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1. "A global strategy to optimize the use of Africa's resources for the benefit of all Africans"

2. 1
A WORD FROM THE AUC
CHAIRPERSON: AFRICA IN 2063, AN
EMAIL FROM THE FUTURE
PAGE 2
EDITORIAL BY MANDLA MADONSELA PAGE 8
SUMMARY OF THE 50TH OAU/AU
ANNIVERSARY SOLEMN DECLARATION PAGE 9
AGENDA 2063: KEY FEATURES,
RATIONALE AND VALUE ADDED PAGE 10
MEMBER STATES INITIATIVES :
Example of Namibia PAGE 16
INTERVIEW WITH MARIA EUGÉNIA
NETO, WIDOW OF DR. ANTÓNIO
AGOSTINHO NETO, FOUNDER OF THE
POPULAR REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA PAGE 17
PHOTO ALBUM PAGE 22
UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE 25
ARTICLES PAGE 34
THE 50TH OAU/AU ANNIVERSARY
SOLEMN DECLARATION
DECLARATION DU CINQUANTENAIRE DE
L’OUA/UA PAGE 40
AGENDA 2063 NEWSLETTER
ISSUE No 1: MAY 2013 TO JAN 2014
OUTLINE

3. 2
Email from the Future, By Nkosazana Clarisse Dlamini Zuma
Date: 24 January 2063
To: Kwame@iamafrican.com
From: Nkosazana@cas.gov
Subject: African Unity
My dear friend Kwame,
Greetings to the family and friends, and good health and best wishes
for 2063.
I write to you from the beautiful Ethiopian city of Bahir Dar,
located on Lake Tana, as we finalize preparations for the Centenary
celebrations of the Organisation of African Unity, which became the
African Union in 2002 and laid the foundation for what is now our
Confederation of African States (CAS).
Yes, who would have thought that the dream of Kwame Nkrumah
and his generations, when they called in 1963 on Africans to unite or
perish, would one day become a reality. And what a grand reality.
Atthebeginningofthetwentyfirstcentury,weusedtogetirritated
with foreigners when they treated Africa as one country: as if we
were not a continent of over a billion people and 55 sovereign
states! But, the advancing global trend towards regional blocks,
reminded us that integration and unity was the only way for
Africa to leverage its competitive advantage.
Date:Le24janvier2063
À:Kwame@iamafrican.com
De:Nkosazana@cas.gov
Objet:Unitéafricaine
MoncheramiKwame,
Mes salutations aux parents et amis, et mes meilleurs voeux de bonne
santépour2063.
Je vous écris de la belle ville éthiopienne de Bahir Dar, aux environs
du lac Tana, alors que nous finalisons les préparatifs des célébrations
du Centenaire de l’Organisation de l’unité africaine devenue l’Union
africaine en 2002, qui a jeté les bases de ce qui est maintenant notre
ConfédérationdesÉtatsdel’Afrique(CAS).
Oui,quiauraitpenséquelerêvedeKwameNkrumahetdesagénération,
lorsqu’en 1963 ils ont appelé les Africains à s’unir ou périr, deviendrait
unjouruneréalité?Etquelleréalitégrandiose!
Au début du XXIe siècle, nous nous irritions de ce que les étrangers
considéraient l’Afrique comme un pays : comme si nous n’étions pas
un continent de plus d’un milliard d’habitants et constitué de 55 États
souverains!Mais,l’évolutiondelatendancemondialeenfaveurdesblocs
régionaux nous a rappelé que l’intégration et l’unité sont le seul moyen
pourl’Afriquedetirerpartidesonavantageconcurrentiel.
A WORD FROM THE AU CHAIRPERSON
During the Ministerial retreat of the Executive Council of the African
Union held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, from 24th to 26th January 2014,
the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
outlined her vision for Africa in 50 years’ time, through “an email from
the future”.
Written to a hypothetical Kwame in the year 2063:
Au cours de la Retraite ministérielle du Conseil exécutif de l’Union
africaine qui s’est déroulée à Bahir Dar, Éthiopie, du 24 au 26 janvier
2014, la Président de la Commission de l’UA, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini
Zuma a exposé sa vision pour l’Afrique dans 50 ans, à travers “L’email
du Futur”.
Adressé en l’an 2063, à un ami fictif nommé Kwamé.

4. 3
In fact, if Africa was one country in 2006, we would have been the
10th largest economy in the world! However, instead of acting as one,
with virtually every resource in the world (land, oceans, minerals,
energy) and over a billion people, we acted as fifty-five small and
fragmented individual countries. The bigger countries that should
have been the locomotives of African integration, failed to play their
role at that time, and that is part of the reasons it took us so long.
We did not realize our power, but instead relied on donors, that we
euphemistically called partners.
That was the case in 2013, but reality finally dawned and we had long
debates about the form that our unity should take: confederation, a
united states, a federation or a union.
As you can see, my friend, those debates are over and the
Confederation of African States is now twelve years old, launched
in 2051.
What was interesting was the role played by successive generations
of African youth. Already in 2013 during the Golden Jubilee
celebrations, it was the youth that loudly questioned the slow
progress towards integration. They formed African Union Clubs in
schools and universities across the continent, and linked with each
other on social media. We thus saw the grand push for integration,
for the free movement of people, for harmonization of education
and professional qualifications, with the Pan African University
and indeed the university sector and intelligentsia playing an
instrumental role.
We were a youthful continent at the start of the 21st century, but
as our youth bulge grew, young men and women became even more
active, creative, impatient and assertive, often telling us oldies that
they are the future, and that they (together with women) form the
largest part of the electorates in all our countries!
Of course this was but one of the drivers towards unity. The
accelerated implementation of the Abuja Treaty and the creation
of the African Economic Community by 2034 saw economic
integration moved to unexpected levels.
Economic integration, coupled with infrastructure development,
saw intra-Africa trade mushrooming, from less than 12% in 2013 to
almost50%by2045.Thisintegrationwasfurtherconsolidatedwith
the growth of commodity exchanges and continental commercial
giants. Starting with the African pharmaceutical company, Pan
African companies now not only dominate our domestic market of
over two billion people, but they have overtaken multi-nationals
from the rest of the world in their own markets.
Even more significant than this, was the growth of regional
manufacturing hubs, around the beneficiation of our minerals and
natural resources, such as in the Eastern Congo, North-Eastern
Angola and Zambia’s copper belt and at major Silicon valleys in
Kigali, Alexandria, Brazzaville, Maseru, Lagos and Mombasa, to
En fait, si l’Afrique était un pays en 2006, nous aurions été la 10e
puissance économique du monde ! Cependant, au lieu de nous unir
dans l’action, alors que nous possédions pratiquement toutes les
ressourcesdumonde(lesterres,lesocéans,lesminéraux,l’énergie)et
avions une population de plus d’un milliard d’habitants, nous avons
agi comme cinquante-cinq petits pays individuels fragmentés. Les
plusgrandspaysquiauraientdûêtreleslocomotivesdel’intégration
africaine n’ont pas joué leur rôle à ce moment-là, et c’est une des
raisons qui explique tout le temps pris pour arriver où nous sommes
aujourd’hui.Nousn’avonspasusédenotrepuissance,maisnousnous
sommes plutôt appuyés sur les bailleurs de fonds qui nous appellent
pareuphémismepartenaires.
C’était le cas en 2013. Maintenant, nous avons enfin pris conscience
de la réalité et avons eu de longs débats sur la forme que nous
voulions donner à notre unité : une Confédération, des États unis,
unefédérationouunsyndicat.
Comme vous pouvez le voir, mon ami, ces débats ont pris fin et la
ConfédérationdesÉtatsd’Afriqueaétélancéeen2051,ilyadouze
ans.
Leplusintéressantétaitlerôlejouépardesgénérationssuccessivesde
jeunesafricains.Déjàen2013,lorsdescélébrationsduJubiléd’or,ce
sont les jeunes qui ont exprimé leur impatience face à la lenteur des
progrèssurlavoiedel’intégration.IlsontformédesClubsdel’union
africaine dans les écoles et les universités à travers le continent et ont
créé des liens les uns avec les autres par le biais des médias sociaux.
Nous avons donc assisté à un important mouvement en faveur de
l’intégration,delalibrecirculationdespersonnes,del’harmonisation
de l’éducation et des qualifications professionnelles. L’Université
panafricaine et le secteur universitaire et l’intelligentsia jouent un
rôledéterminantdansceprocessus.
Nous étions un continent jeune au début du 21e siècle, mais avec
l’explosion démographique de jeunes, les jeunes hommes et les
jeunes femmes sont devenus encore plus actifs, créatifs, impatients
et sûrs d’eux-mêmes, nous disant souvent à nous, plus âgés, qu’ils
représentent l’avenir, et qu’ils (conjointement avec les femmes)
formentlaplusgrandepartiedel’électoratdetousnospays!
Bien sûr, ce n’était là qu’un des moteurs de l’unité. La mise en
oeuvre accélérée du Traité d’Abuja et la création de la Communauté
économique africaine en 2034 ont entrainé une progression
spectaculairedel’intégrationéconomique.
L’intégration économique, associée au développement des
infrastructures, a vu la multiplication des échanges intra-africains
qui sont passés de moins de 12 % en 2013 à près de 50 % en 2045.
Cette intégration a été davantage renforcée par la croissance des
échanges de produits de base et la présence de géants commerciaux
africains. Commençant par l’entreprise pharmaceutique africaine,
les entreprises panafricaines dominent non seulement notre marché
intérieurdeplusdedeuxmilliardsdepersonnesàprésent,maiselles
ont dépassé les multinationales du reste du monde sur leurs propres
marchés.

