One of the formidable challenges the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is confronted with is the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a major challenge facing NEPAD. NEPAD was launched in 2001 by the African Union (then the OAU) as a development framework. It aimed to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable growth, and integrate Africa into the world economy.

Step 2: Explain the concept NEPAD's strategy depends heavily on mobilizing resources, including foreign investment, donor support, debt relief, and development partnerships. Its funding model has relied significantly on external partners, mostly developed countries and international institutions. This raises concerns about sustainability and self-reliance, and about whether Africa truly "owns" its development agenda.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Absence of a common platform for debate: Incorrect. NEPAD has platforms such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), AU summits, and the Heads of State Implementation Committee.
• B. Over reliance on foreign aid: Correct. NEPAD's programmes depend on external funding and partnerships, and weak internal resource mobilization is widely noted as a challenge.
• C. Absence of technology transfer: Not the best answer. Technology transfer is a goal of cooperation, not the formidable structural challenge usually cited.
• D. Arms race among member states: Incorrect. Conflicts and instability do affect NEPAD, but an "arms race" is not the typical challenge listed.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is **B.

Exam tip: For questions on African regional bodies (NEPAD, ECOWAS, AU), common challenges are inadequate funding, dependence on external donors, political instability, and poor implementation by member states. When you see "challenge" and "funding" ideas in the options, look for the one about dependence on external sources.