REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE RECs AND THE AU ORGANS

GATHERED IN GABORONE TO DISCUSS AGENDA 2063   -

ONE MORE STEP IN THE BROAD PROCESS OF CONSULTATIONS ON AGENDA 2063

From left to right, Mr. Mandla Madonsela (AUC), Mr. Jonathan Kaunda Representative of the SADC and Amb. Lazarous Kapambwe (AUC), during the opening ceremony in the premises of the SADC Regional office HQ in Gaborone (Botswana).

Gaborone, Botswana, 21st October 2013- Within the framework of Agenda 2063, a 50 year shared Strategic Framework for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development for Africa, the Representatives of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the AU Organs will share their views and plan together short, medium and long term toward collective prosperity, common destiny under united and strong Africa.

The Future we want for Africa by 2063 is the theme of their gathering scheduled from 21^st to 23^rd of October 2013, in the Conference Center of the SADC, in Gaborone (Botswana). The meeting is part of a series of consultations led by the Chairperson of the AUC Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in close collaboration with the NEPAD Agency, supported by UNECA and the African Development Bank.

In developing Agenda 2063, the Leaders underlined how important it is that Africa’s stakeholders are consulted as widely as possible. In this regard, the Botswana meeting with the RECs and the AU Organs, represents one more step in the broad process of consultations which started with the Private sector in Nairobi (Kenya), followed by the Ministries of Economic, finances and Planning as well as the Civil society in Dakar (Senegal) and recently by the Diaspora in New York (USA). It will be followed by many other consultations such as Women, Youth as well as Eminent personalities.

During the three days, the participants from the RECs and the AU Organs are expected to reflect on national and regional guidelines for consultation on Agenda 2063.  The outcomes of their reflections will be used to enhance a draft framework to be presented to the upcoming January 2014 AU Summit. This draft framework will be designed to accommodate regional and national specificities, in order to build harmonious regional and national policy.