5. 4
mention but a few such hubs.
My friend, Africa has indeed transformed herself from an
exporter of raw materials with a declining manufacturing sector
in2013,tobecomeamajorfoodexporter,aglobalmanufacturing
hub, a knowledge centre, beneficiating our natural resources
and agricultural products as drivers to industrialization.
Pan African companies, from mining to finance, food and
beverages, hospitality and tourism, pharmaceuticals, fashion,
fisheries and ICT are driving integration, and are amongst the
global leaders in their sectors.
We are now the third largest economy in the world. As the
Foreign Minister’s retreat in Bahir Dar in January 2014
emphasised, we did this by finding the balance between
market forces and strong and accountable developmental
states and Regional Economic Communities (RECS) to drive
infrastructure, the provision of social services, industrialization
and economic integration.
Let me recall what our mutual friend recently wrote:
“The(African)agrarianrevolutionhadsmallbeginnings.Successful
business persons (and local governments) with roots in the rural
areas started massive irrigation schemes to harness the waters of the
continent’s huge river systems. The pan-African river projects - on
the Congo, the Nile, Niger, Gambia, Zambezi, Kunene, Limpopo
and many others – financed by Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)
that involved African and BRIC investors, as well as the African
Diaspora, released the continent’s untapped agricultural potential.
By the intelligent application of centuries-old indigenous
knowledge, acquired and conserved by African women who have
tended crops in all seasons, within the first few years bumper
harvests were being reported. Agronomists consulted women about
the qualities of various grains – which ones survived low rainfalls
and which thrived in wet weather; what pests threatened crops
and how could they be combated without undermining delicate
ecological systems.
The social impact of the agrarian revolution was perhaps the most
enduringchangeitbroughtabout.Thestatusofwomen,thetillersof
the soil by tradition, rose exponentially. The girl child, condemned
toafutureinthekitchenorthefieldsinournottoodistantpast,now
has an equal chance of acquiring a modern education (and owning
a farm or an agribusiness). African mothers today have access to
tractors and irrigation systems that can be easily assembled.
The producers’ cooperatives, (agribusinesses) and marketing boards
these women established help move their produce and became the
giant food companies we see today.’
We refused to bear the brunt of climate change and aggressively
moved to promote the Green economy and to claim the Blue
Leplusimportantdetouscesprogrès,c’estlacroissancedescentresde
fabricationrégionauxpourlavalorisationdenosressources minérales
et naturelles, comme dans l’est du Congo, au nord-est de l’Angola et
danslaceinturedecuivredeZambieetlesgrandesvalléesdesilicium
de Kigali, d’Alexandrie, de Brazzaville, de Maseru, de Lagos et de
Mombasa,pourn’enciterquequelques-uns.
Monami,l’Afriques’esteneffettransformée,passantd’unexportateur
dematièrespremièresavecunsecteurmanufacturierendéclinen2013,
à un exportateur de produits alimentaires, une plateforme mondiale
de production industrielle, un centre de connaissances, en valorisant
nos ressources naturelles et nos produits agricoles comme moteurs de
l’industrialisation.
Les Entreprises panafricaines, allant de l’extraction, des finances, des
produitsalimentairesetdesboissons,del’hôtellerieetdutourisme,des
produitspharmaceutiques,delamode,delapêcheetdesTIC,stimulent
l’intégrationetfontpartiedesleadersmondiauxdansleurssecteurs.
Nous sommes à présent la troisième puissance économique mondiale.
Comme le soulignait la retraite des ministres des Affaires étrangères
à Bahir Dar en janvier 2014, nous y sommes parvenus en trouvant
l’équilibre entre les forces du marché, des États développementistes
forts et responsables et des CER, pour donner une impulsion aux
infrastructures, à la prestation de services sociaux, à l’industrialisation
etàl’intégrationéconomique.
Permettez-moi de rappeler ce que notre ami commun a récemment
écrit : « la révolution agraire (africaine) a eu des débuts modestes.
Des entrepreneurs connaissant la réussite (et les gouvernements
locaux) ayant des racines dans les zones rurales ont lancé de vastes
programmes d’irrigation afin d’exploiter les eaux des vastes systèmes
hydrographiques du continent. Les projets panafricains de bassins
fluviaux - sur le Congo, le Nil, le Niger, la Gambie, le Zambèze, le
Kunene, le Limpopo et bien d’autres - financés par les PPP avec la
participation de l’Afrique et des investisseurs BRIC, ainsi que de
la diaspora africaine, ont libéré le potentiel agricole inexploité du
continent.Grâceàl’applicationintelligentedesconnaissancesindigènes
séculaires acquises et conservées par les femmes africaines qui se sont,
de tout temps, occupées des cultures, des récoltes exceptionnelles ont
été signalées dès les premières années. Les agronomes ont consulté les
femmes sur la qualité des différentes graines – celles qui ont survécu
aux faibles chutes de pluie et celles qui ont bien poussé par temps
pluvieux ; les types de maladies qui ravagent les cultures et comment
lescombattresansnuireàl’équilibredessystèmesécologiques.
L’impactsocialdelarévolutionagraireasansdouteétélechangement
le plus durable qu’elle a suscité. Le statut des femmes, des travailleurs
delaterrepartraditions’estaméliorédefaçonexponentielle.Lafillette
condamnée à passer sa vie dans la cuisine ou dans les champs dans un
passé pas trop lointain, a maintenant, comme le garçon, la possibilité
d’acquérir une éducation moderne (et de posséder une ferme ou une
entreprise agroalimentaire). Aujourd’hui, les mères africaines ont
accèsauxtracteursetauxsystèmesd’irrigationpouvantêtrefacilement
assemblés.

6. 5
economy as ours. We lit up Africa, the formerly dark continent,
using hydro, solar, wind, geo-thermal energy, in addition to fossil
fuels.
And,whilstI’montheBlueeconomy,thedecisiontoformAfrica-
wide shipping companies, and encourage mining houses to ship
their goods in vessels flying under African flags, meant a major
growth spurt. Of course the decision taken in Dakar to form an
African Naval Command to provide for the collective security of
our long coastlines, certainly also helped.
Let me quote from our mutual friend again:
‘Africa’s river system, lakes and coast lines abound with tons of
fish. With funding from the different states and the Diaspora,
young entrepreneurs discovered… that the mouths of virtually all
the rivers along the east coast are rich in a species of eel considered
a delicacy across the continent and the world.
Clever marketing also created a growing market for Nile perch,
a species whose uncontrolled proliferation had at one time
threatened the survival of others in Lake Victoria and the Nile.
TodayNamibiaandAngolaexploittheBenguelacurrent,teaming
with marine life, through the joint ventures funded by sovereign
funds and the African Development Bank.”
On the east coast, former island states of Seychelles, Comoros,
Madagascar and Mauritius are leading lights of the Blue
economy and their universities and research institutes attract
marine scientists and students from all over the world.
Dear friend, you reminded me in your last e-mail how some
magazine once called us ‘The hopeless continent’, citing conflicts,
hunger and malnutrition, disease and poverty as if it was a
permanent African condition. Few believed that our pledge in the
50th Anniversary Declaration to silence the guns by 2020 was
possible. Because of our firsthand experience of the devastation of
conflicts, we tackled the root causes, including diversity, inclusion
and the management of our resources.
If I have to single out one issue that made peace happen, it was our
commitment to invest in our people, especially the empowerment
of young people and women. By 2013 we said Africa needed a
skills revolution and that we must change our education systems
to produce young people that are innovative and entrepreneurial
and with strong Pan African values.
From early childhood education, to primary, secondary, technical,
vocational and higher education – we experienced a true
renaissance, through the investments we made, as governments
and the private sector in education and in technology, science,
research and innovation.
Coupled with our concerted campaigns to eradicate the major
Les coopératives de producteurs (agro-industries) et les offices de
commercialisation créés par ces femmes ont permis d’accroitre leur
production et sont devenus les géants alimentaires que nous voyons
aujourd’hui.
Nous avons refusé de faire les frais des changements climatiques et avons
activement fait la promotion de l’économie verte, faisant de l’économie
bleue notre cheval de bataille. Nous avons éclairé l’Afrique, continent
autrefois sombre, au moyen de l’énergie hydraulique, solaire, éolienne,
géothermique,enplusdescombustiblesfossiles.
Parlant de l’économie bleue, la décision de former des compagnies
maritimes à l’échelle continentale et d’encourager les sociétés minières
à expédier leurs marchandises par des navires battant pavillon africain
signifiait une importante poussée de croissance. Bien sûr, la décision
prise à Dakar de créer un Commandement des forces navales africaines
afin d’assurer la sécurité collective de nos longues côtes y a certainement
égalementcontribué.
Permettez-moi une fois de plus de citer notre ami commun : « Le système
des bassins fluviaux africain, les lacs et les côtes abondent de poissons.
Grâce au financement des différents États et de la diaspora, les jeunes
entrepreneurs ont découvert que les embouchures de pratiquement toutes
les rivières de la côte Est sont riches en espèces d’anguilles considérées
commeunedélicatesseàtraverslecontinentetdanslemonde.
Un marketing adroit a également créé un marché en croissance pour la
percheduNil,uneespècedontlaproliférationincontrôléeeu,àunmoment,
menacélasurvied’autresespècesdanslelacVictoriaetdansleNil.
La Namibie et l’Angola exploitent aujourd’hui le courant de Benguela
regorgeant d’espèces marines, à travers des projets communs financés par
desfondssouverainsetlaBanqueafricainededéveloppement».
SurlacôteEst,lesanciensÉtatsinsulairesdesSeychelles,desComores,de
MadagascaretdeMauricesontchefsdefileenmatièred’économiebleueet
leursuniversitésetinstitutsderechercheattirentlesspécialistesdessciences
delameretlesétudiantsdumondeentier.
Cher ami, vous m’avez rappelé dans votre dernier e-mail qu’un magazine
nous a une fois appelé « Le continent sans espoir », citant les conflits, la
faim et la malnutrition, la maladie et la pauvreté comme si c’était un état
permanent de l’Afrique. Peu de personnes croyaient en notre engagement
pris dans la Déclaration du cinquantième anniversaire de faire taire les
armes en 2020. En raison de notre expérience directe de la dévastation
résultant des conflits, nous nous sommes attaqués aux causes profondes,
notammentladiversité,l’inclusionetlagestiondenosressources.
Sijenedevaisreleverqu’uneseulequestionquiafaitdelapaixuneréalité,
ce serait notre engagement à investir dans nos peuples, en particulier
l’autonomisation des jeunes et des femmes. Nous avons dit en 2013 que
l’Afrique avait besoin d’une révolution en matière de compétences et que
nous devions changer nos systèmes éducatifs pour former des jeunes qui
ont le sens de l’innovation et l’entreprise et possèdent de fortes valeurs
panafricaines.
Del’éducationdelapetiteenfance,àl’enseignementsecondaire,technique,
professionnel et supérieur - nous avons connu une véritable renaissance,

