…navigating the waves toward a prosperous continent – the role of political leadership
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the 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.
African heads of state and governments signed the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the formation of the OAU/AU in May 2013. The declaration marked the re-dedication of Africa toward the 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.
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 the value addition in African commodities.
In fact, ‘Agenda 2063’ encapsulates not only 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 rapid transformation of the continent.
Agenda 2063 also identifies key activities to be undertaken in its 10 years, which will ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative transformational outcomes for Africa’s people. Indeed, Agenda 2063 is a very profound and ambitious plan with the propensity to lift the continent from poverty and underdevelopment.
However, such a great vision cannot be actualised if bold, concrete and deliberate steps are not taken by all citizens; more importantly, political leadership.
It is against this background that we, at the Policy Initiative for Economic Development (PIED Africa), deem it necessary to ignite conversations around the ‘Africa We Want Agenda’, and thereby feature thought leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs, captains of industry, the youth and professionals on our platform.
The Policy Initiative for Economic Development (PIED Africa) is a non-partisan emerging economic think tank based in Accra with the main aim of discussing, addressing and proffering solutions to the issues affecting Africa.
‘The Africa We Want’ series is a monthly innovative platform created to discuss and make pragmatic recommendations toward Agenda 2063. On Tuesday, January 31, 2022, the first edition comes off, featuring Dr. Emmanuel Dei-Tumi, President & Chief Copywriter of Human Capital International; Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Innovation & Technology, Uganda; Katsonga Phiri, Minister of Trade and Industry, Malawi; and Zaina Adamu, Policy Consultant, European Council on Foreign Relations.
It is our expectation that our distinguished speakers will walk us through the following thematic areas.
- The internal factors affecting Africa’s development
- External factors impeding our development
- How do we navigate the afore-mentioned waves?
- Role of political leadership in driving ‘The Africa We Want’ Agenda 2063
- Will AfCFTA be the game-changer?
Let’s all join the conversation and make Africa a better place for all citizens.
>>>The writer is a Development Economist and Chartered Business Consultant. Daniel is the Chief Economist at the Policy Initiative for Economic Development (PIED) Africa. He is also the Director of Operations at B&FT. He can be reached by email: [email protected]
Tel: 0244 476376/ 0201939350
