Jeune Afrique (Young Africa) is a weekly news magazine that covers the political, economic and cultural spheres of Africa (since 1960). They’ ve recently published an article highlighting 100 people they believe will play a key role in Africa’s development in 2009, and my father is one of them.
My Father is listed under the “Leaders and Decision Makers” category, on page 2. Since the article is in french, I have taken the liberty to translate it in english.
” Pascal Koupaki
Minister Of Development, Bénin
Most of his peers call him “Mr Rigor”. Pascal Irenée Koupaki is the Minister of State, in charge of Foresight, Development and Evaluation of Public Action. This title makes him the number two man in Benin’s Government, right behind the commander in chief, since May 2006. This goes to show the power entrusted in him by President Boni Yayi, whom previously appointed him to clean and restructure Benin’s public finances, as the former Minister of Finances.
His measures to secure profits and limit expenses have raised the country’s budget in deficit in 2005 back to a 1% surplus in 2 years. Under his supervision, the surplus increased by 3% in 2006, 5% in 2007, and should be nearing 7% to 8% by next year before reaching the 10% mark in 2010. “
