May 2013 marked the Golden Jubilee
celebrations of the formation of the Organisation of African Union/ African
Union and African heads of state and government signed the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration .
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.[1]
African Leaders recognized the need to refocus and reprioritize Africa’s agenda
to an inclusive social and economic development, from the struggle against
apartheid and the attainment of political freedom and economic development.
celebrations of the formation of the Organisation of African Union/ African
Union and African heads of state and government signed the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration .
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.[1]
African Leaders recognized the need to refocus and reprioritize Africa’s agenda
to an inclusive social and economic development, from the struggle against
apartheid and the attainment of political freedom and economic development.
Agenda 2063
integrates the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development
Goals), which is a commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable
development by 2030 world-wide, ensuring that no one, that is
no country is left behind.[2]
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.
integrates the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development
Goals), which is a commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable
development by 2030 world-wide, ensuring that no one, that is
no country is left behind.[2]
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.
In Agenda 2063,
are laid out seven key aspirations for Africa: inclusive growth and sustainable
development; good governance and respect for human rights; a strong cultural
identity; people-driven development; and an Africa that is a global player and
partner. Agenda 2063 has been termed a strategic framework for inclusive and
sustainable development to make Africa, a dominant player in the global arena.
are laid out seven key aspirations for Africa: inclusive growth and sustainable
development; good governance and respect for human rights; a strong cultural
identity; people-driven development; and an Africa that is a global player and
partner. Agenda 2063 has been termed a strategic framework for inclusive and
sustainable development to make Africa, a dominant player in the global arena.
It is
interesting to note that Agenda 2063 is to be run in a series of five ten year
plans over the fifty year horizon of Agenda 2063’s time frame. The First Ten
Year Implementation Plan (FTYIP) of Agenda 2063, (2013 – 2023) is the first in
the series and it is currently on.
interesting to note that Agenda 2063 is to be run in a series of five ten year
plans over the fifty year horizon of Agenda 2063’s time frame. The First Ten
Year Implementation Plan (FTYIP) of Agenda 2063, (2013 – 2023) is the first in
the series and it is currently on.
The purpose for developing the ten year plans
are to:
are to:
- Identify priority areas, set
specific targets, define strategies and policy measures required to
implement the FTYIP of Agenda 2063. - Bring to fruition the Fast Track
programmes and initiatives outlined in the Malabo Decisions of the African
Union (AU) to provide the big push and breakthroughs for Africa’s economic
and social transformation. - Provide information to all key
stakeholders at the national, regional and continental levels on the
expected results / outcomes for the first ten years of the plan and assign
responsibilities to all stakeholders in its implementation, monitoring and
evaluation - Outline the strategies required to
ensure availability of resources and capacities together with citizen’s
engagement in the implementation of the First Ten Year Plan.[3]
Agenda 2063 also identifies key
activities to be undertaken in its 10 year Implementation plans which will
ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative transformational outcomes for
Africans.
activities to be undertaken in its 10 year Implementation plans which will
ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative transformational outcomes for
Africans.
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. [4]
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. [4]
THE ROLES
OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE ACTUALIZATION OF AGENDA 2063
OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE ACTUALIZATION OF AGENDA 2063
Helen Keller once said, ‘It
is not possible for civilization to flow backwards while there is youth in the
world. Youth may be headstrong, but it will advance it allotted length.’ For
Africa to experience the positive transformation, she desires, the youths have
a great role to play, they are very vital to championing the course of Agenda
2063.
is not possible for civilization to flow backwards while there is youth in the
world. Youth may be headstrong, but it will advance it allotted length.’ For
Africa to experience the positive transformation, she desires, the youths have
a great role to play, they are very vital to championing the course of Agenda
2063.
The future
success of the world rests with the continued commitment and contributions of
the young people in promoting sustainability. This relates to Africa, which has
the youngest and fast growing population in the world. According to UNDP
Africa, “By 2055 the continent’s youth population (aged 15-24), is expected to
be more double the 2015 total of 226 million.” This can offer a possible
demographic dividend to reap the benefits for the continent in the next coming
years.[5]
success of the world rests with the continued commitment and contributions of
the young people in promoting sustainability. This relates to Africa, which has
the youngest and fast growing population in the world. According to UNDP
Africa, “By 2055 the continent’s youth population (aged 15-24), is expected to
be more double the 2015 total of 226 million.” This can offer a possible
demographic dividend to reap the benefits for the continent in the next coming
years.[5]
The writer would
discuss the roles, the youth can play and can take up to achieve Agenda 2063
under the seven key aspirations for Africa.
discuss the roles, the youth can play and can take up to achieve Agenda 2063
under the seven key aspirations for Africa.
OUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE AFRICA WE WANT
1. A
prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development:
Youths can help Africa become prosperous by embracing the entrepreneurship
spirit. Youths should regard themselves as individuals, capable of creating
wealth and reducing the rate of unemployment in Africa. Youths all over Africa
should network and empower themselves. Young people should become social actors
of change and progress.
prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development:
Youths can help Africa become prosperous by embracing the entrepreneurship
spirit. Youths should regard themselves as individuals, capable of creating
wealth and reducing the rate of unemployment in Africa. Youths all over Africa
should network and empower themselves. Young people should become social actors
of change and progress.
2. An integrated continent, politically united
and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s
Renaissance: The continuous existence of an African Continent free of
disunity and neo-colonialism, is up to the youths. Africa’s history is full of
instances of the disruption of the political order and the youths have a great
role to play for Africa to be politically united.
and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s
Renaissance: The continuous existence of an African Continent free of
disunity and neo-colonialism, is up to the youths. Africa’s history is full of
instances of the disruption of the political order and the youths have a great
role to play for Africa to be politically united.
The youths have
to be more politically conscious and be engaged in the governance of their
respective countries. The youths must carry out actions and show a high level
of discipline to help preserve the African descent and way of life. The youths
must try as much as possible to wade off the negative influence of the western
culture on Africa’s culture.
to be more politically conscious and be engaged in the governance of their
respective countries. The youths must carry out actions and show a high level
of discipline to help preserve the African descent and way of life. The youths
must try as much as possible to wade off the negative influence of the western
culture on Africa’s culture.
Pan-Africanism
and African Renaissance stress the need for a collective self-reliance. African
countries must support one another to develop at a collective rate. At this
point, the initiative of the African Continental Free Trade Area, must be commended.
The youths have to network and create an all-African alliance that would
empower African people globally. The Government of every African Country must
do all they can, to prevent the migration of youths out of the Continent. Also,
the youths must be the major participants in economic involvement on the
continent.
and African Renaissance stress the need for a collective self-reliance. African
countries must support one another to develop at a collective rate. At this
point, the initiative of the African Continental Free Trade Area, must be commended.
The youths have to network and create an all-African alliance that would
empower African people globally. The Government of every African Country must
do all they can, to prevent the migration of youths out of the Continent. Also,
the youths must be the major participants in economic involvement on the
continent.
3. An
Africa of good governance, democracy,
respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law: The youths must
stand up to the occasion and act as watchdogs to the Government of their
respective countries. Youths are the best agents of social change. They are
capable of initiating the consciousness and participation that would make
respective governments accountable to its people. The youths should get
involved in politics and query the unfavourable policies of the government and
the acts of all public office holders.
Africa of good governance, democracy,
respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law: The youths must
stand up to the occasion and act as watchdogs to the Government of their
respective countries. Youths are the best agents of social change. They are
capable of initiating the consciousness and participation that would make
respective governments accountable to its people. The youths should get
involved in politics and query the unfavourable policies of the government and
the acts of all public office holders.
The youths
should speak up whenever the respect for human rights is being breached. The
youths should ensure that the rule of law is being adhered to; the youths
should also keep a close eye on the Judiciary and ensure that Justice is served
at all times.
should speak up whenever the respect for human rights is being breached. The
youths should ensure that the rule of law is being adhered to; the youths
should also keep a close eye on the Judiciary and ensure that Justice is served
at all times.
The young can
therefore contribute by organizing themselves in small groups of leadership,
civil groups that counter check and fight for democracy and human rights. These
small groups of leadership can participate in policy level, also rally fellow
youth to participate in democratic activities such as elections and also
encourage each other to run for offices that coincide with their voting ages.
therefore contribute by organizing themselves in small groups of leadership,
civil groups that counter check and fight for democracy and human rights. These
small groups of leadership can participate in policy level, also rally fellow
youth to participate in democratic activities such as elections and also
encourage each other to run for offices that coincide with their voting ages.
4. A
peaceful and secure Africa: It is saddening to note that anywhere in the
world, the youths are the major participants in crime. Time is running out for
Africa to ‘silence the guns by 2020’ and end all wars – a target set by the
African Union (AU) in its Agenda 2063
plan for a peaceful and secure Africa. With greater youth involvement in
Africa’s peace processes, this target might be more achievable.[6]
Young people have directly felt the consequences of violent conflict in Africa.
