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The founders of the African Union (AU), previously known as the Organisation of African Unity, showed great resolve and collective purpose in 1963 in leading the world against colonialism and apartheid on the continent.
They promoted unity and solidarity of African states, and coordinated and intensified cooperation and efforts to achieve a better life for all people in Africa.
The organisation also sought to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, and promoted international cooperation within the UN framework.
Their vision, which still remains today, was to establish a body that could accelerate integration in Africa, support the empowerment of African states in the global economy, and address the multifaceted social, economic and political challenges facing the continent.
This vision is underpinned in the AU’s Agenda 2063, a 50-year continental framework aimed at building an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, which is a dynamic force in the international arena.
This year’s celebration of Africa Day tomorrow is, therefore, of particular significance as the AU Summit in Johannesburg next month is expected to adopt Agenda 2063’s first 10-year implementation plan.
The plan outlines flagship projects to kick-start the implementation of Agenda 2063 with a view to fully integrate the continent in 50 years. Through these projects, Africa will be connected through aviation, railways, highways, information and communication technology, energy and the seas.
The AU is also addressing Africa’s infrastructure backlog, using state of the art technology and smarter partnerships for development.
These flagship programmes are all key drivers for continental integration. The success of Agenda 2063 lies with member states and regional economic communities. South Africa’s National Development Plan already includes the key proposals in Agenda 2063, with a strong focus on regional cooperation and integration.
Economic integration is a critical component of the continent’s efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth. In this regard, negotiations for the continental free trade area are expected to take place this year to facilitate its establishment by 2017.
This is premised on the conclusion of the tripartite free trade area and the consolidation of free trade areas in regional economic communities.
This will comprise the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. They will expand intra-African trade, promote collaboration between regional economic communities, and facilitate joint resource mobilisation and project implementation.
Free trade areas will also establish an integrated market with a combined population of 600 million, a total GDP of $1 trillion (R11.7 trillion) and a long-term growth rate of more than 5% per annum.
Africa is now regarded as one of the fastest-growing regions and, with its abundance of human and natural resources, is also becoming a hub for innovation, mineral beneficiation and space exploration.
Infrastructure investment spending has quadrupled, exports have increased and Africa is receiving a growing share of foreign direct investment.
This is the result of improved governance and a sturdier macroeconomic management. We need to sustain these trends and deepen them.
As we mark Africa Day, eradicating poverty and hunger, creating better futures for our youth and empowering women is something we can no longer just talk about. We need action.
We should prioritise advances in science and technology, and we should use this as a tool to become the ultimate masters of our fate.
Agenda 2063 and the adoption of its first 10-year plan is expected to be a source of inspiration for development, peace, prosperity and unity in the 21st century – and, ultimately, for the regional integration of our continent.
Nkoana-Mashabane is minister of international relations and cooperation
