Luanda:Angolan President Joo Louren§o emphasized the need for greater accountability in the execution of Agenda 2063, advocating for effective mechanisms to monitor commitments made by member states.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Louren§o made these remarks while presenting a report on the contributions of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) towards regional integration during the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs).
In his role as Chairperson of the AUDA-NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee, Joo Louren§o highlighted the preparation of the first draft continental progress report on the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063. This report incorporated inputs from 44 member states and five Regional Economic Communities. Additionally, he noted the adoption of the Agenda 2063 Dashboard and training provided to 52 member states and eight RECs on the reporting system.
President Louren§o stressed that Africa's achievements should be assessed by the tangible results produced for its citizens rather than the mere adoption of frameworks and strategies. He acknowledged encouraging progress while cautioning that significant challenges remain, including the disparity between political and legal integration frameworks and actual trade and economic activities.
He pointed out the uneven progress across the Regional Economic Communities, suggesting that political commitment alone is insufficient for integration. To accelerate implementation and achieve measurable results, he called for enhancing the capabilities of RECs and member states and emphasized the importance of a well-funded AUDA-NEPAD.
Marking the 25th anniversary of NEPAD, President Louren§o urged reflection on past achievements and a clear definition of future goals. He highlighted AUDA-NEPAD's evolution and its expanded portfolio of programs and investments, urging member states to reaffirm their commitment to regional and continental integration.
He also called for strengthening the role of RECs as crucial vehicles for implementing and mobilizing African resources for African priorities. Supporting AUDA-NEPAD in advancing the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 was deemed necessary.
Expressing optimism for Africa's future, President Louren§o suggested that collaborative efforts by African nations could transform the vision of integration into a reality marked by increased prosperity, economic autonomy, resilience, and better opportunities for the continent's people.
AUDA-NEPAD, as the African Union Development Agency, plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of Agenda 2063's development and integration priorities. Evolving from the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) launched in 2001, AUDA-NEPAD aims to accelerate sustainable and integrated development across Africa.
The Summit provides a strategic platform for cooperation, information exchange, and enhancing response capabilities among the African Union, RECs, and Regional Mechanisms. Africa's Regional Economic Communities comprise SADC, ECOWAS, ECCAS, COMESA, EAC, AMU, IGAD, and CEN-SAD.
