Agenda 2063 is Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the continent's strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.
The genesis of Agenda 2063 was the realisation by African leaders that there was a need to refocus and reprioritise Africa's agenda from the struggle against apartheid and the attainment of political independence for the continent, which had been the focus of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of the African Union, and instead to prioritise inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security, amongst other issues aimed at repositioning Africa to become a dominant player in the global arena.
As an affirmation of their commitment to support Africa's new path for attaining inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development, African heads of state and government signed the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the formation of the OAU and AU in May 2013. The declaration marked the re-dedication of Africa towards the attainment of the Pan African Vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena. Agenda 2063 is the concrete manifestation of how the continent intends to achieve this vision within a 50 year period from 2013 to 2063.
The need to envision a long term 50 year development trajectory for Africa is important as Africa needs to revise and adapt its development agenda due to ongoing structural transformations, increased peace and reduction in the number of conflicts, renewed economic growth and social progress, the need for people centered development, gender equality and youth empowerment, changing global contexts such as increased globalization and the ICT revolution, the increased unity of Africa which makes it a global power to be reckoned with and capable of rallying support around its own common agenda, and emerging development and investment opportunities in areas such as agri-business, infrastructure development, health and education as well as the value addition in African commodities.
Agenda 2063 encapsulates not only Africa's aspirations for the future but also identifies key flagship programmes which can boost Africa's economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent. Agenda 2063 also identifies key activities to be undertaken in its 10 year implementation plans which will ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative transformational outcomes for Africa's people.
The seven Aspirations of Agenda 2063
Aspiration 1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. This aspiration aims to eradicate poverty through social and economic transformation, featuring goals on a high standard of living and quality of life, well educated citizens and a skills revolution, healthy and well nourished citizens, transformed economies, modern agriculture, the blue and ocean economy, and environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities.
Aspiration 2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa's renaissance. It pursues continental unity through a federal or confederate structure, world class infrastructure that criss-crosses Africa, and functional continental financial and monetary institutions.
Aspiration 3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law. It targets the entrenchment of democratic values and the establishment of capable institutions with transformative leadership.
Aspiration 4. A peaceful and secure Africa. It emphasises conflict prevention and resolution through dialogue, aiming for functional mechanisms for peace and security at all levels and a fully operational African Peace and Security Architecture.
Aspiration 5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics. It seeks to advance Pan-Africanism while preserving and promoting Africa's cultural heritage, creative arts and businesses.
Aspiration 6. An Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children. It prioritises full gender equality and the empowerment and engagement of youth and children.
Aspiration 7. Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner. It pursues a greater African voice in global affairs and the financing of Africa's development from the continent's own resources.