AU Summit 2020: Dlamini-Zuma on the progress of Agenda 2063

The 2020 African Union Summit brought together member states to review the progress and challenges of Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over a 50-year period. In an interview with CNBC Africa, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former AU Chairperson and South Africa's Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, expressed her satisfaction with the transition from discussions to implementation of Agenda 2063. Dlamini-Zuma highlighted the launch of reports on progress as a significant milestone, indicating that countries are making strides towards the shared goals. However, she also acknowledged the existing challenges, such as some countries not yet domesticating the agenda and facing issues with data collection for accurate reporting. The lack of infrastructure and the necessity for speedy implementation were also identified as key areas for improvement. Despite the hurdles, Dlamini-Zuma praised the support from the African Development Bank in advancing the implementation process. Member states' commitment was evident through the reporting of progress, with 31 countries updating on their efforts. The interview shed light on the crucial role of the AU dashboard in tracking and facilitating interactions with validated data to measure progress effectively across various sectors like health, education, infrastructure, employment, and gender equality. Dlamini-Zuma emphasized the importance of strategic planning and long-term vision, stating that Agenda 2063 provides a roadmap for countries to set goals and work towards achieving them step by step, rather than being limited by existing challenges. While acknowledging the daunting nature of the agenda, Dlamini-Zuma reiterated the necessity of planning for the future to drive sustainable development and growth on the continent.