The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with African Union organs and national parliaments to advance continental integration and cooperation to the realisation of Agenda 2063.
Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s long-term development framework, popularly known as “The Africa We Want.” for transforming Africa into a prosperous, integrated and influential global power.
The Parliament made the commitment as the African Union commemorates the anniversary of its establishment, with the continental body tracing its institutional origins to the Sirte Declaration of September 9, 1999, and its official launch in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The transition from the OAU to the AU reflected a renewed continental focus on deeper political and economic integration, sustainable development, peace and security, and Africa’s stronger participation in global affairs.
In a statement, the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament pledged to strengthen cooperation with national and regional parliaments, AU organs, Member States and African citizens in pursuit of the objectives outlined in Agenda 2063.
“As we commemorate this important day, the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament reaffirms its commitment to strengthening this mandate and contributing meaningfully to the realization of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. We are determined to work with National and Regional Parliaments, African Union Organs, Member States and citizens to advance integration, good governance, peace and security, sustainable development and shared prosperity,” the statement said.
Agenda 2063 serves as the AU’s 50-year strategic framework for transforming Africa into a prosperous, integrated and influential global power. The framework seeks to advance inclusive and sustainable economic development while promoting continental integration, democratic governance, peace and security, gender equality, youth empowerment, technological development and Africa’s greater self-reliance.
At the heart of the framework are seven aspirations, including a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; an integrated continent founded on Pan-Africanism; an Africa characterised by good governance, democracy, human rights and the rule of law; a peaceful and secure continent; an Africa with a strong cultural identity; people-driven development that empowers women and youth; and an Africa that is strong, united, resilient and influential in global affairs.
The Pan-African Parliament has a specific role in helping translate these continental ambitions into policy, legislation and accountability at national and regional levels.
Under its mandate, the Parliament is expected to facilitate the effective implementation of AU policies and objectives, promote good governance and democracy, encourage national and regional parliaments to ratify and integrate AU treaties into their domestic legal systems, and strengthen cooperation among parliamentary institutions across the continent.
Its permanent committees also perform oversight, advisory and consultative functions, including examining the implementation of AU programmes, scrutinising policies and treaties, and investigating matters of continental concern. The Parliament has previously emphasised that its work is intended to help ensure that AU policies and treaties are translated into national legislation and implemented by Member States.
The Seventh Legislature therefore stressed the importance of renewing the Pan-African ideals that underpin the AU’s vision and strengthening efforts towards greater African integration, self-reliance and collective prosperity.
The Parliament’s renewed commitment comes at a time when Agenda 2063 is increasingly being implemented through national development plans, regional economic programmes and continental initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, industrialisation and efforts to strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy.
The AU notes that the successful implementation of Agenda 2063 depends on its priorities being incorporated into national and regional development frameworks.
The PAP said sustained cooperation among African parliaments, AU institutions, Member States and citizens would remain essential to translating the aspirations of Agenda 2063 into tangible outcomes and building the integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa envisioned by the continental framework.
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