ADDIS ABABA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Infrastructure remains a key obstacle for some African countries to move up the growth process,said Robert Zoellick, the nominee for World Bank presidency, on Thursday.

    Though African countries are all focused on achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), each country faces unique circumstances, said Zoellick, who started his two-dayvisit to Ethiopia on Wednesday.

    At a press conference, he also listed other obstacles to Africa 's growth like energy, governance and corruption.

    Zoellick said the objective of his visit is to hear first handfrom the representatives of Africa about the challenge they see for the development of Africa.

    He said one of the important elements in Africa's changes is the forging of new institutions across Africa.

    "There are also regional organizations. I think one of the challenges in the development area is how to work effectively not only with individual countries but with sub-regional and regional groups," said the former U.S. trade representative.

    He said he has had a chance to work with Africa in different capacities for many years.

    Asked about what he would like the G8 summit being held in Germany come up with for Africa, Zoellick said, "Africa to remain very high in the agenda of developed countries."

    Zoellick started the first leg of his African trip in Ghana. His next destination from Ethiopia will be South Africa.

    During his visit to Ethiopia, Zoellick met with permanent representatives of the African Union and a number of Ethiopian ministers.

    On May 30, U.S. President George W. Bush nominated Zoellick tohead the World Bank, to replace Paul Wolfowitz, , who resigned last month amid an ethics scandal involving a high pay promotion for his girlfriend.