“I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me” – Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah
The Africa we want is possible and attainable; we need a change of mindset to accept this reality. I want to encourage you to see the glass as half-full and not half-empty as an expression of optimism. Just as how the master will appear when the student is ready, in the same way I envision the Africa we want is possible when we know about it, work toward it and build it together! It’s the power of choice. Let’s emancipate ourselves from mental slavery and accept the grass is greener here. We need that change mindset first. How can something considered of no value offer you value? The Africa we want is a possibility. Some food for thought here.
The outside media portrays Africa as poverty-stricken and needy, which is far from the real truth. Africa must tell the African story the Africa way. The ideal Africa we want must not wait for other continents to tell its perceived story misconstrued from the ideal reality.
Africa is not a country but a continent, and civilisation began in Africa. The current population of Africa is 1,416,097,444 as of Wednesday, November 9, 2022, based on the latest United Nations estimates. The Africa we want must invest into its own research. More often than not, one is tempted to quote other sources due to non-availability and in some cases lack of relevant data. The narrative is changing, and this is welcome news. Kofi Annan is quoted as saying: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family”. Let’s then know and understand the Africa we want in the Agenda 2063 blueprint. I serve thus you the Africa we want blueprint, including its 7 aspirations and 15 flagship projects.
According to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), precursor of the African Union, the Africa we want must encompass these. “Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master-plan for transforming Africa into a 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 attainment of political independence for the continent – which had been the focus of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), precursor of the African Union – and instead prioritise inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance, and peace and security among 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 OAU/AU’s formation in May 2013.
The declaration marked the re-dedication of Africa toward 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 – and Agenda 2063 is the concrete manifestation of how the continent intends to achieve this vision within a 50-year period, from 2013 to 2063, thinking of the future Africa.
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-centred development, gender equality and youth empowerment; changing global contexts such as increased globalisation 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 value addition to African commodities.
Agenda 2063 not only encapsulates 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 continent’s rapid transformation.
Agenda 2063 also identifies key activities to be undertaken in its 10-year implementation plans which will ensure Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative transformational outcomes for the African people.
Africa’s Seven (7) Aspirations for the Future
Agenda 2063 seeks to deliver on a set of seven aspirations, each with its own set of goals which if achieved will move Africa closer to achieving its vision for the year 2063. These 7 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 is realised, and with freedom from fear, disease and want.
- Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
- Aspiration 2: An integrated continent politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance.
- Aspiration 3: An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
- Aspiration 4:A peaceful and secure Africa.
- Aspiration 5:An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics.
- 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.
- Aspiration 7: Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner.
The Fifteen (15) Flagship Projects of Agenda 2063
The flagship projects of Agenda 2063 refer to key programmes and initiatives which have been identified as key to accelerating Africa’s economic growth and development, as well as promoting our common identity by celebrating our history and vibrant culture. The flagship projects encompass infrastructure, education, science, technology, arts and culture, as well as initiatives to secure peace on the continent. They include:
- Integrated High Speed Train Network
- Formation of an African Commodities strategy
- Establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- The African Passport and Free Movement of People
- Silence the Guns by year 2020
- Implementation of the grand INGA Dam project
- Establishment of a single African Air-Transport Market (SAATM)
- Establishment of an annual African Economic Forum
- Establishment of African Financial Institutions
- The Pan-African E-Network
- African outer-space strategy
- An African virtual and E-university
- Cyber security
- Great African Museum
- Encyclopedia Africana
The Africa we want is possible. Let’s face neither east nor west, but rather face forward.
“It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.” – Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
Baptista is a Hybrid Professional and the Executive Director of ProHumane Afrique International. ProHumane is a charitable, development & think-thank organisation working with communities & individuals to create sustainable solutions to transform communities through diverse pro-poor initiatives. Pro-poor initiatives are initiatives that help to alleviate poverty. Baptista is a realist, affable, simple and humane. You can reach us via e-mail on [email protected] and follow this conversation on all our social media sites: Linked-In/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Instagram: ProHumane Afrique International. Call or WhatsApp: +233(0)262213313. Hashtag: #behumane #thegivingcapsules #prohumaneafriqueint #fowc
