The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions “the Africa We Want”—a peaceful, prosperous and integrated continent driven by its people. But one question deserves greater attention: How can Africans build a united continent if many do not know the institutions created to serve them?
The opening of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament offers an opportunity to address that challenge. While it is one of the African Union’s key organs, many Africans know little about its role or how its work affects their lives. Pan-African Parliament
Yet the Parliament discusses issues that matter to every African. Trade, education, health, peace and security, infrastructure, climate change and digital innovation all shape opportunities for citizens across the continent. Decisions made at the continental level can influence economic growth, regional cooperation and the free movement of people and goods.
Agenda 2063 describes Africa as a continent whose development is driven by its people. That vision cannot become reality if citizens remain disconnected from the institutions responsible for advancing it. People are more likely to participate in governance when they understand who represents them, how decisions are made and why those decisions matter.
Closing this gap is a shared responsibility. The African Union must communicate more clearly, while governments, schools, civil society and the media should help explain continental institutions in ways that are relevant to everyday life. Information should also be available in African languages so more citizens can engage with the Union’s work. Institutions such as the African Academy of Languages have an important role in making that possible.
The Pan-African Parliament also has a responsibility. It must become more visible, transparent and accessible to the people it represents. Citizens should know what issues are being debated and how those discussions connect to their communities.
Africa’s integration will not be achieved through summits and declarations alone. It will be built when citizens understand, trust and participate in the institutions created in their name.
A united Africa begins with informed Africans. Before citizens can help shape the continent’s future, they must first know the institutions working to build it.