African Union Agenda 2063: The Challenge for a Prosperous and United Continent
Agenda 2063 is the most ambitious strategic plan ever adopted by the African Union (AU) to guide the continent's socio-economic development over the next 50 years. Adopted in 2015, this vision aims to transform Africa into a global hub of prosperity, political integration and innovation, overcoming historical challenges such as poverty, conflict and commodity dependence. With a focus on inclusiveness, sustainability and self-determination, Agenda 2063 is not just a policy document, but a call to action for 1.4 billion Africans.
This article explores the goals, flagship projects, implementation mechanisms and challenges of this vision, analysing how governments, investors and citizens can help realise 'The Africa We Want'.
Historical Context: Why Agenda 2063?
From the Struggle for Independence to the Challenge of Development
Agenda 2063 arose from the need to move beyond the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) model, which focused on decolonisation, to embrace a vision of integrated development. After decades of instability, the AU has identified five cross-cutting priorities:
- Inclusive economic growth: Reduce poverty (currently at 40% of the population) and create 20 million jobs annually by 2030.
- Continental integration: Increase intra-African trade from 11% to 25% by 2025.
- Democratic governance: Fighting corruption, with countries like Rwanda as models of transparency.
- Environmental SustainabilityProtect 30% of African lands and seas by 2030.
- Cultural identity: Enhancing African heritage through projects such as the Great African Museum.
The Turning Point of 2013: The 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration
During the OAU's 50th anniversary celebrations, African leaders adopted a declaration redefining continental priorities, laying the foundation for Agenda 2063.
The 7 Aspirations of Agenda 2063
The core of the plan is divided into seven ambitions, each with specific targets:
- A prosperous Africa
- ObjectiveEliminating poverty within a generation.
- StrategiesDiversified economies, modern agriculture (60% of the world's arable land) and blue economy (90% of Africa's seaborne trade).
- An integrated and united continent
- Flag projects: High-speed rail network, single African market (AfCFTA) and AU passport (already active in 10 countries).
- Good governance and human rights
- TargetStrengthen institutions such as the African Court of Justice and promote transparent elections.
- Peace and Security
- ToolsAfrican Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) to prevent conflicts such as those in the Sahel.
- Strong cultural identity
- InitiativesAfrican Encyclopaedia and promotion of creative industries (e.g. Nollywood).
- Citizen-led development
- FocusYoung people (60% of the population is under 25 years old) and women, with projects such as the Virtual Pan-African University.
- Africa as a global player
- ExampleAfrican Space Agency based in Egypt and participation in COP climate negotiations.
Flagship Projects: The Building Blocks of Transformation
Agenda 2063 includes 15 flagship projects to accelerate development. Here are the most significant ones:
1. Trans-African High Speed Railway Network
- Status: At the planning stage, with priority sections such as Lagos-Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Cairo-Cape Town.
- ImpactReducing the transport costs of 30% and connecting 54 capital cities.
2. African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- Potential: Creating a 3.4 trillion $ single market, increasing Africa's GDP by 7% by 2035.
3. Great Inga Dam III (DRC)
- Capacity40,000 MW, enough to electrify 40 million households.
- Challenges: Slow funding (only 20% of the 14 billion $ raised).
4. Single Air Transport Market (SAATM)
- Progress34 member countries, with direct flights increased by 15% from 2020.
5. Pan-African Electronic University (PAVEU)
- Courses offered: Sustainable agriculture, space engineering and green technologies.
Implementation: Ten-Year Plans and Moonshot
Agenda 2063 is divided into five ten-year plans. The second (2024-2033) includes seven 'Moonshots' to accelerate results:
- Each Member State achieves average income status
- StrategiesIndustrialisation, tourism and public-private partnerships.
- More integrated Africa
- Focus: Transnational energy networks and tax harmonisation.
- Efficient public institutions
- ExampleRwanda, first in Africa for ease of doing business.
- Peaceful conflict resolution
- ToolsAU mediation in crisis like that of Tigray.
- Promotion of African culture
- ProjectAfrican Cultural Heritage Year (2025).
- Productive citizens and protagonists
- Initiatives: Digital training for 10 million young people by 2027.
- Globally influential Africa
- ObjectiveDoubling the weight of the African vote in the IMF and WTO.
Challenges and Opportunities
Main Obstacles
- Insufficient funding130-170 billion $ per year is needed for infrastructure, but only 40% is covered.
- Conflict and instability15 African countries experienced political crises in 2024.
- Dependence on raw materials70% of African exports are unprocessed resources.
Emerging Opportunities
- Digital Revolution700 million Internet users by 2030 and growth of fintech (e.g. Flutterwave in Nigeria).
- Renewable energiesSolar potential of 10 TW and projects such as Noor Ouarzazate (Morocco) with 580 MW.
- Young demography163 million new workers by 2035, more than China.
The Role of Member States and International Partners
Integration into National Plans
Countries like Ethiopia and Kenya have aligned their strategies (e.g. Kenya's Vision 2030) to Agenda 2063, with a focus on infrastructure and digitisation.
Global Collaborations
- European Union150 billion through the Global Gateway for Energy Networks and Transport.
- China: Investments in ports (e.g. Bagamoyo in Tanzania) and railway corridors.
- Private SectorFunds such as Africa50 mobilise capital for green projects.
Conclusions: Towards 2063
Agenda 2063 is not a utopian dream, but a concrete plan, already in motion. Despite the challenges, advances such as the AfCFTA (operational from 2020) and smart cities (e.g. Konza Technopolis in Kenya) show that transformation is possible.
Advice for:
- Investors: Supporting projects in renewable energy and tech.
- African GovernmentsStrengthening regional cooperation and combating corruption.
- CitizensParticipating in public consultations and promoting local innovation.
English (UK) 
Italiano 
Français