7. 6
diseases, to provide access to health services, good nutrition,
energy and shelter, our people indeed became and are our most
important resource. Can you believe it my friend, even the
dreaded malaria is a thing of the past.
Of course this shift could not happen without Africa taking
charge of its transformation, including the financing of our
development. As one esteemed Foreign minister said in 2014:
Africa is rich, but Africans are poor.
With concerted political determination and solidarity, and
sometimes one step back and two steps forward, we made
financing our development and taking charge of our resources
a priority, starting with financing the African Union, our
democratic elections and our peacekeeping missions.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations were the start of a major
paradigm shift, about taking charge of our narrative.
Agenda 2063, its implementation and the milestones it set, was
part of what brought about this shift. We developed Agenda
2063 to galvanize and unite in action all Africans and the
Diasporaaroundthecommonvisionofapeaceful,integratedand
prosperousAfrica.Asanoverarchingframework,Agenda2063
provided internal coherence to our various sectoral frameworks
and plans adopted under the OAU and AU. It linked and
coordinated our many national and regional frameworks into a
common continental transformation drive.
Planningfiftyyearsahead,allowedustodream,thinkcreatively,
and sometimes crazy as one of the Ministers who hosted the
2014 Ministerial retreat said, to see us leapfrog beyond the
immediate challenges.
Anchored in Pan Africanism and the African renaissance,
Agenda 2063 promoted the values of solidarity, self-belief,
non-sexism, self-reliance and celebration of our diversity.
As our societies developed, as our working and middle classes
grew, as women took their rightful place in our societies, our
recreational, heritage and leisure industries grew: arts and
culture, literature, media, languages, music and film. WEB
du Bois grand project of Encyclopedia Africana finally saw the
light and Kinshasha is now the fashion capital of the world.
Fromtheonset,theDiasporainthetraditionsofPanAfricanism,
played its part, through investments, returning to the continent
withtheirskillsandcontributingnotonlytotheirplaceoforigin,
but where the opportunities and needs were found.
Let me conclude this e-mail, with some family news. The twins,
after completing their space studies at Bahir Dar University,
decided to take the month before they start work at the African
SpaceAgencytotravelthecontinent.Myoldfriend,inourdays,
grâceauxinvestissementsquenousavonsfaits,entantquegouvernements
et secteur privé, dans l’éducation et dans la technologie, la science, la
rechercheetl’innovation.
Associés à nos campagnes concertées pour éradiquer les principales
maladies,fournirunaccèsauxservicesdesanté,àunebonnealimentation,
à l’énergie et au logement, nos peuples sont en effet devenus et restent
notreressourcelaplusimportante.Pouvez-vouslecroiremonami,même
lepaludismeredoutableestdel’histoireancienne.
Bien sûr, ce changement ne pouvait se faire sans l’appropriation par
l’Afrique de sa transformation, notamment le financement de son
développement.Commel’ontdéclarélesministresdesAffairesétrangères
en2014:l’Afriqueestriche,maislesAfricainssontpauvres.
Avec une détermination politique et une solidarité communes, et
faisant parfois un pas en arrière et deux pas en avant, nous avons fait
du financement de notre développement et de l’appropriation de nos
ressources une priorité, en commençant par le financement de l’Union
africaine, de nos élections démocratiques et de nos missions de maintien
delapaix.
Les festivités du Jubilé ont marqué le début d’un changement radical de
paradigmeconcernantl’appropriationdenotrehistoire.
L’Agenda2063,samiseenoeuvreetlesétapesqu’ilafixéesontpermisce
changement. L’Agenda 2063 a pour objectif de mobiliser et d’unir tous
les Africains et la diaspora dans l’action autour de la vision commune
d’une Afrique pacifique, intégrée et prospère. Comme cadre global,
l’Agenda 2063 a permis la cohésion interne de nos différents cadres et
plans adoptés sous l’égide de l’OUA et de l’UA. Il a relié et coordonné
nos nombreux cadres nationaux et régionaux dans une dynamique de
transformationcontinentalecommune.
La planification à l’horizon des 50 ans nous a permis de rêver, de penser
de façon créative, et de devenir parfois fous comme l’a déclaré l’un des
ministres qui a accueilli la retraite ministérielle 2014, en nous voyant
franchirlesobstaclesimmédiats.
AncrédanslepanafricanismeetlaRenaissanceafricaine,l’Agenda2063
a promu les valeurs de solidarité, de confiance en soi, de non-sexisme,
d’autonomieetdecélébrationdenotrediversité.
Au fur et à mesure que nos sociétés se développaient, que nos classes
ouvrièresetmoyennesaugmentaient,quelesfemmesprenaientleurplace
dansnossociétés,notrehéritageetnosindustriesdeloisirsontaugmenté,
de même que nos arts et notre culture, notre littérature, nos médias, nos
langues, notre musique et notre cinéma. Le grand projet d’Encyclopédia
AfricanadeWEBduBoisdevintenfinréalitéetKinshasaestaujourd’hui
lacapitalemondialedelamode.
D’entréedejeu,ladiaspora,danslestraditionsdupanafricanisme,ajoué
son rôle grâce aux investissements, en revenant sur le continent, dotée
de ses compétences et apportant sa contribution non seulement au lieu
d’origine,maislàoùilyavaitdesbesoinsetdesopportunités.
Permettez-moi de conclure cet e-mail, avec quelques nouvelles de
la famille. Les jumeaux, après avoir achevé leurs études spatiales à

8. 7
trying to do that in one month would have been impossible!
But, the African Express Rail now connects all the capitals
of our former states, and indeed they will be able to crisscross
and see the beauty, culture and diversity of this cradle of
humankind. The marvel of the African Express Rail is that
it is not only a high speed-train, with adjacent highways, but
also contains pipelines for gas, oil and water, as well as ICT
broadband cables: African ownership, integrated planning
and execution at its best!
The continental rail and road network that now crisscross
Africa, along with our vibrant airlines, our spectacular
landscapes and seductive sunsets, the cultural vibes of our
cities, make tourism one of our largest economic sectors.
Oureldestdaughter,thelinguist,stilllecturesinKiSwahiliin
Cabo Verde, at the headquarters of the Pan African Virtual
University. KiSwahili is now a major African working
language, and a global language taught at most faculties
across the world. Our grand children still find it very funny
how we used to struggle at AU meetings with English, French
and Portuguese interpretations, how we used to fight the
English version not in line with the French or Arabic. Now
we have a lingua franca, and multi-lingualism is the order of
the day.
Remember how we used to complain about our voice not being
heard in trade negotiations and the Security Council, how
disorganized, sometimes divided and nationalistic we used to
be in those forums, how we used to be summoned by various
countries to their capitals to discuss their policies on Africa?
How things have changed. The Confederation last year
celebrated twenty years since we took our seat as a permanent
member of the UN Security Council, and we are a major force
for global stability, peace, human rights, progress, tolerance
and justice.
My dear friend, I hope to see you next month in Haiti, for
the second round of unity talks between the Confederation
of African States and the Caribbean states. This is a logical
step, since Pan Africanism had its roots amongst those early
generations, as a movement of Africans from the mother
continent and the Diaspora for liberation, self-determination
and our common progress.
I end this e-mail, and look forward to seeing you in February.
I will bring along some of the chocolates from Accra that you
so love, which our children can now afford.
Till we meet again,
Nkosazana.
l’UniversitédeBahirDar,ontdécidédeprendreunmoisdevacancespour
parcourir le continent avant de commencer leur travail à l’Agence spatiale
africaine. Mon vieil ami, il aurait été impossible de le faire en un mois à
notreépoque!
Mais, l’African Express Rail relie maintenant toutes les capitales de nos
anciens États, et ils pourront en effet sillonner et voir la beauté, la culture
et la diversité de ce berceau de l’humanité. La merveille de l’African
ExpressRail,c’estquec’estnonseulementuntrainàgrandevitesseavecdes
autoroutes adjacentes, mais il contient également des pipelines pour le gaz,
le pétrole et l’eau, ainsi que des câbles TIC à large bande : la propriété, la
planificationetl’exécutionintégréesafricainesàleurmeilleurniveau!
Les réseaux routiers et ferroviaires continentaux qui sillonnent maintenant
l’Afrique, nos compagnies aériennes dynamiques, nos paysages
spectaculairesetnosmagnifiquescouchersdesoleil,lesinitiativesculturelles
de nos villes, font du tourisme l’un des secteurs les plus importants de notre
économie.
Notre fille aînée, la linguiste, donne des conférences en kiswahili au
Cap-Vert, siège de l’Université virtuelle panafricaine. Le Kiswahili
est maintenant l’une des principales langues de travail de l’Afrique, et
mondialement enseignée dans la plupart des facultés à travers le monde.
Nos petits-enfants rient encore des difficultés que nous rencontrions avec
les interprétations en anglais, en français et en portugais lors des réunions
de l’UA, comment nous dénoncions le manque d’harmonisation entre la
version anglaise et la version française ou arabe. Maintenant, nous avons
unelinguafranca,etlemultilinguismeestàl’ordredujour.
Rappelez-vous comment nous nous plaignions que notre voix ne soit pas
entendue dans les négociations commerciales et au Conseil de sécurité,
comment nous étions désorganisés, parfois divisés et nationalistes dans ces
forums, comment nous étions convoqués par les différents pays dans leurs
capitalespourdiscuterdeleurspolitiquessurl’Afrique?
Comme les choses ont changé ! L’an dernier, la Confédération a fêté vingt
ans depuis que nous avons un siège de membre permanent du Conseil de
sécuritédesNationsunies,etnoussommesunpôlemajeurpourlastabilité,
la paix, les droits humains, le progrès, la tolérance et la justice dans le
monde.
Mon cher ami, j’espère vous voir le mois prochain en Haïti pour le second
cycle des pourparlers d’unité entre la Confédération des États de l’Afrique
etlesÉtatsdesCaraïbes.Ils’agitd’uneétapelogique,carlepanafricanisme
tire son origine des premières générations en tant que mouvement de
libération, d’autodétermination et de progrès communs des Africains du
continentmèreetdeladiaspora.
Je conclus cet e-mail et me réjouis de vous voir en février. J’apporterai
quelques-uns des chocolats d’Accra que vous aimez tant et que nos enfants
peuventmaintenants’offrir.
Aurevoiretàlaprochaine!
Nkosazana.

9. 8
BY MANDLA MADONSELA
Dear Reader,
Happy New Year 2014, and welcome to this first issue of
the African Agenda 2063 Newsletter!
This issue, which coincides with the beginning of
the second 50 years since the establishment of the
Organization of African Unity and subsequent launching
of the African Union in 2002, casts an eye on the
future of Africa in 50 years. It comes at the back of a
successful 2013 that resonated throughout the continent
with Golden Jubilee celebrations that paved the way for
Africans to interrogate their Africa in the next 50 years.
Highlights in this issue include a report on the Agenda
2063 consultative process, especially on people’s view
about theAfrica they want in 2063, how they will build this
Africa and the role they will play ‎towards the realization of
this dream. We may not be tempted to condense all the
outcomes of consultations in this issue. We, however, will
concentrate on the main findings coming through these
consultations. This newsletter, which will be issued every
six months, will provide readers with progress made on
the preparation, implementation and evaluation of the
Agenda 2063.
As Africa reflected on its successes, challenges and
lessons of the past 50 years, it brought about an impetus
in them to focus on their Africa in 2063, and begin to
reclaim, take charge of the African narrative and Africa’s
rightful place in the global arena. The Agenda 2063
provides that chance. It also provides a great opportunity
to galvanize and unite in action all Africans on the
continent and in the Diaspora around a common vision
of a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Africa. In her
imaginary e-mail to a hypothetical Kwame delivered at a
Ministerial retreat of the Executive Council of the African
Union in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia on January 24, 2014, the
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Her
Excellency, Dr Nkosazana Dhlamini Zuma, reminded
the participant of how important the Agenda 2063 helped
consolidate AU Vision. She justified that planning 50
years ahead allowed Africa to dream, think creatively,
sometimes crazy. Indeed Africa needs to think big, begin
to do things differently however crazy it may seem. The
Agenda 2063 is the African renaissance, which is people
centered and will continue to promote ideals of Pan
Africanism. Voices of the people will be heard loud and
far and their aspirations integrated in the Agenda 2063.
As an overarching framework, the Agenda 2063 will, for
the first time, provide an internal coherence of Member
States, regional and continental plans and frameworks,
both current and those developed during the OAU days
into a common continental transformative drive. It comes
at a time when Africa is registering unprecedented
growth rates, coupled with improving governance,
bulging working and middle class, young population and
stronger regional institutions. These and others provide a
solid foundation for the Agenda 2063 to take shape.
Recognizing this importance, the Heads of State and
Governmentintheir50thAnniversarySolemnDeclaration
signed during the crescendo of celebrations in May 2013,
reiterated their commitment to make progress in eight
areas of:
• African Identity and Renaissance. ‎
• Continue the struggle against colonialism and
the right to self-determination of people ‎still
under colonial rule. ‎
• The Integration Agenda‎
• Agenda for Social and Economic Development‎
• Peace and Security Agenda
• Democratic Governance
• Determining Africa’s Destiny
• Africa’s Place in the World
They further pledged that while these ideals form part
of the Agenda 2063 development process, they will
also be integrated in their national development plans.
It is therefore up to us readers to be inspired into taking
part in the development of the Agenda and take charge
and own our aspirations. It is time Africans change their
mentality about themselves in the world and people
around them. Destiny is ours.
This issue also provides interviews with African citizens,
selected press releases and papers in addition to a
road map of what lays ahead in the development of the
Agenda 2063.
In this connection, and finally, I would like to seize
this opportunity to thank all those who made various
contributions to this maiden edition; and invite all our
esteemed readers to continue making such invaluable
gestures in order to make the Agenda 2063 a successful
story!
Get connected, Have your say, Discuss Africa, Vote,
Share a multimedia and Become a Partner by logging
on www.agenda2063.au.int
EDITORIAL
AN EYE ON THE FUTURE OF AFRICA IN 50 YEARS

