Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) -The African Union (AU) is preparing an implementation plan for Agenda 2063, a long-term vision to ensure faster economic growth and industrialization.
An expert meeting bringing together senior officials from regional economic blocs ended in Nairobi, with experts resolving to ensure faster implementation of the growth plan in all the 54 African states.
“We have assessed the continental partnerships to ensure they all fit into the Agenda 2063,” Jacques Mukwende, AU’s Head of Resource Mobilisation, said at the close of the three-day meeting.
Officials from the regional economic blocs in West Africa, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa met alongside experts from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to plan for the implementation of projects.
Mukwende said Agenda 2063 would be implemented in 10-year phases, with major emphasis on existing projects to boost agriculture production and bolstering economic activity.
The AU is laying emphasis on creating more value from the political and economic relationships being forged with China, India, Arab States and the United States of America.
“In 50 years, we should consult through what the African countries and their people want to achieve. It is a vision for the AU that is fully integrated economically, that is peaceful and secure, a continent driven by its people. It is the Africa We Want,” Mukwende said.
Agenda 2063 lays emphasis on the implementation of the AU Infrastructure Programme (PIDA), which aims to connect African states through seamless roads, rail and energy networks to boost trade.
At the Nairobi meeting, 16-18 November, the experts discussed how to create a system of monitoring and evaluating implementation of the projects.
“Flagship projects to be implemented in this area are those aiming at improving food security through the Comprehensive Programme for Agriculture Development (CAADP),” Mukwende said.
Agenda 2063 was adopted by the 24th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly on the 31 January 2015. The plan seeks to accelerate Africa’s political, social, economic and technological transformation while continuing the pan-African drive for freedom, progress and prosperity.
“This is the only guideline to Africa’s future prosperity,” Mukwende said.
