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This article was produced with the support of AUDA NEPAD
The world stands at a crossroads, navigating profound uncertainty. Yet, in Africa, we see beyond the immediate challenges of climate shocks, economic volatility, and fragile supply chains. We see a pivotal moment of opportunity—a chance to redefine progress and build a continent where every citizen is shielded, empowered, and equipped to thrive.
This is not a distant dream. It is the active, unfolding mission of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), and it is rooted in the continental blueprint we all share: Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
While the headlines often focus on the storms—the fact that Africa is now home to over 70% of the world’s extreme poor—we are steadfastly building arks. Our focus is on constructing resilient, African-owned systems that turn the tide from vulnerability to opportunity. It is more important now than ever to enhance social protection systems in Africa not only for our benefit but for future generations too.
The Foundation: A right to protection, a springboard to opportunity
At the heart of our vision is a fundamental belief: social protection is not a handout, but a human right. The landmark Protocol on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security, adopted by AU Heads of State in 2022, is a testament to this. It obligates states to provide a basic package of support for the vulnerable. This is the bedrock upon which we will build.
But protection alone is not enough. A safety net must also be a springboard. This is the logic behind our integrated initiatives. Through our Strengthening National Institutions Supporting Vulnerable Communities (SNVC) Programme, we work with member states to fortify their own social protection systems. We help build the capacity of national institutions because lasting change must be home-grown.
Simultaneously, our Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) initiative ensures that protection leads to empowerment. By fostering entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and skills development, we are unlocking the potential of Africa’s greatest asset: its people. These two programmes are two sides of the same coin—one ensures dignity in times of need, the other creates pathways to self-reliance.
Leapfrogging with innovation
We are not simply building the systems of the past; we are leveraging the tools of the future. Across Africa, digital innovation is a game-changer. With most of our workforce in the informal economy, traditional systems often fail to reach them. Digital tools allow us to identify vulnerable households with precision and deliver assistance transparently and efficiently. By embracing these technologies, African nations can leapfrog towards shock-responsive, adaptive safety nets that leave no one behind.
A call to concerted action
The vision is clear. The frameworks are in place. Now, we need concerted action.
To our Member States: We urge you to integrate Agenda 2063’s social development goals into your national plans. Prioritize investments in social protection, health, and education—not as expenses, but as critical investments in Africa’s human capital. Tailor policies to your context, whether by updating a social registry, passing a social protection law, or piloting a new digital service.
To our partners: Join us in this endeavour. Align your support with our continental agenda and invest in country-owned systems. The return will be a more stable, prosperous, and resilient Africa.
To every African citizen: This is your future we are building. Hold your leaders accountable, engage in the process, and embrace the spirit of Ubuntu—the belief in our shared humanity.
The Africa We Want by 2063 is within our grasp. It is an Africa where a child’s potential is never curtailed by poverty, where a young entrepreneur can access the capital to build her business, and where the elderly can live in security. It is an Africa driven by its people, for its people.
At AUDA-NEPAD, we are committed to leading this charge, but success hinges on our collective will. Let us choose, at this crossroads, the path of unity, innovation, and unwavering hope. Let us walk this journey together, and build the Africa we know is possible.