10. 9
Inthecontextofcelebrating50yearsofthefoundingoftheOAU,theAUHeadsofStateandGovernment
through their 50th
Anniversary Solemn Declaration adopted in May 2013, while acknowledging past
successes and challenges, rededicated themselves to the continent’s development and pledged their
commitment to make progress in eight key areas:
African Identity and Renaissance.o
Continue the Struggle against Colonialism and the Right to Self-determination of Peopleo
still under colonial rule.
The IntegrationAgenda: Implement the Continental Free TradeArea to ultimately establisho
a united and integrated Africa;
Agenda for Social and Economic Development:o
Peace and Security Agendao
Democratic Governanceo
Determining Africa’s Destinyo
Africa’s Place in the Worldo
The AU Heads of State and Government pledged to integrate these ideals and goals in regional and
national development plans as well as in the development of the Continental Agenda 2063, through
a people-driven process for the realization of the vision of the AU for an integrated, people-centered,
prosperous Africa, at peace with itself. The African Union Commission, working closely with the
NEPAD Coordinating Agency (NPCA) and supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), is developing this continental agenda as
requested by the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the
African Union, at Addis Ababa, 26 May 2013.
Full text of the Declaration on page 42
CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH OAU/AU ANNIVERSARY, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
SUMMARY OF THE 50TH OAU/AU SOLEMN
ANNIVERSARY DECLARATION

11. 10
I
n their 50th Anniversary
Summit of 26 May
2013, the AU Heads of
State and Government
while acknowledging past
successes and challenges,
rededicated themselves to
the continent’s development
and envisioned “an
integrated, prosperous
and peaceful Africa, driven
by its own citizens and
representing a dynamic
force in the global arena.”
The Summit instructed the
African Union Commission,
working closely with the
New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD)
CoordinatingAgency(NPCA)
and supported by theAfrican
Development Bank (AfDB)
and the United Nations
Economic Commission for
Africa (UNECA) to develop
Agenda 2063.
What?
Agenda 2063 represents
the aspirations of Africans
for a better future, anchored
in achievements, objective
assessments of obstacles and
lessons learned over the past
half century, and premised on
a desire to achieve inclusive
growth, socioeconomic trans-
formation and sustainable
development.
Aims to develop an Action
Plan for the realization of the
AU Vision of a prosperous,
integrated and peaceful
Africa. It is a call to action to
all segments of African society
to work together to build a
common future and destiny
based on the AU Vision. It also
takes account of the Solemn
Declaration made during the
Golden Jubilee anniversary of
the founding of the OAU/AU in
May 2013.
Builds on Africa’s strategic
frameworks, e.g., the Abu-
ja Treaty, New Partnership
for Africa’s Development
(NEPAD), Comprehensive Af-
rica Agriculture Development
Programme (CAADP), Accel-
erated Industrial Development
of Africa (AIDA), Minimum In-
tegration Programme (MIP),
Program Infrastructure Devel-
opment for Africa (PIDA), AU/
NEPAD Science and Technol-
ogy Consolidated Plan of Ac-
tion, and Agribusiness And
Agro-Industries Development
Initiative (3ADI), Agenda
2063.
Takes full cognizance of
Africa’s diversities and
endowments and promotes
efficient management of
diversities and respects each
AU member’s sovereignty and
offers the necessary political
and policy space.
The choice of a 50 year time
must be understood for its
significance in the context
of the Golden Jubilee of the
establishment of the OAU;
and the need for Africa to take
stock of past achievements
and challenges and set its
50 year goals to be realized
when the AU will be marking
centenary celebrations.
Why?
The preparation of Agenda
2063 is both important
and timely for a number of
reasons:
Changing global context.
Globalization and the
information technology
revolution have provided
unprecedented opportunities
for countries and regions with
the right policies to make
significant advances and lift
huge sections of populations
outofpoverty,improveincomes
and catalyze economic and
social transformation.
Building on the NEPAD
experience. National, regional
and global efforts made to
implement NEPAD, unseen
during the Lagos Plan of
Action (LPA) and the Abuja
Treaty, have enabled AU to
build institutions (e.g., African
Peer Review Mechanism
(APRM), etc.), demonstrate
unprecedented commitment to
implementing agreed agenda,
and generate valuable lessons
that present strong foundation
for Agenda 2063. Indeed,
Agenda 2063 is a logical and
natural continuation of NEPAD
and other initiatives.
AmoreunitedandstrongAfrica.
Africa today is more united, a
global power to reckon with,
capable of rallying support
around a common agenda and
speaking with one voice with
demonstrated strong capacity
to negotiate and withstand the
influence of forces that would
like to see it divided.
Strong and well-functioning
regional institutions. Africa’s
regional institutions have
been rationalized and the
eight officially AU recognized
Regional Economic
Communities Community of
Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-
SAD, Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa
AGENDA 2063: KEY FEATURES, RATIONALE AND
VALUE ADDED

12. 11
(COMESA), East African
Community (EAC), Economic
Community of Central
African States (ECCAS),
Economic Community Of West
African States (ECOWAS),
Intergovernmental Authority
on Development (IGAD),
Southern African Development
Community (SADC) and Arab
Maghreb Union (UMA) are
today strong development and
politicalinstitutionsthatcitizens’
can count on andAgenda 2063
can stand on.
New development and
investmentopportunities.Africa
todayisfacedwithaconfluence
of factors that present great
opportunity for consolidation
and rapid progress. These
include:
Unprecedented positive•
and sustained growth
trajectory of many African
countries;
Significant reduction in•
violent conflict, increased
peace and stability,
coupled with advances in
democratic governance;
A rising middle class,•
coupled with the youth
bulge, which can act as
catalyst for further growth,
particularly in the consumer
sectors and services;
Changes in international•
finance architecture, with
the rise of the BRICS
(Brazil, Russia, India, China
and South Africa) and
improved flows of Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI).
The need to align continental
frameworks, improve
coherence and synergy. At the
continental level, the AU has
endorsed several frameworks
to advance the integration
agenda, promote social and
economic development, peace
and security and democracy.
In many cases, these remain
isolated from each other and
sectoral in approach. Agenda
2063isanimportantopportunity
to harmonize these continental
frameworks, improve
coherence and synergy and
lay strong foundation for their
full implementation.
A long-term strategy
The need for Africa to develop
its own long-term strategy to
regain own destiny. Several
regions and countries reflecting
on their long-term strategies
see Africa as an important
continent for their future
prosperity and security. Africa
must therefore develop its own
long-term strategy based on
African aspirations as well as
its people’s ingenuity, creativity
and hard work to regain its own
destiny.
The factors outlined
above constitute a unique
opportunity for Africa to
capitalize upon. However,
success depends upon
acting in unity, transparency,
willingness and capability
to assess performance and
correct mistakes and build on
successes, placing citizens’
first, and sound governance
and values.
The desire to chart a new
chapter inAfrica’s development
and the realization of the
aspirations for a better future
must be matched by renewed
and sustained political
commitment as exemplified by
the 50th Anniversary Solemn
Declaration. This can be further
strengthened through:
Participation and inclusion
of all key stakeholders in
the conception, design,
implementation and monitoring
and evaluation of Agenda 2063
as a critical success factor,
which will enhance awareness,
ownership of Agenda 2063
and strengthen collective
commitments;
A results-based approach
with concrete targets that are
measurable and can be tracked
and monitored;
Tailoring actions to suit the
circumstances of different
countries; while providing
a general framework and a
common set of goals and
targets, Agenda 2063 also
takes cognizance of Africa’s
diversity, and addresses issues
related to this diversity; and
Ensuring that Agenda 2063 is
an integral part of the African
Renaissance which calls for
changes in attitudes, values
and mindsets to inculcate the
right set of African values of
pan Africanism, self-esteem,
hard work, entrepreneurship
and collective prosperity.
Agenda 2063 Preparation
Process and Methodology:
It involves a two pronged
approach:
A people driven process
anchored in an extensive
consultation process with key
stakeholders at the continental,
REC and national levels, the
general public online based,
and AU organs; and
A technical process: evidence
based anchored in rigorous
situational analysis, review of
planning and policy making
experiences and undertaking
trend analysis and scenario
planning.

13. 12
Agenda 2063: Progress to date
A draft Agenda 2063 Framework Document
has been prepared in close collaboration
with the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating
Agency, the African Development Bank and
the UN Economic Commission for Africa. This
Framework Document has been considered by
the PRC and Ministerial Council; and decisions
of Council are presented below.
In preparing the Framework Document, the
Commission undertook the following: setting up
of technical support; stakeholder consultations;
reviewofnationalmediumtermplansandvisions;
preliminary indicators and base line information;
national and regional level consultations; and
development of a Communication Strategy for
Agenda 2063
Technical Support:
A small Technical Team was established from
early September 2013 drawing upon existing
Commission staff and other support. Additional
support is envisaged from collaborating
institutions in specialized areas – financing,
trends analysis & scenario planning, among
other tasks.
Stakeholder Consultations:
Agenda 2063 consultations commenced in
September 2013 with the primary objectives
of providing participants the forum to share
their vision of the Africa they want in 2063 and
propose goals, milestones, key drivers and
enablers as well as priority actions to be taken.
The meetings were organized in the following
parts:
Part I involved learning from the•
past through a review the African
development experience at the
national,sub-regionalandcontinental
levels
Part II dealt with looking into the•
future through a discussion of the
type of Africa participants want, key
goals, milestones, priorities and
actions they propose.
Part III involved a discussion of how•
to make it happen through exploring
and proposing a broad Agenda
2063 implementation, monitoring
and evaluation framework, as well
as strategies for financing Agenda
2063.
To date the following consultations have
been held: Private sector (12-14 September
2013); African Academics / Think Tanks (16-
18 September 2013; Planning Experts &
Development Specialists (27-28 September
2013); Civil Society Organizations (30
September – 2 October 2013); Diaspora (8-10
October 2013); RECs and AU Organs (21-23
October 2013); Youth (1-3 November 2013);
Media (9-10 December 2013); Women (12-13
December 2013); and Web based consultations
(continuous and interactive)
Outputs of these consultations include: African
aspirations for 2063’ drivers and enablers;
proposals on “how to make it happen” as well as
risks, threats and mitigation strategies.
Technical analysis and review, which
included:
Review of National Plans, Regional•
and Continental Frameworks: So far,
plans from 20 member states have been
reviewed with a plan to cover all 54
member states in the coming few months.
Lessons from the review of national
medium and long term plans, as well as
those of RECs and AU Organs including
continental frameworks, for example,
PIDA, CAADP, IADA, Africa Mining
Vision (AMV), African Media Initiative
(AMI), constitutes a major building block
of Agenda 2063.
Preliminary indicators and base line•
information: This aims to establish a
baseline for Agenda 2063 to facilitate
comprehensive situational analysis,
trends analysis, target setting and
monitoring. It involves unpacking the eight
ideals stated by the AU Heads of States
and Governments Solemn Declaration
as well as the Vision; identification of a
set of themes, sub-themes and indicators
that capture the spirit and substance of
the Solemn Declaration and the Vision;
description and analysis of each indicator
in a manner that would enable the setting
of ambitious but achievable milestones
and targets.
Development of Guidelines for National•
and Regional Level Consultations: The
guidelines adopted during consultations
with RECs and AU Organs will facilitate
the preparation conduct and reporting
of the National and Regional level
consultations.

