Tony Blair, UK prime minister, yesterday put Africa at the heart of talks among the world's richest nations this year, publishing a British-backed report on ending poverty and conflict in the poorest continent.

The widely trailed conclusions of the Commission for Africa were hailed by Thabo Mbeki, South African president, but met a more cautious welcome from western charities. Critics said Mr Blair's ambitious agenda risked floundering unless rich nations committed significant sums of money.