Africa in 2063: Advancing Integration, Security, and Development Through AU-Led Reforms

By Anthony N. Alonwu
When the African Union adopted Agenda 2063 in 2015, it presented an ambitious long-term vision of a continent that is integrated, prosperous, secure, and globally influential. Nearly a decade later, the framework remains central to Africa’s developmental discourse, particularly as the AU Summit season offers governments, policymakers, and regional bodies an opportunity to evaluate progress and identify areas requiring renewed commitment. Drawing from years of engagement in AU-focused diplomatic and policy work, it is clear that while Agenda 2063 has produced some notable achievements, important structural challenges continue to shape its implementation.

One of the most visible achievements under the agenda is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Today, with almost all African states signed on and over forty already ratifying the agreement, the AfCFTA stands as the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries. It has the potential to drastically increase intra-African trade, which remains significantly lower than other regions. Despite its promise, the agreement still faces operational hurdles. Many countries are yet to fully align domestic regulations with AfCFTA protocols, and persistent non-tariff barriers, infrastructural weaknesses, and slow adoption of digital customs systems limit the pace of continental market integration. Nevertheless, initiatives like the Guided Trade Initiative signal that the AfCFTA is gradually becoming more functional, and if member states accelerate reforms, it could become one of the most transformative outcomes of Agenda 2063.

Peace and security remain essential pillars of the AU’s developmental vision. The AU Peace and Security Architecture has, over the years, played an important role in mediating conflicts and coordinating peace missions. Yet the continent continues to grapple with persistent instability. Recent years have witnessed coups in parts of West Africa, rising extremism across the Sahel, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, and ongoing civil conflicts in the Horn of Africa. These developments demonstrate that Africa still struggles with insecurity that undermines economic growth and regional cohesion. Although the AU and regional blocs respond as best they can, limited funding, coordination challenges, and heavy reliance on external partners often constrain the effectiveness of peace operations. Establishing sustainable funding mechanisms and strengthening the AU Peace Fund will be vital for future stability.

Institutional reform has always been a central objective of Agenda 2063, as the AU recognized early on that continental goals could not be achieved without a strong, efficient, and financially autonomous institution. The Kagame Reform Report set out a clear direction by recommending a leaner Commission, a clearer division of responsibilities between the AU and regional blocs, and more reliable financing mechanisms. While restructuring efforts have begun and leadership selection processes have improved, financial independence remains a major concern. Only a small number of countries consistently implement the 0.2 percent import levy designed to generate stable AU funding. Without stronger political will, the AU may continue to struggle with implementation capacity and financial sustainability.

Africa’s demographic profile is another major determinant of Agenda 2063’s success. With a median age projected to remain the lowest in the world for decades to come, the continent’s youth population is a tremendous opportunity—but only if properly harnessed. High unemployment, limited access to quality education, and skills mismatch continue to constrain the potential of millions of young Africans. If the continent is to compete globally by 2063, it must significantly scale investment in human capital development, expand digital and research infrastructure, and support innovation ecosystems that retain talent. The choice facing governments is whether to treat youth as beneficiaries of policy or to engage them directly as co-creators of development.

Climate resilience and energy transition are increasingly shaping the development conversation in Africa as well. Climate change has intensified extreme weather patterns, food insecurity, and displacement across the continent. Agenda 2063 envisions an environmentally sustainable Africa, yet climate financing continues to fall far short of what is needed, and many member states struggle to implement long-term adaptation and mitigation strategies. However, Africa also holds enormous potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and green hydrogen. If investments in these sectors are accelerated, the continent could position itself as a global hub for clean energy over the next four decades.

Governance remains the underlying factor that influences every aspect of Agenda 2063. While some countries have recorded democratic gains, others continue to face setbacks due to contested elections, corruption, institutional weaknesses, and constitutional manipulation. These governance deficits undermine public trust and the credibility of reform efforts. Strengthening accountability mechanisms, enhancing judicial independence, and supporting institutions such as the African Peer Review Mechanism will be critical in determining how far and how fast the continent moves toward its 2063 aspirations.

Africa’s global influence is slowly evolving in encouraging ways. The AU’s admission into the G20 reflects growing international recognition of Africa’s economic and geopolitical importance. The continent is increasingly shaping conversations on energy transition, supply chain restructuring, and food security. Yet Africa’s global leverage depends heavily on internal coherence. The more unified the continent is in its positions and strategies, the stronger its representation on the world stage. Regional blocs, coordinated diplomacy, and shared economic agendas will remain crucial for strengthening Africa’s global standing.

As Agenda 2063 approaches its ten-year milestone, progress has been uneven but meaningful. Trade integration, institutional reform efforts, digital transformation, and global engagement have all moved forward. However, persistent security challenges, governance deficiencies, and financial constraints continue to delay implementation. Whether Africa realizes the full vision of Agenda 2063 will depend on its ability to sustain political will, strengthen continental institutions, and invest in human and economic development.

The vision of “The Africa We Want” remains within reach. But translating that vision into tangible progress requires intentional reform, coordinated action across member states, and unwavering commitment to a long-term continental agenda. If these foundations are strengthened, Agenda 2063 can become not just a document of aspirations, but a genuine roadmap for Africa’s transformation.