African finance ministers and central bank governors will meet on Wednesday here to discuss the impact of the world financial crisis and seek the best alternatives to shield African economies, the Tunis-based African Development Bank said Monday.
The conference, hosted by African Development Bank, will discuss the global financial downturn' impact on the continent and to outline approaches and solutions to protect growth and financial systems in African countries, the bank said in a statement.
The ministers and experts are expected to focus on questions over the public aid, investment and Africa's raw materials.
As world's poorest continent, Africa has more than 2 million people facing serious food shortages.
Last month, economic experts warned in the Ugandan capital of Kampala that African economies have started feeling the impact of the global financial crisis with some pulling down their estimated growth.
Louis Kasekende, chief economist of the African Development Bank said that "the crisis is itself still unfolding, it may be too early to make full assessment of this crisis on African countries."
He said the impact is currently felt by stock exchanges in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa where international investors are withdrawing in fear of future impacts.