By Fortune Nwosu
Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations has been uneven, with significant differences among subregions, countries, and rural and urban areas. This calls for accelerated efforts to ensure that Africa achieves the global goals by the 2030 deadline, the latest Africa Sustainable Development report has stated.
The 2023 report, titled “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African Union Agenda 2063 at all levels”, was released on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly. It was produced by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank.
The report assessed Africa’s progress in implementing five main SDGs, highlighting progress, the challenges, and the numerous opportunities for improving Africa’s development prospects. Its findings suggest steady progress on key SDG targets, particularly on 4G mobile network coverage, and access to potable water and electricity.
“Africa’s steady progress on the SDGs is commendable. It is heartening to learn that the continent is on track to achieving some targets, particularly the goals related to innovation and technology, which are powerful enablers for advancing sustainable development,” noted Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP.
The report warns that although Africa is progressing toward achieving the SDGs, the number of on-track targets is less than those requiring acceleration or reversal. It calls for timely interventions to accelerate countries’ progress on key SDGs and the Agenda 2063 aspirations, goals, and targets.
António Pedro, Acting Executive Secretary of ECA, stated: “Africa must create green growth by adding value to its green minerals. This green growth through green minerals must be central to Africa’s SDG rescue strategy. Africa also needs scaled-up concessional financing to regain momentum on the SDGs and the Agenda 2063.”
Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, called for improved communication between parties working on Africa’s sustainable development. “The time has come for the Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda, and the African Development Bank’s ‘High 5’ agenda to be aligned to make it easier for member states to domesticate,” he reiterated.
Gerald Esambe Njume, Principal Climate Change and Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank said: “Harnessing Africa’s green growth opportunities requires significant efforts in putting forward a strategic vision and governance structure, ensuring sectoral planning, allocating adequate budgetary resources, and establishing sound institutional and coordination arrangements.”