Have you ever heard about the vision 2063 before?
Are you wondering what it means and what it entails?

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.

Origin of the Agenda 2063:
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 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 the attainment of political independence for the continent. They recognised the need to prioritise inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance, peace and security amongst other issues aimed at repositioning Africa to becoming a dominant player in the global arena.

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 various 10 years Implementation Plans which will ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative Transformational Outcomes for Africa’s people.

Africa Aspirations

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 a 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 are realised, and with freedom from fear, disease and want. They include:

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, resilient and influential global player and partner.

As I read these aspirations, I couldn’t help but imagine it too and wish these visions are achieved. The fact that this vision 2063 is also linked to the sustainable development goals makes it even more amazing.

Expected Outcome of this vision 2063

• There will free movement of goods, services and capital; and persons travelling to any member state could get the visa at the point of entry.
• All obstacles related to Women owing/inheriting property or business, signing a contract, owning or managing a bank account would be removed by 2023.
• At least one in five women would have access to and control of productive assets.
• All forms of violence against women would have been reduced by a third in 2023.
• All harmful social norms and customary practices would have ended by 2023.
• Nine out of ten persons will have access to safe drinking water and sanitation; electricity supply and internet connectivity will be up by 50% and cities will be recycling at least 50% of the waste they generate.
• Incidence of hunger, especially amongst Women and Youth will only be 20% of 2023 levels.

Conclusion :

Africa is expected to show improved standards of living; transformed, inclusive and sustained economies; increased levels of regional and continental integration; a population of empowered women and youth and a society in which children are cared for and protected; societies that are peaceful, demonstrate good democratic values and practice good governance principles and which preserve and enhance Africa’s cultural identity.

Before today, I had never heard about the vision 2063, I therefore think more awareness about this vision needs to be made known to the public and not the leaders of the country. It was very great however to know that the African leaders are not taking a back seat while the world develop and progresses ahead. I know it would take a while for this vision to come to pass but like a favourite quote if mine once said: the journey of a hundred miles begins with one step and I think the African leaders along with the African Union have taken several great steps in the right direction. Lastly, I think we the members of the Africzn Continent need to do our part to help the leaders to achieve our dreams.

How can this be achieved:

• • To ensure a peaceful and secure Africa, we should always choose peace and settlements of disputes instead of choosing violence and wars. Inter-ethnic wars should be put to a stop by showing that despite our different ethnic groups and languages we are first human beings and that should be what matters the most
• • To have an Africa with good governance and respect for human rights, we should try to make sure that we vote for the right leaders into power. The leaders that recognises that they are in power to serve the people, that understands the needs of their citizens and work every day to ensure that the human rights of the citizens are not trampled upon
• • To ensure a strong heritage, shared values and ethics. We should be open to learn about the cultures of other people from within your country and outside our country. We should learn to respect their various cultural heritages and believes.

Reading about the Vision 2063, I couldn’t help but imagine this vision becoming a reality as it quickly became the Africa I want and I hope we want. Let’s build Africa together.