While Western and Asian nations have long refined their legislative processes to meet contemporary demands, African parliaments are steadily adapting their frameworks to foster inclusive governance, digital efficiency, and socio-political stability. This transformation signifies a profound evolution in Africa’s democratic institutions as they strive to overcome historical challenges and align with global best practices.

READ ALSO: African Parliamentary Networks: Cooperation and Challenges

A global perspective reveals that parliamentary evolution is often driven by economic imperatives, citizen engagement, and technological advancements. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), more than 68% of national parliaments worldwide have digitised their operations, enabling virtual sessions, e-legislation, and real-time public participation. In the United States, Congress has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into legislative drafting and policy analysis, expediting decision-making processes. Similarly, the European Parliament has adopted stringent transparency measures, allowing citizens to scrutinise legislative proceedings through open-access platforms.

In Asia, Singapore’s e-Parliament initiative exemplifies how digital governance can enhance legislative efficiency. However, Africa’s legislative landscape presents a unique case. As of 2023, only 40% of African parliaments had fully digitised legislative processes, with South Africa, Rwanda, and Kenya leading the way in adopting e-governance tools. The continent faces significant gaps in technological infrastructure, legal reforms, and parliamentary independence, yet several case studies highlight commendable progress.

African parliaments are increasingly asserting themselves in governance, addressing contemporary challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, and cybersecurity. In Nigeria, the National Assembly’s passage of the Start-Up Act in 2022 illustrates how legislative bodies are fostering innovation-led economic growth. The law, aimed at supporting tech entrepreneurs, aligns Nigeria with global trends in digital economy policies.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s parliament has played a crucial role in enacting policies to curb illegal mining, tackling environmental degradation through strict legal frameworks. Rwanda’s parliament has gone further by leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline legislative research and deliberations, setting a precedent for digital governance across the continent. These examples indicate that African legislatures are not only responding to present challenges but are also shaping the future of governance through proactive policymaking.

One of the most critical areas of parliamentary evolution in Africa is electoral reform. Historically, electoral disputes have plagued many African democracies, undermining stability and development. However, there is a growing trend of legislative interventions to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. Kenya’s 2022 electoral process, largely upheld as transparent, was significantly influenced by legal frameworks established by the Kenyan Parliament. By integrating biometric voter registration and real-time results transmission, Kenya’s legislature demonstrated how legal innovation could enhance electoral integrity. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s parliament has struggled to implement comprehensive electoral reforms, highlighting the uneven progress in democratic evolution across the continent.

Security legislation has also taken centre stage as African nations grapple with terrorism, cyber threats, and cross-border conflicts. The rise of militant groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and armed insurgencies in the Sahel region has prompted legislative bodies to enact stringent counterterrorism laws. Nigeria’s 2011 Anti-Terrorism Act, which has undergone multiple amendments, showcases how parliaments are adapting to evolving security challenges. Similarly, the African Union’s (AU) emphasis on legislative collaboration among member states to combat terrorism reflects the growing role of parliaments in regional security frameworks.

Economic governance is another defining aspect of Africa’s parliamentary transformation. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in full swing, legislative bodies across the continent are harmonising trade policies to facilitate seamless intra-African commerce. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by 52% by 2025, provided that national parliaments align their legislative frameworks with regional economic goals. South Africa’s parliament has played a leading role in aligning national policies with AfCFTA objectives, demonstrating the potential of legislative harmonisation in fostering economic growth.

Beyond economic and security concerns, African parliaments are addressing gender inclusivity and human rights. Countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia have set global benchmarks in gender representation, with women holding over 60% and 50% of parliamentary seats, respectively. This shift signifies a broader recognition of gender equity as a legislative priority. However, challenges remain, as nations like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo struggle with restrictive policies that hinder women’s political participation.

As African parliaments continue to evolve, the key to sustained progress lies in institutional strengthening, technological integration, and regional cooperation. Lessons drawn from global legislative trends can serve as a blueprint for Africa’s parliamentary future. While significant strides have been made, the road ahead requires deliberate reforms, robust public engagement, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. In an era defined by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Africa’s legislatures stand at the crossroads of transformation, poised to redefine governance for generations to come.

