African Union and Agenda 2063 : The Past, Present and Future

Abstract

Since its official launch on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, the African Union (AU) has taken on the complex mantle of promoting peace, governance, development, and continental integration—building on the legacy of its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). While the OAU championed the liberation and unity of African states, the AU expanded this vision under the broader framework of Pan-Africanism, aligning it with modern challenges and aspirations. As the AU marked its 20th anniversary in 2022, there emerged a critical need to evaluate its performance, particularly in relation to Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want—a strategic vision for Africa’s long-term transformation adopted in 2013. Understanding the AU’s trajectory requires reflection on the historical struggles that shaped Pan-Africanism, including colonialism, apartheid, and racial injustice. Key milestones such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) reflect progress, but limited advancement in flagship projects like the Free Movement of Persons and “Silencing the Guns” initiative highlights persistent challenges. This book, African Union and Agenda 2063: The Past, Present, and Future, undertakes a critical assessment of the AU’s 20-year record, aiming to reinvigorate Pan-African consciousness and examine the structural and political constraints hindering the Union’s effectiveness in achieving lasting peace, prosperity, and unity across the continent.