ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has launched the Second 10-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063, outlining major continental priorities and targets for the next 10 years.
The plan, also known as the decade of acceleration running from 2024 to 2033, was adopted during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU held from Feb. 17 to 18 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
The AU described the launch of the second-decade implementation plan and its priorities as a historic milestone for the African Union, its members, and all African citizens.
"The Second 10-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 is a bold and ambitious roadmap for Africa's transformation. It is a manifestation of the collective will and determination of the African people to shape their destiny," it said.
The plan mainly outlined seven ambitions of how the African continent aims to achieve its key priorities in the next 10 years, aligned with each of the seven aspirations of Agenda 2063.
"By 2033, Africa wants to be prosperous, integrated, democratic, peaceful, cultured, people-driven, and influential," the 55-member continental organization said.
The plan also identified the realization of flagship projects such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Passport, the Grand Inga Dam, the Single African Air Transport Market, the African Virtual University, the Pan-African E-Network, and the African Outer Space Strategy.
According to the AU, those flagship projects will enhance regional integration, economic diversification, innovation, competitiveness, as well as social inclusion and cohesion.
The AU said the launching of the plan, as a collective reaffirmation of the African dream of unity, dignity and prosperity for all, serves as a call for all stakeholders to join hands and work together to make Agenda 2063 a reality.
"The success of the plan depends on the ownership, commitment and participation of all Africans, including governments, regional economic communities, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, media and the diaspora," the AU said.
Noting that the implementation plan requires effective coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency, the AU reiterated that it will play a leading role in facilitating and supporting the implementation of the plan at all levels.
The seven aspirations of Agenda 2063 include every African nation reaching the middle-income category, achieving a more integrated and connected Africa, ensuring that public institutions are more responsive to citizens' needs, committing to resolving conflicts in Africa amicably, promoting African values, empowering African citizens to be more productive, and positioning Africa as a strong and influential global player. ■