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Today, despite decades of independence, Africa’s political map still reflects this imposed fragmentation, stifling the dream of true unity. According to the African Union (AU), intra-African trade accounts for just 16% of the continent’s total trade volume—a stark contrast to Europe’s 68% and Asia’s 59%. This is not just a statistic; it is a reality that defines Africa’s fractured economic and political landscape.

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African Union or African Disunion?

The AU, established in 2001 to replace the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), was envisioned as the bedrock for African solidarity. Yet, two decades later, the vision of a politically and economically integrated Africa remains elusive. While the AU has made strides in conflict resolution, notably in the Central African Republic and Sudan, its efforts are frequently hamstrung by nationalistic interests and external interference.

The 2019 signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was heralded as a game-changer, promising a $3.4 trillion economic bloc (World Bank, 2021). However, logistical barriers, infrastructural deficits, and policy inconsistencies continue to hinder its full implementation. With only 47 out of 54 African nations having ratified the agreement (UNECA, 2024), scepticism lingers over whether Africa’s leaders are genuinely committed to dissolving the economic borders that inhibit progress.

Economic Fragmentation

Despite their collective wealth in natural resources, African economies remain fragmented. The lack of regional economic integration exacerbates Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed this harsh reality, as African nations struggled to secure medical supplies due to over-reliance on foreign imports.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) reported that Africa’s share in global trade remains at a dismal 2.7% (2023), a telling sign of the continent’s failure to harness its collective strength. In contrast, China, a single country, commands over 12% of global trade. This economic isolation is reinforced by infrastructural inadequacies; the African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that Africa requires $130-$170 billion annually in infrastructure investments to bridge this gap. Without a unified economic strategy, Africa remains a patchwork of struggling economies rather than a formidable global player.

Political Fragmentation

African unity is further undermined by political fragmentation. Borders, drawn by European rulers with little regard for African realities, continue to ignite ethnic and territorial conflicts. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, and the perennial instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) all bear the imprint of colonial border legacies. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), Africa accounted for over 37% of global conflict events in 2023.

Despite initiatives such as the AU’s “Silencing the Guns” agenda, political instability remains a formidable roadblock to unity. Without addressing the underlying causes of these conflicts, many of which stem from historical injustices tied to borders, Africa will struggle to achieve genuine unity.

The Cultural Paradox

Africa is a continent of deep cultural connectivity. With over 2,000 languages spoken and shared historical narratives, the foundation for unity is stronger than its artificial borders suggest. The Swahili language, spoken by over 200 million people, has been championed as a potential unifying linguistic bridge (UNESCO, 2023). Yet, linguistic divisions, reinforced by colonial legacies, persist. Francophone, Anglophone, and Lusophone nations often engage more with their former colonial masters than with their African neighbours.

The push for cultural re-Africanisation, including initiatives to revive indigenous governance systems and promote pan-African education, remains an untapped resource in forging a truly united continent.

Between Idealism and Pragmatism

Can Africa ever achieve true unity? The answer lies in a blend of idealism and pragmatism. A complete erasure of borders is unrealistic; however, redefining these borders to transform them from barriers into bridges is achievable. Economic integration through full implementation of AfCFTA, political coordination through stronger AU governance mechanisms, and infrastructural interconnectivity via projects like the Trans-African Highway Network (AU, 2023) can pave the way for a more unified Africa.
Moreover, decolonising the African mindset—embracing an identity beyond imposed nationalities and fostering a pan-African consciousness—is essential.

The Dawn of a Borderless Mindset

As Africa stands at the crossroads of unity and fragmentation, the need for a borderless mindset is more critical than ever. An African proverb reminds us that when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. If African nations can weave together their economies, policies, and cultures, they can subdue the lion of disunity that has long hindered progress.

True unity may not mean the dissolution of borders but rather transcending them—a unity not just of geography but of purpose, vision, and destiny.

The question remains: will Africa rise above the scars of colonial cartography and chart a new path for itself? The answer lies not in external interventions but in the collective will of its people and leaders to turn the dream of unity into reality.

