The Agenda 2063 is a document consisting of an endogenous plan for structural transformation and a shared strategic framework for Africa's inclusive growth and sustainable development based on a long-term vision of where Africa wants to be in the next 50 years and how to get there. It is founded first and foremost on the Constitutive Act of the Union, and the Africa Union vision of a prosperous, united and integrated continent, at peace with itself and driven by its citizens and occupying its rightful place in global affairs. The paper serves as a guide for actions at continental and regional levels, but it should also inform actions at national level but, since a 50–year planning horizon is an extremely long term, Agenda 2063 is a flexible instrument and a living document to be adjusted over time; thus the decision to develop 10-year implementation plans, laying out concrete steps and milestones. The Plan consists of the following three dimensions (1) the Africa we Want , the Vision for 2063, based on the African Union Vision and the seven aspirations emanating from the stakeholders consulted, it is a picture of where Africans would like to see their continent after 50 years, that incorporates the milestones to be achieved by 2063; (2) what must be done , it is the transformation framework that presents the foundations on which Agenda 2063 is built, as well as the detailed steps in the form of goals, priority areas, targets and indicative strategies; (3) how to get there , outlines aspects related to implementation, monitoring and evaluation principles and responsibilities, financing, partnerships, capacities for implementation, and communication. The Vision can be summarized into the following seven aspirations emerged from the consulting process among the concerned stakeholders (1) a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; (2) an integrated continent, politically united, based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance; (3) an Africa of good governance, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law; (4) a peaceful and secure Africa; (5) an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics; (6) an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children; and (7) Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner. To improve the production, the main measures of the Plan aim at (i) radically transforming agriculture to enable the continent to feed itself and be a major player as a net food exporter; (ii) generating and disseminating the knowledge and technologies required to double agriculture productivity; (iii) improving the capacity of agricultural institutions to effectively and efficiently implement agricultural plans; (iv) improving the quality of agricultural data to support sector planning; (v) facilitating the creation of agricultural commodity exchange. In the filed of food security and nutrition, the target is a continent with healthy and well-nourished citizens. This can be achieved by promoting (i) modern agriculture for scaled-up production, improved productivity and value addition through commodity transformation and services that will contribute to farmer and national prosperity and food and nutrition security; (ii) policies and programs for equal access to resources for food and better nutrition; (iii) nutrition programs, especially for the poor, women, children and the marginalized. To protect the environment, Africa needs to (i) put in place measures to sustainably manage the biodiversity, forests, land and waters and use adaptive measures to address climate change risks; (ii) promote renewable energy production; (iii) increase climate resilience and disaster preparedness and prevention; (iv) develop/implement policies for reduction pollution of the ocean environment from both land and sea-based sources; (v) develop/implement policies for marine spatial planning for sustainable development. The entire Vision aims to inclusive social and economic growth, which means (i) ending poverty, inequalities of income and opportunity; job creation; addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization, improvement of habitats and access to basic necessities of life; providing social security and protection; developing Africa’s human and social capital through an education and skills revolution emphasizing science and technology and expanding access to quality health care services, particularly for women and girls; (ii) strengthening the role of Africa’s women through ensuring gender equality and parity in all spheres of life; (iii) eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls; (iv) creating opportunities for youth for self-realization, access to health, education and jobs; (v) ensuring safety and security for children, and providing for early childhood development; (vi) improving connectivity through newer and bolder initiatives to link the continent by rail, road, sea and air; (vii) restoring and preserving Africa’s cultural heritage. As for Governance, it is deemed necessary to (i) consolidating democratic gains and improving the quality of governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law; building strong institutions for a development state; and facilitating the emergence of development-oriented leadership in all spheres and at all levels; (ii) strengthening accountability and transparency as a foundation for a peaceful Africa; (iii) strengthening mechanisms for securing peace and reconciliation at all levels.
2015-09-01