14. 13
A
frican Aspirations for 2063 - an
outcome of stakeholder consultations
on Agenda 2063, these are:
A Prosperous Africa based on inclusive€€
growth and sustainable development,
where Africa, among other things, moves
from current low to middle and high income
status; economic growth is translated into
equitable wealth and employment creation;
and is capable of mobilizing its own financial
resources, reliant on trade not aid.
An integrated continent, politically united,€€
and based on the ideals of PanAfricanism –
whereAfrica is fully independent, self-reliant
and integrated that trades with itself; the
African Union Anthem is taught and sung in
all schools and universities, and the African
Union Flag is used by all member states at
all official platforms; speaks with one voice
in international engagements; the values of
the AU and Pan-Africanism are integrated
into the curriculum of our schools; and the
Founders dream or vision of OAU of a united
states of Africa, a union of African states
with: one central bank system and currency;
one central government, president; one
African passport; one continental nationality
including the diaspora is fulfilled.
An Africa of good governance, respect€€
for human rights, justice and the rule of
law - a continent that is corruption-free
and governed by democratic rules; where
public institutions are at the service of its
people at all levels; with effective grassroots
participation in national development;
and the culture of accountability by all
stakeholders is encouraged.
A Peaceful and Secure Africa - free of€€
conflict and at peace with itself and secure;
harmony prevails among communities
regardless of ethnicity/tribe, religion, class,
etc.; peaceful but militarily strong to defend
itsinterestsandensuressecurity;theAfrican
Peace & Security Architecture (APSA) is
fully implemented; exercises full ownership
of a united army and navy commanded by
the Assembly of AU Heads of States and
Government.
AnAfricawithastrongculturalidentity,values€€
and ethics - African people imbued with a
sense of their fundamental cultural unity,
a sense of a common destiny and African
identity and Pan-African consciousness;
and work is vital ethic and value.
An Africa whose development is people-€€
driven, especially relying on the potential
offered by its youth and women - effectively
addresses the acute needs for education,
health, jobs and opportunities for self-
advancement as well as for democracy and
self-realization; and gender equality and
women empowerment and youth concerns
are effectively promoted.
Africa as a strong and influential global€€
player and partner - plays a prominent role
in world affairs with a permanent seat in the
UN Security Council); ascends to a second
biggest economic block that addresses its
own needs and manages its own resources
with substantial rise in its share of world
output and trade; effectively owns and
manages its blue economy; and implements
multilateral agreements it is party too.
The above aspirations in conjunction with the
AU Vision, the OAU/AU 50th Year Golden
Jubilee Anniversary Solemn Declaration,
member states’medium and long-term plans as
well as technical studies and analytical works
constitute the foundations of Agenda 2063
milestones, goals and targets as the diagram
below illustrates:
AFRICAN ASPIRATIONS, FOUNDATIONS OF AGENDA 2063,
MILESTONES AND TARGETS, KEY DRIVERS, ENABLERS
AND RISKS; AND THREATS

15. 14
To realize African Aspirations presented
above, Stakeholder Consultations identified
also drivers and enablers as well as risks and
threats, which included:
Drivers (factors considered critical forAfrica’s
transformation) include:
Strong political leadership fully•
committed to development,
democratic rule, equity, justice and
rule of law
Population dynamics – large•
population and urbanization
Industrialization- value addition and•
the shift from export of raw materials
to export of processed goods
Climate change – adverse impacts•
and coping capacities
Technological change in agriculture,•
energy and communications, and
Markets (domestic and foreign) –•
expanding of existing markets and
creation of new ones
Infrastructure development•
Enablers – factors that constitute essential
conditions accompanying the drivers
• Good governance
• Policy and legal environment,
• Human and institutional capacity,
• Responsible and efficient private
sector and media
Key risks and threats - likely disruptive
elements
• Social and economic inequalities;
• Management of diversities;
• Terrorism and organized crime;
• Religious extremism, ethnicism,
• Corruption and nepotism;
• Natural disasters (sudden and
slow onset) and environmental
degradation
The Foundation for Agenda 2063 Goals, Milestones and Targets

16. 15
Agenda 2063 Preparation: Way Forward
In order to consolidate the progress made so far leading to the
finalization of Agenda 2063 Document, further work will include the
following:
Incorporation of the comments and guidance of the Policy Organs•
of the AU into a revised draft framework document which will
form the basis for the preparation of the comprehensive Agenda
2063 document;
Completion of the review of national and regional plans and•
continental frameworks;
In-depth technical analysis of the base line situation pertaining•
to the key goals of Agenda 2063 approved by the PRC and the
Executive Council;
Trends analysis, prospective studies and Scenario planning of•
key strategic thrusts / factors – technology, climate change,
demographics, etc and how they impact on Agenda 2063;
Furtherconsultations withAUOrgans,AUCDepartments,Agencies•
and RECs to facilitate integration of continental frameworks into
Agenda 2063 and defining the milestones
Sector specific consultations and analytical work on the feasibility•
of targets / milestones and strategies to be incorporated into
Agenda 2063
Consultations with African Statisticians General to harmonize•
indicators for Agenda 2063 with ongoing efforts
Development / preparation of the Comprehensive Agenda•
2063 Document;
Regional Validation workshops / meetings on Draft Agenda•
2063 Document; and
Final draft Agenda 2063 Document for submission to AU Summit•
in June 2014.
THE WAY FORWARD

17. 16
Simataa urges proactivity in defining
African agenda - The Namibian
NEWS - NAMIBIA | 2013-10-18
Simataa urges proactivity in defining African
agenda
By Luqman Cloete
The Deputy Minister of Information and
Communications Technology, Stanley Simataa,
has encouraged Namibians to play an active role
in defining African Agenda 2063.
African Agenda 2063 – 50 years from now - aims
at enabling Africa to take full charge of its own
destiny and propel itself into a prosperous and
peacefulfuture.Simataasaidtheministeriallecture
on African Agenda 2063 held at Keetmanshoop
on Tuesday for //Karas Region inhabitants was
the first of a series government plans to hold in
six other regions which include Erongo, Omusati,
Kavango East, and the Zambezi to commence the
consultation process on the future of the African
continent which is also aimed at gathering inputs
from citizenry country wide in defining African
Agenda 2063.
“These consultations are all the more important
because Africa’s development trajectory has often
relied on narratives and paradigms developed by
others and it is long overdue forAfricans to reclaim
their own narrative,” said Simataa, acknowledging
that the African Agenda 2063 was drafted without
input of fellow Africans. Furthermore, Simataa
highlighted failure to implement and retain human
capital as the biggest challenges facing Africa.
“Our biggest challenge is that we resolve and
resource to plan but fail to resolve and resource
implementation. We must create a conducive
environment to retain human capital, otherwise
Agenda 2063 will remain an unfulfilled dream,”
Simataa remarked. Simataa described Pan-
Africanism - an ideology and movement that
encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide
- as an eternal journey spanning over generations,
urging future generations to travel this road with
“resilience and unwavering commitment”.
Also speaking at the event, Democratic Republic
of Congo Ambassador, Anastas Kaboba Kasongo
Wa Kimba, who doubles up as Dean of the
Diplomatic Corps, shared the experiences of his
country on issues of Pan-Africanism, accusing the
imperialists of funding wars inAfrica to destabilise
these countries.
“They are the masterminds of wars in Africa, but
let the African people fight to destabilise African
countries. They do not want socio-economic
development of Africans,” said Kimba.
Kimba has advocated for intra-Africa trade and
pushed for the speedy abolishment of visa systems
which would enable all Africans to move freely
within their continent.
The Namibian -
AGENDA2063,MEMBERSTATEINITIATIVES:
The example of Namibia
H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba,
President of the Republic of Namibia