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The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023 offers some insight: out of the 54 African nations, more than two-thirds scored below 50 on the 100-point scale, reflecting deep-seated corruption concerns. Countries like Somalia and South Sudan consistently rank among the lowest globally, while others such as Botswana and Seychelles emerge as examples of better governance.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), corruption costs African economies over $148 billion annually—around 25% of the continent’s GDP. This staggering figure is mostly attributed to illicit financial flows, tax evasion, and the embezzlement of public funds. With these numbers in mind, the urgency of curbing corruption is evident.

Institutional Efforts in Combating Corruption

In response to this pervasive issue, African institutions have mounted efforts aimed at reforming governance structures, promoting transparency, and increasing accountability. A number of anti-corruption bodies have emerged over the years, both at the national and continental levels.

The Role of the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) has taken bold steps in the fight against corruption through the establishment of the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption (AUABC). One of the AU’s landmark achievements is the adoption of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) in 2003. This Convention, signed by 44 of the AU’s 55 member states, aims to promote and strengthen mechanisms required to prevent, detect, punish, and eradicate corruption.

The AU’s 2022 Africa Governance Report underscores some progress in governance and anti-corruption measures, noting that 39 African countries have national anti-corruption laws and bodies. Additionally, the AU’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), established in 2003, allows member states to assess each other’s governance standards, including their efforts to combat corruption. As of 2023, 43 countries have voluntarily acceded to this initiative, demonstrating an increasing commitment to fighting corruption.

National Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs)

Many African nations have also established their own Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs). For instance, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have been lauded for their role in the high-profile prosecution of corrupt individuals. In Kenya, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has implemented anti-corruption frameworks that have resulted in public officials being held accountable for corrupt practices. In South Africa, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been instrumental in unearthing corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the recovery of misappropriated funds.

While these institutions have seen some successes, they face many challenges, including political interference, underfunding, and a lack of prosecutorial independence.

Challenges to Anti-Corruption Efforts

Despite these advancements, there are still critical obstacles that hinder the effective elimination of corruption across the continent. Some of the most pressing challenges include:

1. Weak Institutional Frameworks

One of the significant challenges for anti-corruption bodies across Africa is the weakness of institutional frameworks. In many cases, corruption-fighting agencies lack sufficient autonomy, with their leadership frequently replaced by political actors who have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. In Uganda, for example, the Inspector General of Government has been criticized for lacking prosecutorial independence and for failing to deliver convictions in high-profile cases.

2. Political Corruption and Elite Capture

Political corruption remains endemic in several African countries, where ruling elites often manipulate state resources for personal enrichment. According to the World Bank, in many African countries, political elites continue to capture state institutions, preventing anti-corruption agencies from functioning effectively. The overlap between political power and economic interests often results in compromised governance and law enforcement.

3. Judicial Inefficiencies

Another major challenge is the inefficiency of judicial systems. Lengthy court processes, underfunding, and corruption within the judiciary itself often make it difficult for corruption cases to be prosecuted successfully. In Zimbabwe, for instance, the slow pace of judicial proceedings has resulted in several high-profile corruption cases stalling for years.

4. Illicit Financial Flows

Africa loses billions annually through illicit financial flows (IFFs). According to the Global Financial Integrity Report, Africa loses around $88.6 billion each year to IFFs, undermining the continent’s ability to fight corruption effectively. The movement of wealth out of Africa to tax havens or foreign accounts deprives governments of the resources needed for development and anti-corruption programs.

Progress Made in the Fight Against Corruption

While challenges abound, there are notable success stories. Countries like Rwanda, which scored 53 on the 2023 CPI, have made significant strides in governance and anti-corruption initiatives. Under President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has been praised for its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stringent public service reforms, and digital innovations that limit the discretionary powers of public officials. As a result, Rwanda has become one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, attracting foreign investment and promoting a culture of accountability.

Botswana also stands out as an exemplar, consistently ranking as one of Africa’s least corrupt countries. The country’s success can be attributed to its well-functioning public institutions and a legal framework that supports transparency and accountability.

