Photo taken on 15 February shows the venue of the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (XINHUA)

The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Kigali, Rwanda, on 21 March 2018 spurred a wave of optimism in street markets and corporate boardrooms alike. The 44 countries joining this single market pledged to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, knitting economies together in an unprecedented fashion. 

Just over a year later, on 30 May 2019, the AfCFTA formally came into force, and trading began on 1 January 2021 - creating the world’s largest free trade area by membership and population. 

In 2024, intra-African trade reached $208 billion, an increase of 7.7 percent over the previous year, according to the African Export-Import Bank. The bank attributes this growth largely to the rollout of AfCFTA, noting its role in helping to open borders, diversify trade flows, and reduce Africa’s reliance on external markets. 

The trajectory of AfCFTA, one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, illustrates how the agenda has been reshaping Africa’s development landscape since its adoption in 2015. Tangible progress is evident across its seven aspirations, reflected in strengthened economic integration, improved mobility, enhanced infrastructure, digital expansion, human capital development, governance reforms, and peacebuilding efforts. 

From blueprint to breakthroughs 

In addition to the AfCFTA and the notable growth in intra-African trade, other major achievements under Agenda 2063 include the rollout of the African Union Passport and the establishment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). There have also been significant advances in renewable energy projects, digital connectivity, and measurable improvements in governance and security across the continent. 

Launched in 2018, SAATM aims to enhance intra-regional connectivity between Africa’s capital cities, creating a unified air transport market to drive the continent’s economic integration and growth. By early February of this year, 39 African countries, representing a combined population of 1 billion, had joined the initiative. 

Africa has also made notable strides in establishing itself as a strong, united, and influential global player. On 9 September 2023, the African Union (AU) was officially admitted as a permanent member of the G20 during the summit in New Delhi, India. The upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for November in Johannesburg, is seen as a crucial opportunity to push for key priorities for African nations. 

On 20 April, the African Space Agency was officially inaugurated at its permanent headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The agency, which will coordinate and implement the continent’s space ambitions, marks a significant milestone in Africa’s pursuit of space exploration and technology. It aligns with the broader goals of Agenda 2063, positioning Africa as a global powerhouse for the future. 

China’s role 

China has clearly expressed its support for Agenda 2063, aligning the Belt and Road Initiative and its associated action plans with the agenda’s flagship projects. China’s involvement spans traditional areas of cooperation such as infrastructure, agriculture, and health care, as well as emerging priorities like industrialisation, green transition, and technological advancement. Its presence is evident in efforts to achieve many of Agenda 2063’s objectives. 

One notable example is China’s support for the construction of key continental institutions, including the AU headquarters and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, and bridges, built by Chinese companies, are playing a crucial role in connecting vital transport corridors across the continent. Following a memorandum of understanding signed during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, China is collaborating with Tanzania and Zambia to revitalise the Tanzania-Zambia Railway - a landmark connectivity project that remains a symbol of China’s commitment to a more integrated Africa. 

To support African exports, China has implemented various measures, including tariff exemptions and expos dedicated to African goods. Furthermore, it contributes to the continent’s industrialisation through investments in industrial parks, technology transfer, and talent development initiatives. 

China has also been a steadfast supporter of Africa’s aspiration for a stronger voice in global governance. This is demonstrated through its backing of the AU’s accession to the G20, the inclusion of more African countries in BRICS, and its advocacy for prioritising African concerns in United Nations reforms. 

As Africa shifts its focus towards sustainable development under Agenda 2063, China is adapting its cooperation to align with these changing priorities. A key example is the deepening collaboration on green development. With sustainable growth becoming a core objective for many African countries, China has increasingly channeled its energy investments into renewable sources. According to a recent report by the UK-based think tank ODI Global, solar and wind projects now account for 59 percent of China’s energy initiatives in Africa. This shift is reflected in renewable energy projects, such as geothermal and solar power plants in Kenya, LNG ventures in Mozambique, and solar energy developments in South Africa. 

The African Space Agency is officially inaugurated in Cairo, Egypt, on 20 April (AFRICAN SPACE AGENCY) 

Looking ahead 

On 6 February 2024, the AU launched the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan, dubbed the “Decade of Acceleration,” which covers the period from 2024 to 2033. This plan aims to intensify efforts on flagship projects and priority sectors, with a focus on scaling up infrastructure, digital integration, industrialisation, and inclusive growth to accelerate the achievement of Agenda 2063’s seven aspirations. 

However, significant challenges persist. Aspiration 4, which focuses on peace and security, has been severely impacted by ongoing conflicts and coups. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali rank among the 10 least peaceful countries. The situation is further complicated by the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States. Experts stress that the AU and regional organisations must ramp up efforts to restore and maintain peace across the continent. 

In addition, the volatile international landscape has placed pressure on Africa’s development ambitions. The US’ reduction in financial support to Africa has raised concerns, particularly regarding key initiatives such as HIV prevention. Moreover, tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have dealt a blow to an already fragile global economy. Economists warn that such policies may impede Africa’s industrialisation efforts, particularly in export-oriented economies like Lesotho. In response, African experts are advocating for more diversified trade partnerships and stronger intra-African trade links. 

The new leadership of the AU Commission (AUC) has pledged to address these growing challenges. At a press conference on 12 May, newly elected Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasised that peace and security remain the commission’s top priority. Highlighting the threat posed by unconstitutional changes of government to continental stability, Youssouf reaffirmed the AUC’s commitment to democratic governance and the protection of member states’ sovereignty and welfare. 

Youssouf also outlined forward-looking priorities to drive innovation and sustainable development. These include promoting the digital economy and harnessing the potential of AI across Africa. 

These priorities signal a clear direction for the AUC as it navigates complex challenges and seizes new opportunities in the pursuit of “The Africa We Want.”