Constitutionalism and Africa's Agenda 2063: How to Build "The Africa We Want"

Authors

John Mukum Mbaku

First Page

537

Abstract

In 2013, Africans, under the leadership of the African Union, set out to develop a “strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years.” This new development program was expected to “accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development.” This transformative program, called Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, was officially adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2015. The heart of this ambitious development initiative are seven aspirations, which Africans hope to achieve by the year 2063. Unfortunately, given the fact that most African countries currently have governing processes that are not undergirded by adherence or fidelity to the rule of law, they will not be able to contribute positively to the fulfilment of these aspirations. Consequently, robust institutional reforms must be the first step toward the implementation of Agenda 2063. Each African country must provide itself with a governing process that enhances the practice of constitutional government and constitutionalism—the latter providing the necessary enabling environment for the achievement of the goals elaborated in Agenda 2063. This especially includes peaceful coexistence of subcultures and the creation of the wealth that is needed to alleviate poverty and significantly increase the people’s quality of life.

Recommended Citation

John M. Mbaku, Constitutionalism and Africa's Agenda 2063: How to Build "The Africa We Want", 45 Brook. J. Int'l L. 537 (2020).
Available at: https://brooklynworks.brooklaw.edu/bjil/vol45/iss2/2