The Way Forward

To build on the progress already made and overcome the challenges, several key strategies must be pursued:

1. Strengthening Institutional Autonomy: Anti-corruption agencies need greater autonomy and independence from political influence. This can be achieved through constitutional amendments that safeguard the tenure of ACA heads and ensure that these institutions are adequately funded.
2. Judicial Reforms: The efficiency and transparency of judicial systems must be improved. Special anti-corruption courts with expedited procedures should be established to handle high-profile cases swiftly and effectively.
3. International Cooperation: African institutions should enhance cross-border cooperation in combating corruption, particularly in dealing with illicit financial flows. The African Union should work more closely with international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to strengthen anti-money laundering frameworks.
4. Public Engagement and Education: Efforts to combat corruption must involve civil society. Public awareness campaigns that emphasize the cost of corruption and promote ethical conduct are essential for changing cultural attitudes towards corruption.

African institutions have made progress in their fight against corruption, but they continue to grapple with substantial challenges. Corruption remains deeply entrenched in many areas, threatening sustainable development and governance. However, the commitment shown by African leaders, continental bodies like the African Union and individual nations signals hope for more effective governance in the future.

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Hillary Clinton’s powerful declaration highlights the essential role of gender equality in the progress of society. In Africa, where the struggle for women’s rights has been long and challenging, numerous global initiatives are leading efforts to empower women and create lasting change. These initiatives, driven by passionate and visionary leaders, are making significant strides in education, legal reform, economic empowerment, and leadership development.

1. The Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)

Founded by Dr. Mrs. Furo Ken-Giami in 2008, CELD is a global NGO dedicated to advancing women’s rights and leadership in Africa. The centre has been instrumental in promoting gender equality through leadership training, advocacy, and policy influence. CELD has impacted over one million women across Africa, empowering individuals to achieve peak performance and overcome the challenges of an ever-changing world through tailored training programmes, specialised conferences, and capacity-building initiatives.

2. Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF)

Established in 1990, WiLDAF is a Pan-African women’s rights network focused on promoting and protecting women’s rights through advocacy, legal reform, and capacity-building programmes. The organisation has played a key role in pushing for gender-sensitive legislation in several African countries, contributing to the passage of over 100 gender equality laws.

3. UN Women’s HeForShe Campaign

Launched in 2014 under the leadership of Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, HeForShe is a UN Women solidarity campaign aimed at engaging men and boys as advocates for gender equality. The campaign has mobilised millions of people worldwide, including African leaders, celebrities, and influencers, to challenge traditional gender roles and promote women’s rights in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.

4. African Union’s Agenda 2063

Adopted in 2015, Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent, emphasising the empowerment of women and youth as key drivers of Africa’s development. The framework aims to achieve full gender equality by 2063, with targets including increased women’s participation in decision-making processes and equal access to education and economic opportunities. As of 2023, women hold 24% of parliamentary seats across Africa, marking a significant improvement from previous decades.

5. The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)

Established in 2000 by African women leaders, including Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Hilda Tadria, and Joana Foster, AWDF has awarded over $50 million in grants to more than 1,300 women’s organisations across 42 African countries. The fund supports initiatives focusing on women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and reproductive health rights. In 2021 alone, AWDF funded 175 projects that reached over two million women and girls.

6. Equality Now

Founded in 1992 by Jessica Neuwirth, Navanethem Pillay, and Feryal Gharahi, Equality Now has been instrumental in advocating for legal reforms to protect women’s rights in Africa. The organisation has successfully campaigned against female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and human trafficking, leading to policy changes in several African countries. For example, in Kenya, the prevalence of FGM has decreased by 13% over the last decade.

7. The Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC)

Launched by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2012, GEC has provided educational opportunities to over 1.5 million marginalised girls in Africa. The programme focuses on overcoming barriers to education, such as poverty, early marriage, and gender-based violence, and has improved literacy rates among girls by 30% in regions where it operates.

8. Global Fund for Women

The Global Fund for Women, established in 1987 by Anne Firth Murray, Frances Kissling, and Laura Lederer, has provided over $175 million in grants to women’s rights organisations in Africa and beyond. The fund supports initiatives addressing gender-based violence, economic justice, and sexual and reproductive health rights, benefiting millions of women and girls across Africa.

