ADDIS ABABA — Africa has ambitious plans for its future. It wants stronger institutions, faster responses to crises and greater control over its own development.
But there is one question leaders can no longer avoid: Who will pay for it?
That question took centre stage at the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council in Addis Ababa, where foreign ministers agreed that achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 will require more than political promises. It will also require Africa to finance more of its own priorities.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that the continent is facing several major challenges at once. These include worsening insecurity in the Sahel and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He urged member states to work together instead of responding to crises individually.
One of the main proposals discussed was the AU’s 0.2 percent import levy, a financing mechanism designed to help fund African Union programmes using resources generated within Africa.
Supporters say greater financial independence would reduce reliance on external donors, strengthen the AU’s ability to respond quickly to emergencies and give the continent more control over its own development agenda.
Some countries are already taking steps in that direction. Burundi announced that it has incorporated the levy into its national budget law, while Ethiopia, Kenya and Angola increased their financial commitments by joining the AU’s highest contribution category.
Ministers also reviewed progress on Agenda 2063, institutional reforms and preparations for the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year on sustainable water availability and sanitation.
From peace and security to healthcare, infrastructure and continental integration, many of Africa’s priorities depend on stable and predictable funding. Without it, even the strongest policies can remain plans on paper.
The Executive Council’s recommendations will now be considered by the Assembly of African Heads of State and Government.
As Africa works toward Agenda 2063, one message is becoming increasingly clear: lasting political independence also requires financial independence. How Africa chooses to fund its future could determine how quickly it builds the Africa its people want.