Agenda 2063 is the continent’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the concrete manifestation of how the continent intends to achieve this goal within a 50-year period. The First Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063, spanning from 2014 to 2023, outlined a set of goals, priority areas and targets that the continent aimed to achieve at national, regional and continental levels.
The genesis of Agenda 2063 was the realization by African leaders that there was a need to refocus and reprioritise Africa’s agenda from the struggle against apartheid and the attainment of political independence for the continent which had been the focus of The Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of the African Union; and instead to prioritise inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security amongst other issues aimed at repositioning Africa to becoming a dominant player in the global arena.
Agenda 2063 is anchored in the aspiration to craft “The Africa We Want,” a peaceful, prosperous, integrated, people-driven, and globally influential continent. This vision is articulated through seven aspirations:
- A prosperous Africa rooted in inclusive growth and sustainable development
- An integrated continent, politically united under Pan-African ideals
- A continent characterized by good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law
- An Africa at peace with itself
- A continent with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, and shared values
- A people-driven development agenda that harnesses the potential of women and youth
- An Africa that is a strong, united, and influential player on the global stage
Among the flagship projects designed to bring these aspirations to life are the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the African Passport and free-movement policy, the Grand Inga hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and digital and scientific platforms required to propel Africa into a knowledge-based economy.
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 formation of the OAU /AU in May 2013. The declaration marked the re-dedication of Africa towards 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 Africa of the future was captured in a letter presented by the former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlaminin Zuma.
Some of the past and current initiatives it builds on include: the Lagos Plan of Action, The Abuja Treaty, The Minimum Integration Programme, the Programme for Infrastructural Development in Africa (PIDA), the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), The New partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Regional Plans and Programmes and National Plans.
So far it seems significant strides have been made in translating vision into practice. The AfCFTA became operational in 2021, creating the largest free trade area in the world by membership. If fully implemented, it could boost intra-African trade by more than 50 percent and fundamentally reshape industrialization and regional value chains. Pilot transactions under the AfCFTA have already taken place, demonstrating that political will is materializing into economic reality. Ratifications continue to expand, and the permanent secretariat in Accra, Ghana is already operational.
The first Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2014–2023) recorded that Africa had achieved just over half of its targeted milestones—a somewhat commendable achievement reflecting both progress and the challenges of implementation. Infrastructure connectivity has advanced with new transport networks, broader electrification, and significant information and communications technology (ICT) improvements. Energy integration has gained momentum through initiatives such as the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) and the Continental Power Systems Masterplan.
Visa reforms and free-movement policies have also advanced. Rwanda and Ghana, for instance, liberalized visa regimes to facilitate easier entry for Africans, with Ghana’s 2025 visa-free announcement marking a historic milestone. These reforms reduce barriers for traders, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens, bringing the idea of continental integration into everyday life.
Another area of progress is monitoring and accountability. The AU now conducts biennial reviews and publishes dashboards to track results. These mechanisms enhance transparency and allow citizens and leaders alike to assess progress, hold institutions accountable, and contribute ideas. Importantly, the Ten-Year Plans are aligned with the priorities of Regional Economic Communities (REC), ensuring coherence between continental goals and regional action. Legal instruments such as the AfCFTA agreement and protocols on free movement and migration provide binding frameworks for states to translate continental aspirations into domestic laws.
Nonetheless, challenges remain substantial. Financing gaps persist as flagship projects require large upfront investments, yet many countries still rely heavily on external financing. Implementation is uneven, with some countries integrating Agenda 2063 into their national development plans while others lag due to weak institutional or technical capacity. Security challenges in regions like the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and parts of Central Africa also continue to undermine progress.
Data gaps also pose problems, making it difficult to measure outcomes accurately. Sustained progress requires greater domestic financing, stronger institutional capacity at both the AU and REC levels, and consistent domestication of commitments into national policies and budgets.
To advance Agenda 2063, the AU and member states have pursued blended financing, strengthened partnerships, and implemented institutional reforms. Blended finance—combining public resources, concessional finance, and private investment—has become an important tool. The African Development Bank has taken the lead alongside bilateral partners and private investors. Public-private partnerships are increasingly used for infrastructure projects ranging from energy corridors to digital networks.
Domestic resource mobilization has also advanced through tax reforms, improved financial management, and instruments such as diaspora bonds. Countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Mauritius, and Rwanda have shown how diaspora engagement and targeted reforms can attract investment.
Human capital development remains a cornerstone. Agenda 2063 prioritizes youth, women, and science and technology. Initiatives such as the Pan-African Virtual and e-University, scholarship programs, and STEM-focused education reforms aim to build the workforce Africa needs for industrialization and the digital economy. These investments ensure that Africa’s young population drives innovation rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Ownership and awareness are critical to the success of Agenda 2063. At the continental level, leaders, AU organs, and regional bodies are invested. The private sector and civil society are increasingly engaged, and flagship projects like AfCFTA and visa liberalization have resonated with the public. Traders in West Africa, for example, already benefit from reduced barriers, while entrepreneurs in East Africa are accessing wider markets.
Yet, at the grassroots level, awareness remains uneven. Many rural communities or marginalized groups do not yet see how Agenda 2063 directly affects their daily lives. The vision becomes tangible only when translated into practical improvements such as jobs, roads, or simplified travel. Effective communication—through local languages, community dialogues, and visible benefits—is essential.
Civil society organizations and youth networks are vital in bridging this gap. In some countries, they play an active role in shaping national implementation, while in others, their involvement remains limited. Agenda 2063 will only succeed if it becomes a people’s project rather than an AU initiative.
The African diaspora must also be fully engaged. Recognized as Africa’s “sixth region,” the diaspora includes peoples of African descent in the Americas, Europe, and beyond. These communities are empowered to participate in AU institutions and decision-making. The challenge now is to fully integrate diasporic voices into the shaping and ownership of Agenda 2063.
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