9. The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN)

Launched in 2017 by the African Union and the United Nations, with support from the Federal Republic of Germany, AWLN provides a platform for African women leaders to collaborate on gender equality initiatives. The network focuses on empowering women in leadership roles, peacebuilding, and economic development. As of 2023, AWLN has chapters in 30 African countries and has trained over 5,000 women leaders.

10. The Solidarity Fund for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR)

Established in 2004 by a coalition of African women’s rights organisations, SOAWR played a pivotal role in the adoption and ratification of the Maputo Protocol. This legal framework guarantees comprehensive rights for African women, including political participation, social and economic equality, and reproductive health. By 2023, 42 African Union member states had ratified the Maputo Protocol.

11. UNICEF’s #EndChildMarriage Campaign

Launched in collaboration with various governments and NGOs, UNICEF’s #EndChildMarriage Campaign has been instrumental in reducing child marriage in Africa. In countries like Ethiopia and Zambia, the prevalence of child marriage has dropped by 20% since the campaign’s inception. While 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa are still married before the age of 18, this figure is steadily declining due to efforts like #EndChildMarriage.

12. Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda

Adopted by the United Nations Security Council in 2000 under Resolution 1325, the WPS Agenda emphasises the critical role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. In Africa, the agenda has supported women’s participation in peace processes in countries such as Liberia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where women’s involvement in peace processes has increased by 15%.

13. African Women’s Economic Empowerment Program (AWEEP)

Initiated by the U.S. Department of State in 2010, AWEEP supports African women entrepreneurs by providing them with tools, resources, and networks to grow their businesses and access international markets. AWEEP has empowered over 10,000 women entrepreneurs across Africa, contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs.

14. The African Women’s Rights Observatory (AWRO)

Managed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), AWRO serves as a comprehensive database on women’s rights in Africa, providing valuable data and analysis to inform policy and advocacy efforts. AWRO’s data has been used in over 50 policy briefs and reports that have influenced gender equality policies across the continent.

15. Vital Voices Global Partnership

Co-founded in 1997 by Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Melanne Verveer, Vital Voices identifies, trains, and empowers women leaders globally, including in Africa. The organisation has worked with women in over 20 African countries, focusing on political leadership, economic empowerment, and combating gender-based violence. Vital Voices has trained over 15,000 women leaders worldwide.

16. The #MeToo Movement Africa

Originating in 2006 by Tarana Burke, the #MeToo movement saw its African chapter emerge in the late 2010s. #MeToo Africa has provided a platform for African women to speak out against sexual harassment and violence. The movement has led to increased awareness and policy changes in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. In South Africa, reports of sexual harassment have increased by 30%, reflecting greater awareness and willingness to speak out.

17. The Women’s Global Leadership Program (WGLP)

Established by the Women’s Environment & Development Organization (WEDO) in 1991, WGLP provides leadership training and support to women leaders in Africa, focusing on sustainable development and climate justice. The programme has empowered women leaders in countries like Ghana, Uganda, and Mozambique.

18. The African Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI)

Established in 1997 by Akina Mama wa Afrika, AWLI is a Pan-African women’s organisation aimed at creating a new generation of African women leaders who will transform their societies. AWLI offers training programmes to young African women, equipping them with leadership skills and knowledge to advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Since its inception, AWLI has trained over 7,000 women leaders across Africa.

19. The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA)

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Hajo Sani, WRAPA focuses on advancing and protecting the rights of women in Nigeria through legal aid, advocacy, and community outreach programmes. The organisation has successfully fought against harmful cultural practices, such as widowhood rites and early marriage, providing legal aid to over 20,000 women and girls since its inception.

READ ALSO: Dissecting Key Solutions to African Women’s Health Issues

20. The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

Launched by the U.S. government in 2010 under President Barack Obama, YALI supports young African leaders, including women, by providing them with tools and networks to drive positive change in their communities. The initiative focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. YALI has trained over 4,000 young African women leaders, many of whom are now leading change in their countries.

These 20 global initiatives represent a powerful force in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights in Africa. Through advocacy, education, legal reform, and leadership development, they are helping to build a more just and equitable society for all.

As Barack Obama, Former U.S. President once said, “Africa’s future depends on the empowerment of its young leaders, especially women.”

