What does a prosperous Africa mean in everyday life? It means having food on the table, decent work, good schools, quality healthcare, safe homes and a clean environment.
This is the focus of Aspiration 1 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It calls for “a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s long-term plan for building a better future. This article is the first in a seven-part series explaining its seven aspirations in simple language.
Aspiration 1 is about ensuring that progress reaches ordinary people. It is not only about big businesses or national income figures. It is about whether families can earn a living, children can learn, farmers can produce more food and communities can access water, electricity and healthcare.
The aspiration has seven main goals.
First, Africans should enjoy a higher standard of living. This includes jobs, decent incomes, social protection and basic services.
Second, citizens should receive quality education and practical skills. Science, technology and innovation should help young people prepare for work and entrepreneurship.
Third, Africans should be healthy and well nourished. This means stronger health systems and better access to nutritious food.
Fourth, African economies should produce more. Countries should process their own raw materials, grow industries and create value locally.
Fifth, agriculture should become more modern and productive. Africa should be able to feed itself and sell more food to the world.
Sixth, coastal and island countries should benefit from the blue economy. This includes fisheries, ports, shipping and ocean resources.
Seventh, communities must be protected from climate change. Africa needs clean energy, better water management and stronger protection for land, forests and biodiversity.
The big moonshot is simple: end poverty and build an Africa that feeds itself, creates decent jobs and powers innovation.
Aspiration 1 matters because it connects continental plans to daily life. Its success will depend on governments, businesses, schools, farmers, young people and citizens working together.