this event will broaden the policy discussion at this crucial juncture, bringing together all those committed to Africa’s continuing success.’