Published In 2015 By African Union Commission
Part 1 of 6 Part Series
THE VOICES OF THE AFRICAN PEOPLE
1. We, the people of Africa and her Diaspora, united in diversity, young and old, men and women, girls and boys from all walks of life, deeply conscious of history, express our deep appreciation to all generations of Pan-Africanists. In particular, to the founders of the Organisation of African Unity for having bequeathed us an Africa with exemplary successes in the fight against slavery, colonialism and apartheid. Agenda 2063, rooted in Pan Africanism and African Renaissance, provides a robust framework for addressing past injustices and the realisation of the 21st Century as the African Century.
2. We echo the Pan-African call that Africa must unite in order to realize its Renaissance. Present generations are confident that the destiny of Africa is in their hands, and that they must act now to shape the future they want. Fifty years after the first thirty-three (33) independent African states took a landmark decision to form the Organization of African Unity, we are looking ahead towards the next fifty years.
3. In this new and noble initiative, past plans and commitments have been reviewed, and we pledge to take into account lessons from them as we implement Agenda 2063. These include: mobilization of the people and their ownership of continental programmes at the core; the principle of self-reliance and Africa financing its own development; the importance of capable, inclusive and accountable states and institutions at all levels and in all spheres; the critical role of Regional Economic Communities as building blocks for continental unity; taking into account of the special challenges faced by both island and land-locked states; and holding ourselves and our governments and institutions accountable for results. Agenda 2063 will not happen spontaneously, it will require conscious and deliberate efforts to nurture a transformative leadership that will drive the agenda and defend Africa’s interests.
4. We rededicate ourselves to the enduring Pan African vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”
AFRICAN ASPIRATIONS FOR 2063
5. Our united voices paint a picture of what we desire for ourselves, for future generations and the continent.
6. The aspirations reflect our desire for shared prosperity and well-being, for unity and integration, for a continent of free citizens and expanded horizons, where the full potential of women and youth, boys and girls are realized, and with freedom from fear, disease and want.
7. Africa is self-confident in its identity, heritage, culture and shared values and as a strong, united and influential partner on the global stage making its contribution to peace, human progress, peaceful co-existence and welfare. In short, a different and better Africa.
8. We are confident that Africa has the capability to realise her full potential in development, culture and peace and to establish flourishing, inclusive and prosperous societies. We thus, commit to act together towards achieving the following aspirations:
ASPIRATION 1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
9. We are determined to eradicate poverty in one generation and build shared prosperity through social and economic transformation of the continent.
10. We aspire that by 2063, Africa shall be a prosperous continent, with the means and resources to drive its own development, with sustainable and long-term stewardship of its resources and where: • African people have a high standard of living, and quality of life, sound health and well-being; • Well educated and skilled citizens, underpinned by science, technology and innovation for a knowledge society is the norm and no child misses school due to poverty or any form of discrimination; • Cities and other settlements are hubs of cultural and economic activities,
OUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE AFRICA WE WANT
1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance
3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, 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, shared 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
7. Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner.
ASPIRATION 1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
9. We are determined to eradicate poverty in one generation and build shared prosperity through social and economic transformation of the continent.
10. We aspire that by 2063, Africa shall be a prosperous continent, with the means and resources to drive its own development, with sustainable and long-term stewardship of its resources and where:
• African people have a high standard of living, and quality of life, sound health and well-being;
• Well educated and skilled citizens, underpinned by science, technology and innovation for a knowledge society is the norm and no child misses school due to poverty or any form of discrimination;
• Cities and other settlements are hubs of cultural and economic activities,
with modernized infrastructure, and people have access to affordable
and decent housing including housing finance together with all the basic
necessities of life such as, water, sanitation, energy, public transport and
ICT;
• Economies are structurally transformed to create shared growth, decent
jobs and economic opportunities for all;
• Modern agriculture for increased production, productivity and value
addition contributes to farmer and national prosperity and Africa’s collective
food security; and
• Africa’s unique natural endowments, its environment and ecosystems,
including its wildlife and wild lands are healthy, valued and protected, with
climate resilient economies and communities.
- By 2063, African countries will be amongst the best performers in global quality
of life measures. This will be attained through strategies of inclusive growth,
job creation, increasing agricultural production; investments in science,
technology, research and innovation; gender equality, youth empowerment
and the provision of basic services including health, nutrition, education,
shelter, water and sanitation. - Africa’s collective GDP will be proportionate to her share of the world’s
population and natural resource endowments. - Africa’s agriculture will be modern and productive, using science, technology,
innovation and indigenous knowledge. The hand hoe will be banished by
2025 and the sector will be modern, profitable and attractive to the continent’s
youths and women. - Africa’s human capital will be fully developed as its most precious resource,
through sustained investments based on universal early childhood development
and basic education, and sustained investments in higher education, science,
technology, research and innovation, and the elimination of gender disparities
at all levels of education. Access to post-graduate education will be expanded
and strengthened to ensure world-class infrastructure for learning and
research and support scientific reforms that underpin the transformation of the
continent. - Africa’s Blue/ocean economy, which is three times the size of its landmass,
shall be a major contributor to continental transformation and growth, through
knowledge on marine and aquatic biotechnology, the growth of an Africa-wide
shipping industry, the development of sea, river and lake transport and fishing;
and exploitation and beneficiation of deep sea mineral and other resources. - Whilst Africa at present contributes less than 5% of global carbon emissions, it bears the brunt of the impact of climate change. Africa shall address the global challenge of climate change by prioritizing adaptation in all our actions, drawing upon skills of diverse disciplines with adequate support (affordable technology development and transfer, capacity building, financial and technical resources) to ensure implementation of actions for the survival of the most vulnerable populations, including islands states, and for sustainable development and shared prosperity. 17. Africa will participate in global efforts for climate change mitigation that support and broaden the policy space for sustainable development on the continent. Africa shall continue to speak with one voice and unity of purpose in advancing its position and interests on climate change. 18. Africa shall have equitable and sustainable use and management of water resources for socio-economic development, regional cooperation and the environment.
