Sarah Skidmore, a member of our Emerging Fellows program checks the possibility of a conflict free future for Africa in her tenth blog post. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the APF or its other members.

The African Union (AU) is a leading organization actively creating strategy, plans, and initiatives to bring about a conflict free future across the continent. Following the efforts of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in the 1960’s, the AU formed in 2002 to foster intra-continental cooperation across 55 states. 2013 marked a critical year where African leaders came together to work towards a “Pan African Vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.” And, Agenda 2063 is the manifesto that encapsulates the dream of African leaders to bring about a desirable future.

When considering Africa in 2050, the AU plays a critical role in unlocking the continent’s potential. Their work through the Agenda 2063 outlines key initiatives including practical plans for a high spread train and air transport systems, intra-continental trading plans, financial and economic institutions, cyber systems, and African-driven heritage and cultural projects. However, how much of this work is possible to be completed by 2050? How much of the AU’s work will move past a sheer vision to actual implementation? How will the AU ensure the 55 states, thousands of African leaders, millions of African people will embrace the desired vision? Is the AU capable of fostering the unity needed to make Agenda 2063 a reality?

In addition to their plan and projects outlined in Agenda 2063, the AU hopes to bring about specific transformations in Africa. Again, these transformations speak to the ability of the continent to unlock their potential. But, what level of transformation is possible in the next three decades? The AU’s vision includes transformations of improving living standards, developing sustainable economies, fostering intra-continental systems and relationships, empowering the youth, and becoming a more peaceful continent. In the midst of disruptive climate change that is only growing in catastrophic impact across the continent, is it possible to improve African living standards? With the continued evolution of tribalism, the interference of non-state actors, and growing religious contention, is peace even an option to the continent?

We have previously explored the value of leveraging African talent, intra-continental cooperation, local entrepreneurship, and critical infrastructure. The current work and planned work from the AU’s Agenda 2063 speaks to each of these elements. However, will the AU’s work prevail and overcome the disruptive systems at play in Africa? Is three decades enough time for the AU to dismantle to complex layers of existing conflict?

In reality, three decades is not enough time for any single organization to transform the workings of an entire continent. But, three decades is enough time to bring last transformation and unlock Africa’s potential if organizations unite toward the shared vision. Consider the impact of the AU working toward a conflict free future alongside the Africa Rising movement, alongside nations, tribes, and the African people. With the Agenda 2063’s aspirations, implementation plan, and transformational outcomes, the AU has already completed the complex work of creating a shared approach to bringing transformation. With the strategy in place for a couple of years now, the hurdles ahead revolve around dedication to the strategy when implementing, changing existing systems, and dismantling areas of conflict. As an African generated 50-year plan, the milestones are marked and agreed upon. We see that the question may shift from is it possible to unlock African potential toward how might African leadership ensure the strategy is implemented in a way that brings about a conflict free future in the next three decades.

© Sarah Skidmore 2020