18. 17
presente-se pessoalmente – Quem é a Senhora?
C
hamo-me Maria Eugénia Neto, viúva do Dr. António
Agostinho Neto, Fundador da República Popular de
Angola e seu primeiro Presidente.
Nasci em Portugal, Trás-os-Montes, e tenho duas
nacionalidades: Portuguesa e Angolana.
Sou escritora Infanto-Juvenil e Poetisa.
Tenho diversos livros publicados Infanto-Juvenis. Tenho
publicados também: dois livros de Poesia e três
Testemunhos sobre Agostinho Neto: um deles, passando-
se em Cabo Verde quando era deportado politico, mas
nomeado como Delegado de Saúde da Ilha de Santo Antão.
O meu livro “E nas Florestas os Bichos Falaram...” recebeu
um Prémio pela Comissão da UNESCO na FEIRA DOS MAIS
BELOS LIVROS DO MUNDO, em 1978, em Leipzig. Foi
traduzido em diversas línguas. Este meu livro é uma elegia
de amor ao povo angolano em que os animais, com medo
da guerra, discutem em Assembleia se devem ficar ou
abandonar o território, mas resolvem ficar e pôr-se ao lado
dos guerrilheiros.
Em 2012 fui Galardoada com o Prémio Nacional de Cultura
e Artes na Disciplina de Literatura.
Como guardiã do espólio de Agostinho Neto, fiz diversas
reedições das suas Obras, dentre elas , o seu célebre livro,
“Sagrada Esperança”, o qual teve, em tamanho de álbum,
uma Edição de luxo em três línguas: português, francês,
inglês, ilustradas por Pimentel Domingues.
Publiquei,postumamente,oseulivro“RenúnciaImpossível”,
na altura do seu sexagésimo aniversário.
Neste momento sou a Presidente da Fundação Dr. António
Agostinho Neto.
Durante a Luta de Libertação de Angola, na Tanzânia, dei
a minha contribuição na retaguarda com outras mulheres
de combatentes nas tarefas do MPLA a nós acessíveis, tais
como: programas de rádio para a “Angola Combatente”, a
rádioqueeraouvidanopaísefuncionavacomomobilizadora
do povo. Tarefas da Organização da Mulher Angolana (fui
responsável do correio da Organização para o exterior).
Nessas tarefas inseriam-se contactos com individualidades
progressistas, residentes em Dar-es-Salam.
ÉassimqueconhecemosMargaHolnessquetraduziriapara
inglês e prefaciaria a Obra poética,”Sagrada Esperança”,
a obra mais conhecida então de Agostinho Neto, a qual
foi publicada pela Tanzania Publishing House e lançada à
estampa, por Julius Nyerere, na State House.
Foi nessa altura também que escrevi diversas pequenas
Present yourself - Who are you?
M
y name is Maria Eugénia Neto, widow of Dr. António
Agostinho Neto, Founder of the Popular Republic of
Angola and its first president. I was born in Trás-os-
Montes, Portugal and I have a dual citizenship: Portuguese and
Angolan. I am a writer specializing on children and youth, and
also a poet.
I have published several books on children and youth. I also
publishedtwopoetrybooksandthreetestimoniesonAgostinho
Neto.OneofthemrelatestoeventsthattookplaceinCapeVerde
when Agostinho Neto was a political deportee, and at the same
time appointed as health delegate to the island of Santo Antão.
My book “E nas Florestas os Bichos Falaram...” (And in the
forests the Bugs spoke)
was prized by the UNESCO
Commission at the FAIR
OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
BOOKS IN THE WORLD,
in 1978, in Leipzig. It was
translated into several
languages. This book of
mine is an elegy of love
to the Angolan people in
which animals, for fear of
INTERVIEW
Agenda 2063, lessons from the past, adjustments of the present and
planning a successful future!
Maria Eugénia Neto, widow of Dr. António Agostinho Neto, Founder of the Popular Republic of Angola
We cannot say
that the vision of
Dr. Agostinho Neto is
being accomplished
and Africa is being
restored within the
splendor envisaged by
the poet but...

19. 18
histórias sobre heróis do MPLA que circulavam como
materiais de denúncias da guerra colonial, as quais, depois
da Independência, juntei em livros.
Fale um pouco mais do seu esposo, a sua vida, a sua
visão, bem como as suas acções no seu país, na sua
região e no continente?
António Agostinho Neto nasceu em Caxicane, terras de
Icolo e Bengo, ou seja, a 60kms de Luanda. Seu pai foi
um Pastor Protestante que, além das práticas religiosas,
ensinou alunos que levou a exame da 4ª classe, o ensino
obrigatório de então.
Como nós sabemos a maior parte dos naturais de Angola
vivia com bastantes dificuldades. É assim que depois de
feita a escola secundária, antes de embarcar para Portugal,
Agostinho Neto trabalhou nos serviços administrativos do
Estado.
Osseuspaisforameducadospelosmissionáriosamericanos
os quais lhes deram uma educação primorosa.
Uma vez em Portugal, inscreve-se na Faculdade de
Medicina de Coimbra, e aí completa os três primeiros anos
de medicina tendo, todavia, terminado o Curso em Lisboa.
No entanto, uma vez em Coimbra, começou a participar em
actividades político-culturais, colaborando em revistas e
jornais, começando a aparecer os seus primeiros poemas
em diversas revistas, entre as quais a Revista Vértice,
tornando-se notável esta Figura.
Regressado a Lisboa, é
preso diversas vezes
pela polícia secreta
portuguesa “PIDE”,
acusadodeactividades
subversivas contra a
Segurança do Estado.
De 1955 a 1957,esteve
encarcerado na cadeia
war, debated in an assembly whether they should stay or leave
the country, but decided to stay and teamed up with the freedom
fighters.
In 2012, I was bestowed with the National Culture and Art Prize
in the specialty of literature.
As a keeper of Agostinho Neto’s heritage, I ordered several re-
editions of his writings, among which, his most famous book “
Sagrada Esperança” (Sacred Hope) which had a size of a photo
album, a luxury edition in three languages: Portuguese, French
and English, with illustrations from Mr. Pimental Domingos.
I posthumously published his book “renúncia impossível”
(impossible abandonment) during his 60th birthday.
I am currently the Chairperson of the Agostinho Neto
Foundation.
During the struggle for the liberation of Angola, I gave my
contribution in the rear base, in Tanzania, with other freedom
fighters’ wives in carrying out Movement for the Liberation of
Angola (MPLA) tasks given to us such as the radio programs
“Angola Combatente” (Angola Combatant), a radio program that
people inside the country listened to and served as a conduit to
mobilize the Angolan general public. As for the duties within
the Organization of Angolan Women, I was in charge of the
Organization’s mails to foreign countries. These tasks included
contacts with progressist individuals living in Dar-es-salaam.
That is how we met Mrs. Marga Holness who translated our
documents into English and wrote the forewords of the poetic
book “Sagrada Esperança” Agostinho Neto’s most renowned
work printed by Tanzania Publishing House and launched by
President Julius Nyerere in the State House.
ItwasduringthistimethatIwroteseveralsmallhistoriesonMPLA
heroes which circulated as materials to denounce the colonial
war which I compiled into books after our independence.
Can we know more about your husband, his life, his vision,
and his actions in his country, his region and the continent?
Do you think his vision is being realized?
António Agostinho Neto was born in Caxicane, territory of Icolo
e Bengo, which is around 60 kms from Luanda. His father was a
Protestant priest and a primary school grade 4 teacher, the then
compulsory education.
Asweknow,themajorityofAngolannativeslivedunderimmense
difficulties.Thatiswhy,afterconcludinghissecondaryeducation
and before moving to Portugal, Agostinho neto had to work
as a state administration clerk. His parents were educated by
American missionaries who gave them an exquisite education.
Once in Portugal, he enrolled at the Coimbra Faculty of medicine,
where he completed the first three years of medicine which he
went on to conclude in Lisbon. Meantime, while still in Coimbra,
he started to participate in some political and cultural activities
and collaborating in magazines and journals. That is when his
firstpoemsstartedtoemergeinseveralmagazinesamongwhich
the Vértice Magazine, which made his name and figure known.
Back to Lisbon, he was several times arrested by “PIDE”, the
Não poderemos
dizer que a sua visão
esteja a ser realizada
e que a África ressurja
no esplendor almejado
do Poeta mas...

20. 19
do Porto com mais 55 jovens progressistas portugueses que
lutavam contra o fascismo e o fim da guerra colonial. Valeu-
lhe ter uma grande campanha internacional a seu favor dos
maiores escritores e artistas mundiais para que fosse posto
em liberdade. Por um pouco não terminaria o seu curso de
medicina, o objectivo que o levou a Portugal. Saído da prisão
em Junho de 1957, terminaria o seu curso em 27 de Outubro
de 1958 e casaria com Maria Eugénia da Silva, a jovem que o
apoio na cadeia durante todo o percurso de 1955 a 1957.
Em Fins de 1959, regressa a Luanda com a sua esposa
Maria Eugénia e o seu filho Mário Jorge, de apenas algumas
semanas. Uma vez em Angola, começa o seu trabalho de
unidade e consciencialização junto do povo para as futuras
lutas que teriam de iniciar para Independência. Isso levá-lo-ia
de novo à cadeia, e a 8 de Junho de 1960 é preso e deportado
para Cabo Verde, para a Ilha de Santo Antão como Delegado
de Saúde, sendo o único médico para uma população de trinta
mil pessoas. Mas a 17 de Setembro de 1962 é feito de novo
prisioneiro e enviado para a cadeia do Aljube, em Portugal,
onde após seis meses é posto em liberdade condicional,
permitindo ao Partido Comunista Português organizar a sua
fuga para o Marrocos.
Uma vez em Marrocos, parte para o Congo Kinshasa aonde
se encontrava o Bureau do MPLA e numa Conferência de
militantes, é eleito seu Presidente. Começa a sua liderança
no seio do Movimento tendo assumido a direcção da luta
político-militar, e Comandante em Chefe da guerrilha.
O contexto da luta de libertação de Angola foi muito difícil.
O MPLA como força progressista e Agostinho Neto como seu
Líder tiveram muitas vitórias, mas sofreram muitas pressões
e reveses manipulados pelos neocolonialistas. Agostinho
Neto era “demasiado” nacionalista, disposto a que a luta de
libertação não fosse apenas beneficiar um grupo de pessoas e,
como ele disse,” que este processo não seja apenas para uma
elite, mas antes um processo em que todo o povo participe”.
Agostinho Neto pretendeu que o seu país fosse Não Alinhado.
Isso não agradou a muitos, trouxe mesmo fissuras no seio do
MPLA, houve muitas intrigas no seio dos combatentes, eles
confundiam muitas vezes a cor da pele com o inimigo.
Foi preciso esclarecê-los em reuniões políticas para lhes
indicar quem era o inimigo. Nesse momento crucial para o
MPLA, Agostinho Neto escreve o seu célebre discurso”Quem
É O Inimigo?” que foi proferido na Universidade de Dar-es-
Salam perante jovens estudantes e professores.
É um discurso histórico que pontualiza as dificuldades da
África em se reencontrar, e não se deixar confundir, antes
discernir quem é o inimigo.
Agostinho Neto na África Austral, deu o seu contributo à
libertação da Namíbia e do Zimbabwe e ajudou a pôr fim ao
apartheid na África do Sul.
Não poderemos dizer que a sua visão esteja a ser realizada
e que a África ressurja no esplendor almejado do Poeta.
Portuguese Secret Police which accused him of subversive
activities against the state security. From 1955 to 1957 he
was incarcerated in Porto alongside 55 Portuguese young
progressists who were fighting against fascism and the
colonial war. He was lucky that a robust global campaign for
his freedom was launched by some influential writers and
artists. He was on the verge of not concluding his course of
medicine, the objective that brought him to Portugal. Freed
from prison in June 1957, he concluded his course in October
1958 and got married with Maria Eugenia da Silva, the young
girl who helped him while he was in prison from 1955 to
1957.
He went back to Luanda at the end of 1959 with his wife
Maria Eugenia and son Mario Jorge who was only few weeks
old. Once in Angola he began his work of uniting Angolan
nationalists and creating awareness of the future battles that
needed to be fought for the independence of Angola. This
took him back to prison and the point of being deported on 8
June 1960 to the Island of Santo Antão, Cape Verde, as health
delegate, being the only medical doctor for a population of
30.000 inhabitants. On 17 September 1962, he was again
arrested and transferred to the prison of Aljube, Portugal. His
provisional release after 6 months provided the opportunity
for the Portuguese Communist Party to organize his escape
to Morocco.
From Morocco he went to Congo Kinshasa where the MPLA
Office was located and was subsequently elected MPLA’s
President during a Conference of its militants. That was the
beginning of his leadership of MPLA and its political and
military struggle as Commander in Chief of the guerrilla
forces.
The context of the Angolan war of liberation was very
difficult. The MPLA as a progressist force and Agostinho Neto
as its leader registered several victories but also suffered a
lot of pressure and setbacks committed by neocolonialists.
Agostinho Neto was “too much” of a nationalist. Wary that
the struggle for liberation could end up benefiting a handful
of people, he proclaimed that “this process should not be
only for the elite, but a process in which all our people can
participate”
Agostinho Neto wanted Angola to be a nonaligned country.
This option did not please many people including within
the MPLA itself which was plagued by intrigue by a group of
militantswho,often,confusedtheskincolorofcertainpeople
with the enemy. There was therefore a need to make clear,
during political meetings, who was the enemy. It was in that
crucial moment for the MPLA that Agostinho Neto wrote his
famousspeech“WhoistheEnemy?”whichhedeliveredtothe
students and professors at the University of Dar-es-salaam. It
is a historic speech which pinpoints the difficulties of Africa
torediscoveritselfbynotallowinganyconfusiontosetin,but
clearly identify who the enemy is.