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Since its inception in 2002, the AU has made significant strides in promoting peace, security, and economic cooperation among its member states. It succeeded the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which primarily focused on the liberation of African countries from colonial rule.

The AU’s broader mandate includes socio-economic development and integration, conflict resolution, and the promotion of democratic governance. Key achievements include the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the deployment of peacekeeping missions, and initiatives to promote gender equality and youth empowerment.

The AfCFTA, in particular, represents a monumental step towards economic integration. By creating the world’s largest free trade area, covering 54 of the 55 African Union nations, the agreement aims to boost intra-African trade by 52% by 2022, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This framework is crucial for the continent’s future, as it seeks to reduce dependency on external markets and leverage Africa’s vast natural and human resources for its own development.

Economic integration is pivotal for the AU’s long-term success. The AfCFTA is designed to remove tariffs on 90% of goods, facilitate the movement of capital and people, and lay the groundwork for a continent-wide customs union. For this potential to be realized, several key factors must be addressed:

Adequate infrastructure is essential for seamless trade and investment. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa needs an estimated $170 billion annually for infrastructure development, with a current financing gap of $68 to $108 billion. Pan-African projects like the African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network and the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) are critical. Investing in these projects will not only facilitate trade but also create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Africans.

To ensure that goods and services move freely across borders, the AU must work towards harmonizing trade policies, standards, and regulations. The World Bank estimates that harmonizing trade policies could reduce trade costs by up to 15% and boost Africa’s GDP by $292 billion by 2025. This requires cooperation among member states to standardize customs procedures, product standards, and investment regulations. Such harmonization will reduce trade barriers, increase efficiency, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

SMEs are the backbone of African economies, accounting for 80% of employment and over 50% of GDP. The AU should implement policies that support SMEs through access to finance, capacity building, and market access. Facilitating SMEs’ participation in cross-border trade will enhance their growth and contribution to the economy.

Political stability and good governance are prerequisites for sustainable development and integration. The AU’s Agenda 2063 outlines a vision for an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Africa. Achieving this vision requires a commitment to democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The following areas are crucial for strengthening political integration:

Promoting democracy and good governance is essential for political stability. According to Afrobarometer, support for democracy in Africa is strong, with over 70% of Africans preferring democracy over any other form of government. The AU should enhance its mechanisms for monitoring and supporting democratic processes in member states. This includes election observation missions, capacity building for electoral bodies, and support for civil society organizations. Upholding democratic principles will foster trust and cooperation among member states.

Africa has seen a reduction in the number of conflicts, with the number of armed conflicts decreasing from 24 in 2017 to 15 in 2020. Strengthening these efforts requires adequate funding, robust mandates, and collaboration with regional economic communities (RECs). Preventive diplomacy and early warning systems are also critical for addressing conflicts before they escalate.

The promotion and protection of human rights are fundamental to the AU’s objectives. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights should be empowered to enforce human rights standards effectively. Ensuring accountability for human rights violations will strengthen the rule of law and contribute to political stability.

Social integration is vital for fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among Africans. The AU’s initiatives in education, health, and cultural exchange play a crucial role in this regard. Key areas for enhancing social integration include:

Investing in education and youth empowerment is crucial for Africa’s future. Currently, 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, making it the world’s youngest continent. The AU should prioritize initiatives that improve access to quality education, vocational training, and digital literacy. Empowering the youth will create a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 24% of the global disease burden but only 1% of global health expenditure. The AU should support member states in strengthening their health systems and implementing social protection programs. Addressing health challenges such as pandemics, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases will improve overall well-being.

The AU should support initiatives that celebrate Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and heritage. Encouraging cultural exchange programs, sports, and the arts will foster mutual understanding and solidarity among Africans.

READ ALSO: The critical issues in Africa’s intra trade dilemma

For the AU to effectively lead the continent towards integration, its institutional capacity must be strengthened. This involves improving governance structures, increasing financial resources, and enhancing coordination with member states and regional bodies.

The AU should continue its institutional reforms to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. This includes streamlining decision-making processes, improving transparency and accountability, and strengthening the capacity of AU institutions. Effective governance will enable the AU to implement its programs and policies more effectively.

