As the AUC prepares to implement the first phase of its Agenda 2063 through the 10-year strategic plan, capacity will be a critical enabler for the realization of Africa’s development blueprint, said the Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie during a presentation on 9 June at the Executive Council Ministerial retereat held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Prof. Nnadozie was presenting the preliminary findings of a study that the AUC had mandated ACBF to undertake on the capacity imperatives, division of roles and risks and opportunities for Agenda 2063. “Capacity in all its forms and dimensions has often been the mother of all missing links in the continent’s development efforts.  The ACBF’s role is to ensure that the continent has the capacity to implement the 2063 ten year plan,” said Prof. Nnadozie. “We have looked at the capacity dimensions as well as the risks that could inhibit the implementation of the ten-year plan.”

The preliminary findings of ACBF’s study show that enhanced capacity is needed for the 3 key dimensions of Agenda 2063, namely: delivering on flagship projects – mainly infrastructure – and special development initiatives and activities; a transformative agenda involving changing mindset and rebuilding self-confidence and the capacity to anticipate exigencies and build scenario for the future.

Professor Nnadozie added, “African has made significant effort in building human, institutional and organisational capacity but there is room for further improvements. The continent needs to step up capacities in science and technology, engineering and technical skills which are essential for the industrialization of the continent. The continent also needs to develop and enforce policies to retain trained professionals thus preventing the brain drain and ensuring retention of technical skills.”

ACBF’s study also recommended that the AUC’s current institutional architecture be urgently reviewed to better align it  to the content and spirit of Agenda 2063. The Commission’s working systems and approaches also need to be improved and streamlined, with greater emphasis on decentralization of responsibilities for speedy actions and results. 

Although there are many benefits related to Agenda 2063 risks also exist. Risk management strategies must be employed to curb threats from overshadowing successes. Among the risks and threats identified by ACBF’s study are: rising levels of poverty and unemployment, rising levels of urbanization, growing population of unskilled youth, persistence of disease pandemics, weak and fragile states, resurgence of insecurity and new conflicts, externally-defined conditionalities and declining terms of trade.

ACBF has been working closely with the AUC and was mandated by its Chairperson to undertake the study on the capacity imperatives for the implementation of Agenda 2063.