Leaders from about 20 African countries will meet in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on April 19 to review progress in carrying out the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), according to a press release on Tuesday.

The 13th meeting of the implementation committee of the NEPAD will be followed by the third summit of the NEPAD Peer Review Mechanism, the press release said.

The NEPAD was adopted in July 2001 at the African Union summit to address the current challenges facing the African continent.

The initiative aims to eradicate poverty, place African countries on a path of sustainable growth and development, halt themarginalization of Africa in the globalization process and accelerate the empowerment of women.

The Peer Review Mechanism aims to foster the adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability,high economic growth and sustainable development.

Source: Xinhua