Africa takes centre stage as G8 kicks off summit

The Group of Eight rich nations will seek to convince a skeptical Africa on Monday that it is living up to promises to double aid to the world's poorest continent.

Underlining the importance of the issue, the G8 has invited seven African leaders to join the opening day of its annual summit, taking place at a plush hotel on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Climate change, record oil prices and a deteriorating global economy add up to a crowded agenda for the three-day meeting, but U.S. President George W. Bush said he particularly wanted to hold fellow leaders to account for their African aid pledges. source