The prime minister flies to Africa today for the second meeting of his commission on the continent.

Tony Blair has vowed to make the findings of the commission the cornerstone of Britain's dual presidency of the G8 and the EU in the second half of 2005.

He wants to use the final report, due next April, to push G8 members in particular towards concrete solutions for Africa's problems.

Blair will want to demonstrate his apparent full recovery from his heart operation by going on the trip.

He was said to be feeling "fresh and alert" ahead of the long-planned visit.

Hilary Benn, the international development secretary, and Bob Geldof, the founder of Live Aid, will also attend the conference in their capacity as commission members.