21. 20
Mas a África, nas suas vitórias e derrotas, está descobrindo
o caminho para a sua afirmação no contexto global da
humanidade.
Como Primeira-dama, quais são as acções dignas de
memória que levaram a cabo em conjunto com o seu
esposo?
A principal acção que partilhei com o meu marido foi a
Independência de Angola em 11 de Novembro de 1975,
proclamada pela sua voz, perante a África e o mundo.
Ainda mantem um contacto permanente com outras
Primeiras-damas? Lembra-se de quaisquer outras
acções levadas a cabo em colaboração com outras
mulheres influentes em África ou com quaisquer outras
Primeiras-damas?
NãotivemuitasactividadescomasPrimeirasDamasAfricanas
porque estávamos num contexto muito difícil de guerra e
todas as nossas atenções estavam viradas para a mobilização
do povo e para a substância espiritual a dar-lhes. É assim que
nasce a “União dos Escritores Angolanos”. Agostinho Neto foi
oPrimeiroPresidentedaMesadaAssembleiaGeraleogrande
mentor na proclamação da nossa União dos Escritores, sendo
eu também, um dos membros Fundadores.
Os poetas, os escritores e os artistas, estavam todos em
sintonia e eram a alma espiritual do povo. O povo aderia às
ideias do MPLA. O MPLA era como um deus gigante que se
alastrava por Angola inteira e dava certeza na vitória. Todos
os séculos de dominação se apagavam, e Agostinho Neto era
o Símbolo dessa Vitória. Era aquele que dizia ao povo, vamos
caminhar com toda a humanidade, pela harmonia e pela
paz.
Neste momento em que celebramos, hoje, o 50º
Aniversário da nossa Organização Continental, que
análise pode fazer da África?
Hoje, ao celebrarmos o quinquagésimo aniversário da
Organização Continental Africana este deve ser motivo
de regozijo, mas também de reflexão. O processo de
descolonização terminou, o apartheid viu o seu fim, isto
representa grandes vitórias. Contudo, o continente está a
ferro e fogo, em muitos países! Temos de estar bem alerta
para que o neocolonialismo não destrua as conquistas
alcançadas pelas independências e os povos não deixem de
acreditar nos seus líderes.
Porque tantas guerras? Porque tantas vidas humanas
destruídas? Porque tanto ódio? Porque é que uma elite
terá de ser tão rica e as populações ficarem numa grande
miséria? Porque é que o conhecimento não chega a todos?
Nós pensamos que só o conhecimento pode levar-nos ao
progresso e á conquista da paz.
Como mulher, o que lhe apraz dizer sobre o papel da
In Southern Africa, Agostinho Neto contributed to the
liberationofNamibiaandZimbabweaswellaspassionately
supporting the fight against the South African apartheid
regime.Wecannotsaythathisvisionisbeingaccomplished
and Africa is being restored within the splendor envisaged
bythepoet.ButAfrica,throughitsvictoriesanddrawbacks
is discovering the path for its affirmation in the global
context of humanity.
As a First Lady, what are the memorable actions that
you had together with your husband?
The main act I shared with my husband was the
independence of Angola on 11 November 1975, which
he proclaimed with his voice before Africa and the entire
world.
Do you still have relationship with other First
Ladies? Do you remember any actions you made in
collaboration with other influential ladies in Africa or
any other first ladies?
I did not have many activities with other African First
Ladies because we were in a context of war and all our
attentions were to be directed to the mobilization of the
people and to the spiritual substance we needed to impart
on them. That is how the “Union of Angolan Writers” was
created. Agostinho Neto was the first Chairman of its
General Assembly and the great mentor of its formation.
I am also one of its founding members. Poets, writers and
artists were all in agreement and constituted the people’s
spiritual soul. The people adhered to MPLA’s ideas. The
MPLA was like a giant God that spread throughout the
entire country and provided the certainty for victory. All
the centuries of foreign dominion vanished and Agostinho
Neto was the symbol of that victory. He was the one who
told the people let us walk full of humanity, for harmony
and peace.
Today, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our
Continental Organization, what analysis can you make
about Africa?
Today, while celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our
continental organization, should be a motivation for
rejoicing but also for reflection. The decolonization
processisover,the apartheidisover,whichrepresentgreat
victories. The continent remains, however, under fire and
swordinmanycountries.Wehavetoremainhighlyvigilant
to prevent neocolonialism from destroying the conquests
we achieved through our independences and force our
populations to stop believing in their leaders.
What is the reason for so many wars? Why so many lost
lives? Why so much hatred? Why should elite be so rich
while entire populations remain in abject poverty? Why
are we not aware of this? We believe that only knowledge

22. 21
mulher no Continente?
Eu penso que as mulheres podem ter e, algumas já têm,
um papel muito importante no Continente, algumas
desempenhando cargos na vida política e económica dos
seus países.
Como nós sabemos, algumas individualmente, outras através
dassuasorganizaçõesdemassas,deramumgrandecontributo
na luta de libertação do continente, fosse como activistas,
guerrilheiras, enfermeiras, professoras ou camionistas, que
levavam materiais até ás frentes de combate.
Hoje, cada vez mais, as mulheres participam na condução dos
seus povos e nas decisões internacionais para melhorar as
relações do nosso continente e do mundo.
Como passa o seu tempo aqui e agora? Qual é a sua
paixão?
Ocupo-me dos assuntos da Fundação Dr. António Agostinho
Neto e de assuntos relativos à Obra Poética e Política de
Agostinho Neto, bem assim do seu espólio, do qual sou a
guardiã. Ocupo-me também da nossa família. A minha paixão
é o conhecimento, pois só ele nos levará á compreensão uns
dos outros e a agir em conformidade.
QualéasuavisãoquantoaofuturodaÁfricanospróximos
10, 20 e 50 anos?
EupensoqueaÁfricaprecisadelíderesqueentendamosseus
deveres para com os seus povos e sintam que o destino os fez
arautosdajustiça.Istoquerendodizer,queelesterãoderefrear
os seus ímpetos de grandeza e sentir as responsabilidades
que a nossa época lhes atribuiu na eliminação da miséria e da
pobreza, guiando os seus povos para a paz e o progresso. Se
tivermos homens deste calibre, a África poderá progredir, não
só economicamente como espiritualmente e reencontrar-se
ela própria. Poderá vir a ocupar o seu lugar no nosso mundo,
pois que, se não o fizerem agora, daqui a cinquenta anos a
tecnologia poderá levar-nos para outros mundos…
O que pensa da “Agenda-2063”?
Acho que já respondi a este ponto na última pergunta.
Estará disponível e trabalhar de mãos dadas com a UA na
implementação deste projecto?
Através da Fundação Dr. António Agostinho Neto daremos
o nosso melhor para que a África elimine todos os males
de que é vitima – as doenças, a ignorância, o analfabetismo
e a fome. Assim sendo, estaremos a colaborar com a União
Africana para a realização dos sonhos de muitos dos seus
melhores filhos, para que o continente caminhe em paz e
concordância.
Luanda, 25 de Setembro de 2013
Maria Eugénia Neto
of these phenomena can lead us to progress and peace.
As a woman, what can you say about the role of women on
the Continent?
I think women can play, as some are already doing, a very
important role on the continent, by holding important
political and economic responsibilities in their countries.
As we know, some women individually and others through
political organizations, made a critical contribution in
the struggle for the liberation of our continent, either as
activists, freedom fighters, nurses, teachers or truck drivers
who transported vital logistics to the war fronts. Today,
more and more women are taking part in leading their
peoples and in the international decision making process
aiming at improving relationships within our continent and
in the world at large.
How do you spend your time right now? What is your
passion?
I am busy taking care of matters related to the Agostinho
Neto Foundation and other issues related to his poetic
legacy and heritage which I am the custodian. I also take
care of our family. My passion is knowledge, since only
knowledge allows us to understand one another and act
harmoniously.
What is your vision for the future of Africa in the next
10, 20 and 50years?
I think Africa is in need of Leaders who understand their
duties towards their populations and feel that destiny
made them the heralds of justice. This means that, these
leaders should refrain from their individualistic impetus
for opulence and comprehend the responsibilities given to
them for the elimination of misery and poverty, and leading
their respective peoples towards peace and progress. If we
have Leaders of this caliber, Africa would progress not only
economicallybutalsospirituallyandwillquicklyrediscover
itself. This is the only way Africa can occupy its rightful
place in the concert of nations, because if we don’t do it
now, technology could take us, fifty years down the line, to
unexpected places…
What do you think about Agenda 2063?
I think I have already responded to this in the last question
Would you be available to be in partnership with the
AU on this project?
We will do our level best, through Agostinho Neto
Foundation, to help Africa eliminate all evils befalling it
such as diseases, ignorance, illiteracy and hunger. By doing
so, we would be collaborating with the African Union in the
fulfillment of this common dream of thousands of Africans
so that our continent can move forward in peace and
harmony.
Luanda, 25 de September 2013.
Maria Eugénia Neto

23. 22
AGENDA 2063, A CONTINENTAL CONSULTATION
Sep.12.2013 - Sep.14.2013: Consultation with the Private Sector on the African Union Agenda
2063 - Nairobi, Kenya
Sep.26.2013 - Sep.28.2013 Consultation with Ministries in charge of Economy, Finance and
Planning Experts on the African Union Agenda 2063 - Dakar, Senegal

24. 23
Sep.30.2013 - Oct.02.2013 Consultation with the Civil Society Stakeholders on the African
Union Agenda 2063. Dakar, Senegal
Oct.08.2013 - Oct.10.2013: Consultation with the Diaspora on the African Union Agenda 2063
- New York, United States of America
Oct.21.2013
- Oct.23.2013
Consultation with
the RECS and AU
Organs on the
African Union
Agenda 2063,
Gaborone, Botswana

25. 24
Nov.01.2013 - Nov.03.2013 Consultation with the Youth on Agenda 2063, Hammamet,
Tunisia
Dec.12.2013 - Dec.13.2013 Consultation with Women on Agenda 2063 - Yaounde, Cameroon
Dec.09.2013 - Dec.10.2013 Consultation with Media on Agenda 2063 - Yaoundé, Cameroon

