At the 42nd session of the Steering Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), held virtually on February 10, 2025, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continental autonomy and sustainable development.
Chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, the meeting underscored the need for coordinated action to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.
The report presented by AUDA-NEPAD Executive Secretary, Nardos Bekele Thomas, highlighted the need for structural transformation to address the continent’s challenges, including limited access to energy, food insecurity exacerbated by climate change, and the destabilizing effects of terrorism and regional tensions.
Leaders emphasized the importance of mobilizing internal resources and minimizing reliance on external financing. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, also the current President of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), called for prioritizing projects such as the revitalization of trans-Saharan economic corridors, strengthening transport infrastructure, and developing energy hubs. He also stressed the need for enhanced coordination among regional economic communities.
Kenyan President William Ruto underscored the importance of national ownership of Agenda 2063, urging African nations to establish and strengthen AUDA-NEPAD national offices to effectively implement development strategies.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye outlined a vision for continental transformation, emphasizing four key areas: mobilizing internal resources through the “Team Africa” initiative, accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), developing critical energy infrastructure, and strengthening technical and vocational training, particularly in the areas of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
The meeting emphasized the crucial role of the African Development Bank in financing strategic projects and called for increased private sector involvement in driving continental transformation.
The session concluded with unanimous support for the extension of President Al-Sisi’s mandate as head of the AUDA-NEPAD Steering Committee, reflecting the confidence of African leaders in his leadership and commitment to advancing the continent’s development agenda.
AC/fss/abj/APA