09 Sep 2024 4 min read Global Trends

How Well Do You Know the AU Agenda 2063?

When discussing global development goals, many of us, particularly the youth, are familiar with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. These goals, which target issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability, are frequently mentioned in global conversations. However, how many of us know about the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063? This comprehensive framework, adopted in 2013 during the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), is Africa’s blueprint for achieving sustainable development and unity over the next 50 years.

What is AU Agenda 2063?

The AU Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework that aims to guide Africa's socio-economic transformation over the next five decades. Its creation was driven by a collective desire among African nations to foster an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent, one that is led by its citizens and represents a strong global presence. This agenda is rooted in the Pan-African vision of "an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena."

The theme of Agenda 2063 is "The Africa We Want," and it focuses on ensuring that Africa’s development is people-driven, relying on the potential offered by its people, particularly the youth and women, and caring for children. The Agenda reflects a broad commitment to address Africa's historical challenges and opportunities by transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.

The 7 Aspirations of Agenda 2063

Just like the SDG goals, the agenda 2063 also has some earmarked aspirations that are laid down to be achieved. Under this, we have aspirations, goals, and priority areas. They are like indicators spelled out to make sure that the agenda is fully achieved by 2063.

A Prosperous Africa Based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development

This aspiration targets the eradication of poverty and building shared prosperity across the continent. It promotes agricultural transformation, industrialization, and access to quality healthcare.

An Integrated Continent, Politically United, and Based on the Ideals of Pan-Africanism and the Vision of Africa’s Renaissance

This aspiration envisions a continent with seamless borders and improved free trade and movement. It promotes political and economic integration at both regional and continental levels.

An Africa of Good Governance, Democracy, Respect for Human Rights, Justice, and the Rule of Law

Here, the goal is to build strong institutions and promote democratic governance, ensuring that human rights are upheld across the continent.

A Peaceful and Secure Africa

The aspiration is to create a continent free of conflict, capable of addressing its security challenges, and promoting peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction.

An Africa with a Strong Cultural Identity, Common Heritage, Values, and Ethics

This focuses on preserving and promoting Africa’s cultural heritage and values, ensuring the continent's identity is respected and celebrated globally.

An Africa Whose Development is People-Driven, Relying on the Potential Offered by African People, Especially Its Women and Youth, and Caring for Children

Youth and women are at the heart of this aspiration. It emphasizes empowering these groups to lead Africa’s development by investing in education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

Africa as a Strong, United, and Influential Global Player and Partner

This final aspiration seeks to establish Africa as a significant player on the global stage, representing its interests in international negotiations and partnerships.

Youth at the Forefront of Africa’s Future

The youth are central to the success of Agenda 2063. With Africa being the youngest continent in the world, the potential for young people to drive the continent’s development is immense. The AU recognizes that empowering youth with education, skills, and opportunities is critical to achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Young people are not only seen as beneficiaries but as key leaders and drivers of change. The agenda calls for a continent where youth and women are actively involved in shaping their societies, contributing to governance, and leading the charge towards a prosperous future.

Why Youth Should Care About Agenda 2063

As young Africans, understanding and engaging with Agenda 2063 is very important. While the SDGs provide a global framework, Agenda 2063 is specifically tailored to address Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. For example, while the SDGs focus on global poverty reduction, Agenda 2063 emphasizes the eradication of poverty within Africa and the importance of building a united and integrated continent. With this, we can say that the Agenda 2063 will even aid advance the UN SDGs.

Involvement in Agenda 2063 offers young people the opportunity to shape the future they want to see. Whether through entrepreneurship, advocacy, or community development, there are countless ways for the youth to contribute to achieving these aspirations. Understanding Agenda 2063 gives African youth a focused roadmap for making a difference.

How You Can Get Involved

First and foremost, educate yourself about Agenda 2063 and its aspirations. Consider how you can contribute to its goals through your career, community engagement, or activism, this might sound like a cliche but it starts with you doing the little you can. Whether you are in school, working, or involved in local organizations, your actions can contribute to the larger vision of a prosperous and united Africa.

It is vital for African youth to understand and engage with the AU’s Agenda 2063. This is not just a document but a comprehensive plan for transforming Africa over the next five decades. The journey to 2063 has already begun, and it is up to all of us, especially the youth, to ensure that the vision of "The Africa We Want" becomes a reality.