Strengthening coordination with member states, RECs, and international partners is essential for achieving the AU’s objectives. The AU should enhance its collaboration with these stakeholders to ensure the alignment of policies and programs. Partnerships with international organizations, the private sector, and civil society are also vital for leveraging resources and expertise.

The post The Future of African Union Strengthening Continental Integration appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Pedro underscored the importance of partnership and collaboration in boosting digital connectivity in Africa, as the continent endeavours on the path of economic transformation with the operationalization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

He made the remarks during a high-level session held under the theme “Universal, Affordable and Meaningful Connectivity” as part of the ongoing Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2022, in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Pedro noted that the African Union Commission’s digital transformation strategy was an excellent framework for prioritizing digital infrastructure and accessibility as a prerequisite to achieving digital transformation and prosperity in line with Agenda 2063.

He said the UNECA is promoting broadband expansion efforts across African countries, which will have substantial impacts on regional cooperation and integration in Africa.

According to Pedro, in order to resolve the gender digital divide across Africa, the UNECA has been conducting coding camps for girls and young women under the “Connected African Girls” initiative.

The 17th IGF is being held under the theme of “Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future”.

The post Digitalization Key To Africa’s Agenda 2063 — UN Official Says appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

They will be able to purchase the commodities at favourable prices.

The African Export-Import Bank has developed the platform (Afreximbank) and African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

It seeks to help the already fiscally strained African economies deal with the supply shortages caused by the Ukraine war, UNECA said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The Russia-Ukraine crisis has increased the strain on critical supply chains in commodity markets, with current and expected price increases in agricultural products and inputs such as cereals and fertilisers,” the statement read.

“The larger implications are the downstream effects of potential supply chain constraints that can raise prices, increase vulnerability and food insecurity, building unsustainable pressure on already stretched fiscal environments.”

The Ukraine crisis has caused shortages of wheat, maise, and other grains and fertilisers in several African countries, mostly net food importers that get over 80 per cent of their wheat and maise from Russia and Ukraine.

This has seen food commodities prices, oil skyrocket, and currencies steeply depreciate in African countries.

In Kenya, prices increased by 6.47 per cent in April alone, while the shilling has fallen to a record low of Ksh117 per US dollar.

Uganda registered a 1.4 per cent inflation rate in April, and its currency has been fluctuating against the US dollar. In Tanzania, prices rose by 3.8 per cent, while in Rwanda, they increased by 3.5 per cent in April alone.

According to UNECA, ATEX will ensure supply chain resilience in Africa by enabling “trade of the main agricultural commodities and inputs imported by the continent from Russia and Ukraine,” improving the price stability of these basic commodities.

“The platform will facilitate pooled procurement by African buyers of these commodities from African suppliers where possible and from outside the continent where necessary, thereby contributing to the creation of new, continental supply chains which insulate Africans from the volatility which has characterised recent years,” UNECA said.

Before the launch of the platform, AfDB had announced a $1.5 billion Africa Emergency Food Production Plan that was meant to speedily help African countries produce about 38 million tonnes of food, including wheat, maise, rice, and soybeans, to mitigate the effects of the Ukraine war on food prices.

UNECA said both interventions are crucial to helping Africa improve food security and negotiate competitive prices in the international market.

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Speaking on the theme of the summit, “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”, she highlighted the need for countries for infrastructure development; including improving tax performance and tackling the flow of illicit financial flows.

It also places a premium on the prohibitive cost of protecting intellectual property on the continent, which will help promote innovations especially among the youth.

“The 4th industrial revolution can be a powerful gender equalizing took in Africa, I plead with our leaders to protect intellectual property rights of its youth and of its girls in particular, she said.

Present at the Summit of the SADC States and the Chairperson of the African Union, among others.

According to the organizers, this year’s theme builds on the focus of the past four SADC Summits that sought to advance industrial development. Key to the discussions is the need for an integrated infrastructure network as an important enabler of industrialization and market integration.

The Summit will also review the implementation of the SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063. The SADC industrialization strategy, adopted in April 2015, seeks to achieve major economic and economic transformation at national and regional levels to accelerate economic growth through industrial development.

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