The fall of president François Bozizé in 2013, for example, plunged the Central
African Republic into conflict. This led to high unemployment, exclusion from
political participation and extreme poverty, making the Central African
Republic the worst
country in the world to be a young person.
peaceful and secure Africa: It is saddening to note that anywhere in the
world, the youths are the major participants in crime. Time is running out for
Africa to ‘silence the guns by 2020’ and end all wars – a target set by the
African Union (AU) in its Agenda 2063
plan for a peaceful and secure Africa. With greater youth involvement in
Africa’s peace processes, this target might be more achievable.[6]
Young people have directly felt the consequences of violent conflict in Africa.
The fall of president François Bozizé in 2013, for example, plunged the Central
African Republic into conflict. This led to high unemployment, exclusion from
political participation and extreme poverty, making the Central African
Republic the worst
country in the world to be a young person.
The youth must be included in peace processes
if the guns are to be silenced in Africa by 2020, the youths should also
participate in the African Union’s new Youth for Peace Africa Programme,
launched in Lagos, Nigeria, on 4 September 2018.
if the guns are to be silenced in Africa by 2020, the youths should also
participate in the African Union’s new Youth for Peace Africa Programme,
launched in Lagos, Nigeria, on 4 September 2018.
There are
specific actions that the AU needs to take to give all African youth the chance
to be peacemakers through Youth for Peace Africa. First, it needs to define the
duties that the youth are expected to play in peace processes. This includes
what youth are required to do at local, national and continental level. Second,
the AU should encourage states to dismantle social, economic, institutional and
geographic obstacles that prevent young people from playing leading roles in
conflict resolution. Third, ‘Youth for Peace Africa’ should push for a review
of peace and security policies of the AU and Regional Economic Communities to
ensure they enhance the visibility and rights of young people. The African
Union should also consider making ‘Youth for Peace Africa’ an integral pillar
of the African Governance Architecture
Youth Engagement Strategy.[7]
specific actions that the AU needs to take to give all African youth the chance
to be peacemakers through Youth for Peace Africa. First, it needs to define the
duties that the youth are expected to play in peace processes. This includes
what youth are required to do at local, national and continental level. Second,
the AU should encourage states to dismantle social, economic, institutional and
geographic obstacles that prevent young people from playing leading roles in
conflict resolution. Third, ‘Youth for Peace Africa’ should push for a review
of peace and security policies of the AU and Regional Economic Communities to
ensure they enhance the visibility and rights of young people. The African
Union should also consider making ‘Youth for Peace Africa’ an integral pillar
of the African Governance Architecture
Youth Engagement Strategy.[7]
Young people make up the majority
of Africa’s population. They need to be seen – not just as part of the problem
or as victims of conflicts – but as a positive resource that can help the
continent achieve sustainable peace. What the youths need to do is to rise up
to the challenge and resolve that Africa must be a peaceful continent.
of Africa’s population. They need to be seen – not just as part of the problem
or as victims of conflicts – but as a positive resource that can help the
continent achieve sustainable peace. What the youths need to do is to rise up
to the challenge and resolve that Africa must be a peaceful continent.
5. An
Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and
ethics: The youths have a role to play to ensure that our diversity in
culture, heritage, languages and religion shall be a cause of strength and
unity in Africa. If the youths can break all forms of differential barriers,
Africa is on her path to great fulfilment. The youths have an important role as
drivers of change. The youths must
champion the course of an inter-generational dialogue, which will ensure that
Africa as a continent adapts to social and cultural change.
Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and
ethics: The youths have a role to play to ensure that our diversity in
culture, heritage, languages and religion shall be a cause of strength and
unity in Africa. If the youths can break all forms of differential barriers,
Africa is on her path to great fulfilment. The youths have an important role as
drivers of change. The youths must
champion the course of an inter-generational dialogue, which will ensure that
Africa as a continent adapts to social and cultural change.
6. An
Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African
people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children: Over
years, the continent that has suffered brain-drain, the most, is Africa. This
has really affected in every aspect of her existence. The youths must be
actively involved in the decision making process in all aspects of development,
including social, economic, political and environmental.
Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African
people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children: Over
years, the continent that has suffered brain-drain, the most, is Africa. This
has really affected in every aspect of her existence. The youths must be
actively involved in the decision making process in all aspects of development,
including social, economic, political and environmental.