26. 25
B
ahirDar,Ethiopia,24th
January2014:
With the aim of brainstorming and
exchanging ideas on critical issues
relating to Africa’s Agenda 2063, and
the state of the African Union, members of the
AU Executive Council converged at a ministerial
retreat, which kicked off on 24th
January 2014, in
the Ethiopian city of Bahir Dar, under the theme
of “Defining Agenda 2063 for Africa”.
Hosted by the Ethiopian Government
in collaboration with the African Union
Commission (AUC), the three-day retreat was
to discuss the framework for the Agenda 2063,
the implementation of the Strategic Plan of
the Commission (2014-2017), and revisit AU
structures, decision making processes, and
its implementation mechanisms for effective
delivery on set objectives.
Dr.NkosazanaDlaminiZuma,AUCChairperson,
noted in her opening remarks that as Africa
just emerged from the collective reflections on
Pan Africanism and African Renaissance that
grounded its golden jubilee celebrations, and as
it looks ahead towards the next fifty years, the
retreat presents an opportunity to revisit some of
the debates, in a more convivial atmosphere.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma said that the decision of the
Chairperson of the Executive Council to have
this retreat on the Africa Agenda 2063 was
well-timed, with a view “to enable this august
body to add its collective contribution towards
EVENT
First AU Ministerial Retreat Reflects on Africa’s Agenda 2063
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AUC Chairperson and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister for
Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

27. 26
the Africa we want and the milestones we
must set towards this end”, specially that the
Agenda 2063 is coming after a year of robust
consultations with civil society on the future
they want.
Addressing the retreat, Dr. Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus, Minister for Foreign Affairs of
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
and Chairperson of the AU Executive Council,
highlighted that the continent needs to address
issues such as the economic emancipation,
peace and stability, accelerating rapid economic
growth, governance and democratization,
leadership and the need for a critical mass of
people with a developmental mindset, in order
to realize its long term agendas. He emphasized
on the significance of the Agenda 2063 for the
future of the African continent and achievement
of the African Renaissance.
Representing the host country, Mr. Gedu
Andargachew, President of the Amhara
National Regional State, welcomed the hosting
of the ministerial retreat in Bahir Dar, noting that
the event “will offer a good opportunity for our
people to enhance their understanding of our
continental organization and its activities”.
The overall objective of the First Ministerial
Retreat of the African Union is to give clear
direction and guidelines on the key areas of
Agenda 2063 for subsequent elaboration and
devising on best ways and means of improving
the functioning of the AU structures, institutions
and processes with a view to attaining its
objectivesaswellastogalvanizesynergyamong
all major stakeholders, actors and development
partners. Agenda 2063 will be considered by
the 22nd
Ordinary Session of the Assembly of
AU Heads of State and Government on 30th
January, and the final adoption is expected to
be done at the 23rd
Ordinary Session of the
Assembly in June/July 2014.
The retreat was attended by the AU Foreign
MinistersandMembersoftheExecutiveCouncil;
Dr. Carlos Lopez, Executive Secretary of the
UnitedNationsEconomicCommissionforAfrica;
Mr. Erastus Mwencha Deputy Chairperson of
the AU Commission; AU Commissioners, and
members of the PRC and other officials.
The ministerial retreat ended its debates on
Sunday 26th
January 2014.
From right to left Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Tumusiime Rhoda Peace,
Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture leading the participants of the retreat in Bahir Dar

28. 27
A. INTRODUCTION
The Bahir Dar Ministerial Retreat of theA1.
Executive Council, hosted by and under the
Chairpersonship of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia, deliberated on the
evolving Agenda 2063 Framework and
contributed to the collective reflections of
Africans on their past, present and the future
they want. The retreat took place during the
last phase of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations
of the OAU/AU, with its theme “Pan Africanism
and African Renaissance.’
Thecontinent-wideagendaisbeingelaboratedA2.
at a moment of great opportunities for Africa,
with positive movements on the political, social
and economic fronts. At the same time, Africa
continues to face the challenge of overcoming
the legacy of colonialism, exploitation,
underdevelopment and marginalization.
Agenda 2063 seeks to elaborate the agendaA3.
for the next fifty years, to galvanize and unite
in action all Africans and the Diaspora around
the common vision of a peaceful, integrated
and prosperous Africa, driven by its citizens
and taking its rightful place in the world. As
an overarching framework, it provides internal
coherence and coordination to continental,
regional and national frameworks and plans
adopted by the OAU and AU, Members states
and RECs.
The Retreat noted the two pronged-approachA4.
towards the development of Agenda 2063,
widespread consultations with all formations
of African society and the Diaspora backed
by rigorous technical analysis, including
baseline studies and benchmarking, review
of all national development plans, scenarios
and trend analysis through the joint AUC,
ADB, ECA and NEPAD team, as outlined in
the Progress report on Agenda 2063.
B. VISION
The Bahir Dar retreat agreed on the continentalB1.
consensus on the African vision, and notes
the emerging central tenets and aspirations
contained in the Agenda 2063 Framework
document, the AU Commission Chairperson’s
‘Agenda 2063: an e-mail from the future’ and
other presentations and inputs made during
consultations and at the Retreat;
The Retreat further agreed that the dreamB2.
of an Africa that is integrated, peaceful
and prosperous is achievable, provided
that we construct this future, based on
actions taken now. We must furthermore
unite in action as Member states, Regional
Economic Communities, the African Union
and all its organs, all continental formations
and stakeholders, the African citizenry and
peoples of African descent, for the realization
of the goals, milestones and targets we set in
Agenda 2063.
That Agenda 2063 is an endogenous planB3.
of transformation, that seeks to harness the
continent’s comparative advantages such as
its people, history and cultures; its natural
resources; its position and repositioning in the
world to effect equitable and people-centred
growth and development and eradicate
poverty; develop Africa’s human capital;
build social assets, infrastructure and public
goods; empower women and youth; promote
lasting peace and security; and strengthen
and develop effective, strong developmental
states and participatory and accountable
institutions and governance. However, there
is a need for more precise definition of the
type of transformation that Africa desires that
will place us on this trajectory and lead to the
development architecture to attain our goals.
The acceleration and consolidation of AfricanB4.
integration and unity; the participation,
solidarity and determination of its leadership
and peoples and the structural transformation
of African economies and societies are
preconditions for success.
The Retreat stressed the importance of AfricaB5.
funding for its institutions and programmes,
as a critical enabler for the implementation of
Agenda 2063.
Agenda 2063 is a continuation of theB6.
Pan African drive over centuries for self-
determination, progress and freedom, and
central to the realization of the African
renaissance and century.
C. AFRICA’S PLACE IN THE WORLD
The Retreat noted that Africa’s transformationC1.
takes place in the context of an unfolding
global situation and trends, including the
ongoing realignments of the global economic,
geopolitical, security and social landscapes;
changes and advances in technology,
production, trade, knowledge and labour
markets; the opportunities presented by global
demographic trends and the growing global
middle classes in emerging and developing
countries and regions;
OUTCOMES OF THE BAHIR DAR MINISTERIAL RETREAT OF THE
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON AGENDA 2063
24-26 JANUARY 2014
As adopted by the 24th
Ordinary Session of the Executive Council,
27-28 January 2014, Addis Ababa (Rev.1)

29. 28
That by 2063 Africa’s population is projectedC2.
to reach 30% of the world’s population, Asia
50%, however our share of the world’s GDP is
projected to be only 10%. Our transformation
agenda must change this GDP trajectory, with
industrialization as the key driver, linked with
agriculture and food security.
That we are also conscious of the uncertaintyC3.
in the global environment, and the potential of
shocks and developments that may impact on
Africa’s trajectory, and that we need to build
resilience to mitigate and take advantage of
such changes.
That African engagement with the rest of theC4.
world continues to be defined by the ebbs
and falls of demand for its natural resources
and primary products; the migration of its
peoples (forced or otherwise), but also by its
contributions to global culture, geo-politics
and to progressive human ideals of progress,
tolerance, freedom and justice, as captured
by the Pan African movement.
That Africa needs to take charge of its globalC5.
narrative and brand, to ensure that it reflects
continental realities, aspirations and priorities
and Africa’s position in the world.
The Retreat reaffirms African unity andC6.
solidarity in the face of continued external
interference including by multi-national
corporations, attempts to divide the continent
and undue pressures and illegal sanctions on
some countries.
To positionAfrica in the world, by strengtheningC7.
our common perspectives on partnerships
that reflects the unity of the continent and
its priorities and perspectives on matters of
global importance, ensuring co-chairing of all
Summits and forums on Africa. Such common
perspectiveswouldincreasebargainingpower,
bring about balance in the kind of partnerships
that Africa enters into and promoting Africa’s
common interests and agenda.
D. THREATS AND RISKS
The Retreat analyzed the old and new threatsE1.
faced by the continent, including scrambles
for its resources in the face of changing global
demands and demographics; undue external
influence in the affairs of the continent; its
disproportionate burden of the impact of
climate change; and the huge scale of illicit
outflows of African resources and capital.
The potential internal threats posed by rapidE2.
population growth, youth unemployment,
conflicts and internal strife and growing
inequality and subjective threats such as
weak institutions, state fragility, exclusion and
poor management of diversity; terrorism and
trans-national crime; rent-seeking, corruption
and lack of accountability.
The Retreat acknowledged that these threatsE3.
and challenges can be mitigated and turned
into opportunities through collective strategies
and effective public policies and actions.
E. ENABLERS AND CONDITIONS FOR
SUCCESS
The retreat noted thatAfrica’s drive for transformation
will be facilitated by key enablers, among these are:
Building and promotion ofE1. Peace and Security
as a critical condition for development, growth
and human security, through African solutions
and responses, promotion of tolerance,
reconciliation and forgiveness, domestic
resource mobilization for African peace-
keeping and peace-building and the inclusive
management of diversity and resources. The
Retreat noted the financial and human cost of
conflicts, in particular the costs of expenditure
on arms, mainly from manufacturers outside of
the continent.The Retreat agreed that we must
learn from past and present success stories of
peaceful resolution to disputes, such as the
peaceful settlement of Bakassi Peninsula case
between Nigeria and Cameroon, which was
settled after a twenty-year process through
mutually agreed international arbitration.
Effective management and the beneficiationE2.
of African resources to effect transformation,
inclusive growth and industrialization.
Structural transformationE3. ofAfrican economies
and societies, through high and sustained
rates of economic growth, diversification and
industrialization, human capital development,
agriculture and food security, infrastructure
development, the provision of basic services
and public goods, the promotion of intra-
African trade and investment, effective and
accountable governance and institutions and
faster economic and political integration.
Investment in human capital development, inE4.
order to reap the demographic dividend, with
special focus on the empowerment of women
and youth and investments in skills, science,
technology, research and innovation.
Effective and visionary leadership with politicalE5.
commitment and accountability, coupled with
the mobilization and participation of African
citizens and strata.
Effective, accountable and participatoryE6.
institutions and governance based on
transparent laws and rules, effective public
policy and services, strengthening the role
of the state in development, enhancing the
legitimacy of institutions and building public
trust. We must develop general principals
around the evolution of African developmental
states.
Domestic mobilization of Finances andE7.