THE VOICES OF THE AFRICAN PEOPLE
1. We, the people of Africa and her Diaspora, united in diversity, young and
old, men and women, girls and boys from all walks of life, deeply conscious
of history, express our deep appreciation to all generations of Pan-Africanists.
In particular, to the founders of the Organisation of African Unity for having
bequeathed us an Africa with exemplary successes in the fight against slavery,
colonialism and apartheid. Agenda 2063, rooted in Pan Africanism and African
Renaissance, provides a robust framework for addressing past injustices and
the realisation of the 21st Century as the African Century.
2. We echo the Pan-African call that Africa must unite in order to realize its
Renaissance. Present generations are confident that the destiny of Africa is
in their hands, and that they must act now to shape the future they want. Fifty
years after the first thirty-three (33) independent African states took a landmark
decision to form the Organization of African Unity, we are looking ahead
towards the next fifty years.
3. In this new and noble initiative, past plans and commitments have been
reviewed, and we pledge to take into account lessons from them as we
implement Agenda 2063. These include: mobilization of the people and their
ownership of continental programmes at the core; the principle of self-reliance
and Africa financing its own development; the importance of capable, inclusive
and accountable states and institutions at all levels and in all spheres; the critical
role of Regional Economic Communities as building blocks for continental
unity; taking into account of the special challenges faced by both island and
land-locked states; and holding ourselves and our governments and institutions
accountable for results. Agenda 2063 will not happen spontaneously, it will
require conscious and deliberate efforts to nurture a transformative leadership
that will drive the agenda and defend Africa’s interests.
4. We rededicate ourselves to the enduring Pan African vision of “an integrated,
prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing
a dynamic force in the international arena.”
AFRICAN ASPIRATIONS FOR 2063
5. Our united voices paint a picture of what we desire for ourselves, for future
generations and the continent.
6. The aspirations reflect our desire for shared prosperity and well-being, for unity
and integration, for a continent of free citizens and expanded horizons, where
the full potential of women and youth, boys and girls are realized, and with
freedom from fear, disease and want.
7. Africa is self-confident in its identity, heritage, culture and shared values and
as a strong, united and influential partner on the global stage making its
contribution to peace, human progress, peaceful co-existence and welfare. In
short, a different and better Africa.
8. We are confident that Africa has the capability to realise her full potential in
development, culture and peace and to establish flourishing, inclusive and
prosperous societies. We thus, commit to act together towards achieving the
following aspirations: