�My vision for Africa�
Correspondent | Tuesday July 12, 2016 15:21
In January 2015, the African Union Assembly adopted Agenda 2063, which is firmly grounded upon this Vision.
Agenda 2063 is, at its core, a bold, well thought out long-term vision and strategic framework for Africa’s growth, development and progressive integration. It took into account and incorporated past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development.
It further encapsulated national, regional and continental best practices. This Vision espouses the key ingredients of the Post 2015 Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in September 2015.
The duty of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) is to drive the process of Africa’s development and integration as articulated in Agenda 2063. In championing this process, the Chairperson will work in close collaboration with Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), along with all citizens of Africa and other partners on the continent and beyond.
The AUC has embarked on a truly transformational agenda and ambitious journey. Now is the time for the implementation of Agenda 2063 as clearly articulated in its first 10-year implementation plan.
Best plans, policies and programmes cannot, without strong and driven implementation, give rise to truly impactful results. It is my considered view that implementation of the 10-year plan and the flagship projects will result in quick wins and galvanise the desired transformation programme.
It is therefore imperative that we urgently drive effective monitoring and evaluation tools to accompany the execution of the 10-year plan. This will greatly assist in assessing progress and results achieved, while institutionalising intervention measures and re-engineering processes to respond to the challenges encountered. Agenda 2063 is premised on the clear need for enhancing the living standards of African citizens and, therefore, it is critical to monitor results and impact.
Africa’s potential is boundless...
It is my firm conviction that when we walk with unity of purpose and direction, we achieve our desired objective. The key is to make a clear, conscious and focused start; it is about getting our priorities right from the very onset so that we wield a positive impact and make a real difference.
The ultimate objective is to change lives for the better. Africa’s potential is boundless, and her story sees this potential cultivated and realised. Ensuring this will form the cornerstone of my agenda in my capacity as Chairperson of the AUC.
The success of Agenda 2063 lies with Member States and RECs as the key drivers in the mainstreaming of Agenda 2063 into national policies, programmes and regional priorities.
To marshal this process would require our dedication and collective resolve to remain on track towards the final destination of 2063. It is my humble opinion and firm belief that the esteemed support of Member States towards my candidature for the Chairperson of our continental organisation will positively re-enforce ownership, commitment, attainment and implementation of the continental agenda.
My Vision of the AUC is an organisation that seeks to deliver real results, pursues common objectives and envisions an integrated, people-centered and prosperous Africa which is at peace with itself.
A high performance Africa...
The institutional culture of a high performance organisation is what I will strive to cultivate for the successful implementation of Agenda 2063. To this end, it is imperative to have an efficient and effective AUC human resource with a wealth of skills and commitment.
This is necessary to develop innovative solutions and approaches for the realisation of our common agenda. It will be prudent to ensure targeted interventions to address any deficiencies in the efficient delivery of quality service, including capacity building measures to drive Agenda 2063.
I am of the view that previous plans did not achieve the intended results partly because of lack of relevant financing of the framework plans.
The Assembly in June 2015, however, adopted two key decisions to ensure successful implementation of Agenda 2063: the decision on alternative sources of funding the AUC; and the new scale of assessment where Member States will progressively take ownership of the budget of the AUC.
While additional resources are required, it is also important that we rationalise the needs and aspirations of our continent with the minimal resources at our disposal.
As the accountable official, I will ensure prudent management and utilisation of the limited resources as contributed by Members States and development partners.
Emerging and evolving challenges, especially with regard to financial constraints and an unpredictable economic outlook, necessitates that Africa must aggressively campaign for stronger ties and partnerships based on common but differentiated responsibilities. In this regard, the conclusion of the review of Africa’s partnership is paramount in order to chart the way forward on our future collaboration with our different international partners.
We need to develop and implement a holistic communications strategy that is aimed at popularising Agenda 2063 and ensuring the kind of buy-in that drives its success.
This is another critical activity coinciding with the tenure of office of the next Chairperson. I will therefore ensure the development of an effective communications strategy to garner further understanding of and support for Agenda 2063, thus instilling a culture of ownership by citizens of our continent.
On peace and security matters, the continent’s efforts to deliver sustainable long-term solutions to conflicts should continue to remain a priority. It is also vital to ensure continued and unequivocal support of Member States and the wider international community.
Despite some setbacks, we must acknowledge that there are clear signs of progress, as democracy and governance have taken root on the African continent. However, governance- related crises and conflicts are emerging as prominent features of Africa’s political landscape. This has brought to the fore the need to strengthen nascent democracy institutions.
The AUC has to work closely with Member States to develop a common understanding of the AUC shared values. This includes the ratification and domestication of the African Charter on democracy, elections and governance.
The pursuit of democratic processes in African countries is consistent with their history, and one of the expected beneficial effects is the promotion of unity in diversity.
We should spare no effort in seeking to achieve this, telling the story of a united Africa, comprising of diverse countries rich in heritage and culture.
The importance of APSA...
The full and effective implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) is important.
It further drives efforts to provide the continent with capabilities required to meet the challenge of peace and security. At the same time, it contributes to the integration process desired by the peoples and leaders of Africa.
The AUC focuses on Africa’s development and progressive integration as key to the transformation agenda. In this regard, Africa must move from being a continent that is a net exporter of unprocessed raw materials, labour and skills to one that is taking full advantage of a myriad of rich opportunities. These exist, for example, in the form of minerals, natural habitats, flora and other resources.
Africa on the rise...
In addition, Africa has a population dominated by young men and women who can contribute immensely by virtue of their creativity, passion, knowledge and determination to see Africa rise.
Young minds are an incredible resource in creating much needed innovation in transforming industries, moving towards development and growth of the continent. Now is the time for action and the requisite plans are in place to move us forward. They simply need to be seized and brought to fruition.
I am confident that this is a challenge I am qualified and ready to meet. I believe that I will bring to the role of AUC Chair the necessary skills, competencies, and experience to serve as a catalyst for change and help catapult Africa’s transformation process.
I am passionate about working to unleash her potential to become an effective and influential player in global affairs. Working with my stakeholders from Member States, I will make it my every mission to ensure this is a lasting reality.
*Dr Venson-Moitoi, the incumbent Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is vying for chairmanship of the African Union. The AU holds its 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Kigali, Rwanda starting on Sunday, where election of the new chair will take place. The session will be held under the theme “African Year of Human Rights with a particular focus on Women Rights”. Venson-Moitoi, the Southern African candidate, is already in Kigali for the session.