OECD to discuss Africa outlook in Perth August 26, 2013 - 12:04AM A senior official of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will be in Perth this week to discuss developments in Africa, a competitor of Australia in mining. Director at the OECD Development Centre Mario Pezzini will address two conferences during the week, highlighting the role of agriculture and mining in improving the wealth of the countries that make up the continent and the risks those sectors face. Africa is projected to grow by 4.8 per cent in 2013, accelerating to 5.3 per cent in 2014, confirming its resilience to internal and external shocks. "Growth is not enough," Mr Pezzini will say. African countries must provide the right conditions and implement the appropriate policies for turning natural resources into jobs, optimise their resource revenues through smart taxation and help investors and locals to make the most of linkages. Many mining companies in Australia also have investments in Africa. Mr Pezzini will address `Mining, Agriculture, and Development: Bread from Stones?" on August 25-27, and "Africa Down Under" on August 28-29.