The African Union Development Agency/NEPAD has launched an essay competition for African youth around the theme of #TheAfricaWeWant
The five winners will be invited to attend the ‘Championing of Agenda 2063 for #TheAfricaWeWant Advocacy‘ event on the 9th of April 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The winners will also get an opportunity to meet Clifford Spencer and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the NEPAD/AUDA Goodwill Ambassadors. Download the entry form Essay Contest Entry Form
The essay competition is targeting young Africans to propose concrete pathways through which Agenda 2063, the continent’s framework for transformation, can be fast-tracked. The contest aims to provide the space through which youths can express their views freely on “The Africa We Want” by articulating their aspirations and ideals for shaping the future of our continent.
Agenda 2063 is the strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the African continent over the next 45 years. Aspiration 6 of the AU Agenda 2063 speaks of an “Africa where development is people driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth”. Young Africans, women and men will be the pioneers of the African knowledge society that will contribute significantly to innovation and entrepreneurship. The creativity, energy and innovation of African youth will be the driving force behind the continent’s political, social, cultural and economic transformation. Youths do not only play a critical role in the socio-economic development of Africa but will also be the beneficiaries of Agenda 2063.
The rationale behind the establishment of the African Union Development Agency/NEPAD (AUDA/NEPAD) is that it shall be a vehicle for the better execution of the African Union Agenda 2063.
In this regard, the mandate of the AUDA/NEPAD is:
- To coordinate and execute priority regional and continental projects to promote regional integration towards the accelerated realisation of Agenda 2063;
- To strengthen the capacity of African Union Member States and regional bodies; advance knowledge-based advisory support, undertake the full range of resource mobilisation and serve as the continent’s technical interface with all Africa’s development stakeholders and development partners.
Unfortunately, many of the governance structures in African societies have largely marginalised youths in the decision making space. However, the changing demographic status underscores the urgent need for active participation of youth in shaping ‘The Africa We Want’ and driving Africa’s development, including Agenda 2063. The fastest growing and most youthful population in the world today can be found in Africa, with over 40% of its population under the age of 15 and 20% between the ages of 15 and 24.
Some of the past and current initiatives of AUDA/NEPAD include:
- The Lagos Plan of Action
- The Abuja Treaty
- The Minimum Integration Programme
- The Programme for Infrastructural Development in Africa (PIDA)
- The Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP)
- The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)
- Regional Plans and Programmes and National Plans.
Download the entry form
Essay Contest Entry Form