The youths
should empower themselves in all spheres of life. The youths should fight against all forms of
gender-based violence and discrimination (social, economic, political) against
women. The youths should embark on awareness programs and ensure that all
harmful social practices (especially female genital mutilation and child
marriages) be ended and barriers to quality health and education for women and
girls eliminated.
should empower themselves in all spheres of life. The youths should fight against all forms of
gender-based violence and discrimination (social, economic, political) against
women. The youths should embark on awareness programs and ensure that all
harmful social practices (especially female genital mutilation and child
marriages) be ended and barriers to quality health and education for women and
girls eliminated.
The youths
should clamour for full gender parity, with women occupying at least 50% of
elected public offices at all levels and half of managerial positions in the
public and the private sectors. The youths are capable of making this happen.
Also, the youths should devote themselves to innovation and entrepreneurship.
should clamour for full gender parity, with women occupying at least 50% of
elected public offices at all levels and half of managerial positions in the
public and the private sectors. The youths are capable of making this happen.
Also, the youths should devote themselves to innovation and entrepreneurship.
7. Africa
as a strong, united and influential global player and partner: The youths
should harness their potentials and portray a good image of the continent
abroad since they account for the bulk of Africans in Diaspora. The youths
should undertake to continue the global struggle against all forms of
exploitation, racism and discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances;
to advance international cooperation that promotes and defends Africa’s
interests. The youths should speak with one voice and act collectively to
promote our common interests and positions in the international arena.[8]
The youths should speak with one voice on priorities and views on global
issues.
as a strong, united and influential global player and partner: The youths
should harness their potentials and portray a good image of the continent
abroad since they account for the bulk of Africans in Diaspora. The youths
should undertake to continue the global struggle against all forms of
exploitation, racism and discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances;
to advance international cooperation that promotes and defends Africa’s
interests. The youths should speak with one voice and act collectively to
promote our common interests and positions in the international arena.[8]
The youths should speak with one voice on priorities and views on global
issues.
CONCLUSION:
The youthful population of Africa can
help to actualize the agenda 2063 if they are empowered and engaged.
Empowerment of the young people regardless of sex will create a self-sustaining
pool of young people that are ingenious and talented. The youth can do peer to
peer mentorships, health and sex education that will help bring about healthy
and well-nourished citizens.[9]
help to actualize the agenda 2063 if they are empowered and engaged.
Empowerment of the young people regardless of sex will create a self-sustaining
pool of young people that are ingenious and talented. The youth can do peer to
peer mentorships, health and sex education that will help bring about healthy
and well-nourished citizens.[9]
Consecutively,
climate change is currently a world problem with repercussions being felt
heavily on Africa. The youths around the continent should mobilize each other
towards sustainable use and protection of natural resources through start-ups
on conservation and initiatives that seek to leverage on renewable energy,
water resource management, rehabilitating lands by planting trees and
advocating towards all that through activism. The youth can voice their
opinions against deforestation which is fundamentally challenging the existence
of livelihoods; it increases a continent’s risk of experiencing disasters such
as extreme drought and floods.
climate change is currently a world problem with repercussions being felt
heavily on Africa. The youths around the continent should mobilize each other
towards sustainable use and protection of natural resources through start-ups
on conservation and initiatives that seek to leverage on renewable energy,
water resource management, rehabilitating lands by planting trees and
advocating towards all that through activism. The youth can voice their
opinions against deforestation which is fundamentally challenging the existence
of livelihoods; it increases a continent’s risk of experiencing disasters such
as extreme drought and floods.
The young people
of today are the force, hope and leaders of tomorrow. The position of the young
people in achieving Agenda 2063 is very vital, allowing for participation and
inclusion of them in policy making in all the sectors will bring fresh
perspective to handle modern problems. Our role as African youths lies in or begins with grassroots implementation.
of today are the force, hope and leaders of tomorrow. The position of the young
people in achieving Agenda 2063 is very vital, allowing for participation and
inclusion of them in policy making in all the sectors will bring fresh
perspective to handle modern problems. Our role as African youths lies in or begins with grassroots implementation.
Finally, the
youth must embrace education and exposure.
youth must embrace education and exposure.
Photo Credit – African Youth Union Commission
[6] https://reliefweb.int/report/world/africa-s-youth-gain-recognition-peacemakers
[7] https://reliefweb.int/report/world/africa-s-youth-gain-recognition-peacemakers
[8] https://www.un.org/en/africa/osaa/pdf/au/agenda2063.pdf