These states continue to face major development challenges. Critical social services and infrastructure remain underfunded. In many cases, rapid economic growth has failed to provide opportunities for the poor. Environmental problems are acute. And there remains a continuing potential for volatility in the flow of capital to these countries – like those we witnessed through the 1980s and 1990s.

But social objectives are not enough. In different corners of Africa and Asia, we must help countries build the physical and financial infrastructure that will support high economic growth and give millions of people, young and old, productive jobs. Expanding agriculture, by backing a 21st Century Green Revolution, will be particularly important in Sub-Saharan Africa where livelihoods are often tethered by the low yield of land.