African Union (2022). Second Continental Report on The Implementation of Agenda 2063.

Read the full report: https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/41480-doc-2nd_Continental_Progress_Report_on_Agenda_2063_English.pdf

Africa embarked on the implementation of its First Ten-Year Implementation Plan by domesticating Agenda 2063 in and implementing it through national and regional development strategies, achieving an aggregate score of 51% against the 2021 targets. Overall, the continent performed quite strongly and better than it did in 2019.

At aspirational level, Africa recorded a positive upward trend in respect of all seven aspirations vis-à-vis the 2021 targets. The continent made significant progress in the attainment of Aspiration 2 “An integrated continent politically united and based on the ideal of Pan- Africanism and the Vision for Africa’s Renaissance”. The strong performance of 84% was realised mainly through progress in the signature and ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which came into effect on 1 January 2021, and the establishment and operationalisation of a well-functioning AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana.

Similarly, progress was recorded in the attainment of Aspiration 4 “A peaceful and secure Africa” with an overall performance of 63% against the 2021 targets, although performance varied across parameters and countries.. The data received from Member States indicates a significant decline in the number of deaths emanating from armed conflict and from religious and ethnic disagreement and intolerance.

In the pursuit of Aspiration 7 “Africa as a strong influential partner”, the continent achieved an overall commendable performance of 58% evidenced by the proportion of public sector budget funded by national capital markets as well as the proportion of official development assistance (ODA) in national budgets. The continent did not, however, meet the 2021 target of increasing total tax revenue as a percentage of GDP to ensure that Africa takes full ownership of her development efforts.

With a 67% score, there was also significant progress under Aspiration 6 “An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of the African People, particularly its Women and Youth and caring for children”. During the period under review, the continent registered a slight increase in the proportion of women in the agricultural population who have ownership or secure rights over agricultural land, as well the proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments, regional and local bodies. However, Africa did not meet youth-related goals and targets, registering only a minimal reduction in youth unemployment rates. This moderate performance is also due to an increase in rates of child labour and children marriage.

There was moderate progress of 45% with regards to Aspiration 5 “An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics”. This is due largely to the weak integration of indigenous African culture, values and language into primary and secondary school curricula.

Africa achieved low progress for Aspiration 1 “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development” with an overall score of 37% against the 2021 targets. This can be attributed mainly to a decrease in GDP per capita from USD3,170 in 2019 to USD2,910 in 2021 and high employment rates. Notwithstanding the moderate performance under this aspiration, there was commendable progress in access to electricity and internet. Furthermore, there were substantial gains in health-related goals including increased access to sexual and reproductive health services and reduced maternal mortality.

There was an overall weak performance of 42% for Aspiration 3 “An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law” mainly due to low scores for capable institutions and transformed leadership at all levels. Nevertheless, most Member States had a satisfactory performance. They reported progress in promoting good governance, democratic values and practices, including the domestication of the African Charter on Democracy, Election and Governance.

At regional level, East Africa recorded the highest performance with an aggregate score of 53% against the 2021 targets, followed by Southern Africa with 50%. West Africa scored 45%, Central Africa 42% and North Africa 39%.