Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary Diplomatist July 19 Edition . | Page 45

AFRICA DIARY
Distinguished ladies and
gentlemen,
It is in response to this that the
African Union (AU) envisions “an
integrated, prosperous, equitable and
well governed and peaceful United
States of Africa eff ectively managed
by its own citizens and representing
a creative and dynamic force in
the international arena”. The last
component of this vision establishes
the need to cooperate strategically
with other regional groupings,
international Organizations and
states to market Africa’s position,
attain Africa’s objectives, increase
Africa’s international standing and
obtain the global leverage that would
enable the continent to maximise the
impact on the world scene.
Africa’s participation and
engagement in global
diplomacy has grown
immensely. The continent
has played a pivotal role
in the fi elds of world trade,
migration, security, climate
change, and terrorism. We
have been successful in
creating new allies and
ties with emerging powers,
as well as prevailing and
strengthening its old relations
with our western partners.
AU.1
Comprised of seven aspirations,
Agenda 2063 roadmap was prepared for continental
development, setting a number of achievable ambitions. It is
a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation
of the continent, pledging a path to growth and sustainable
development.
● Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive
growth and sustainable development.
● Aspiration 2: An integrated continent; politically united
and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision
of Africa’s Renaissance.
● Aspiration 3: An Africa of good governance, democracy,
respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
● Aspiration 4: A peaceful and secure Africa.
● Aspiration 5: An Africa with a strong cultural identity,
common heritage, shared values and ethics.
● Aspiration 6: An Africa, whose development is people-
driven, relying on the potential of African people,
especially its women and youth, and caring for children.
● Aspiration 7: Africa as a strong, united, resilient and
infl uential global player and partner.
For the past two decades, Africa’s participation and
engagement in global diplomacy has grown immensely.
The continent has played a pivotal role in the fi elds of world
trade, migration, security, climate change, and terrorism.
We have been successful in creating new allies and ties with
emerging powers, as well as prevailing and strengthening its
old relations with our western partners. The AU has become
the most signifi cant regional body in Africa and its role
in coordinating common African interests in multilateral
organizations brings forth our choice
of being more than just a passive
receiver.
Consequently a series of ground-
breaking partnerships have been
launched, including continent to
continent partnership – Africa –
Europe, Africa- South America and
Africa – Asia; Continent to country
partnerships - Africa-India, Africa
– Turkey, Africa – China, African –
Japan, Africa – US through AGOA
and Africa-France; Partnership in
gestation; Afro –Arab partnership
and Afro-Caribbean partnership.
Excellencies, ladies and
gentlemen,
A f r i c a ’s u n i q u e p h y s i c a l ,
economic and political geography
also poses many challenges
to economic development and
management of shared public assets.
It is a matter of fact that political borders are often not aligned
with the economic and natural resources and many of the
countries of the continent are landlocked. National economies
and populations are generally quite small but cover large
geographic expanses with poor connective infrastructure.
The issues have prompted African countries to come to the
realization that collaborative actions and regional approaches
are critical to achieving their goals in development,
governance and society. It is in light of this realization that
the 1980 Lagos Plan of Action for the Development of Africa,
followed by the 1991 treaty to establish the African Economic
Community (popularly referred to as the Abuja Treaty),
proposed the creation of Regional Economic Communities
(RECs) as the basis for African integration. Consequently,
a number of RECs have been established under separate
regional treaties and recognised by the African Union.
AU 2
Formation of African Union is the proof that Africa has
moved ahead of paternal handholding and has become, strong
and mature, to make its priorities known as a Continental
Order. New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD),
AU and many other pivotal regional organization’s initiatives
represent the pinnacle of this victorious decade for African
diplomacy and demand for equal partnership with the world
powers.
Now a new player is emerging with the potential to de-
fragment Africa and boost the productivity of its economies.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), one of
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 7 • July 2019, Noida • 45