Addis Ababa (AMECO) — Achieving the goals of Africa’s long-term development framework, Agenda 2063, will require an estimated $2bn (£1.55bn) in financial mobilization, the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson has told continental leaders.
Addressing foreign ministers at the opening of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that the commission is operating under severe constraints, with just 30% of its required workforce and 25% of its necessary budgetary resources.
He emphasized that the primary responsibility of the commission is to establish the policy, legal, and institutional conditions needed to attract public and private investment across the continent.
“To realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063, Africa needs to mobilize an estimated $2 billion,” Youssouf said. “The Commission’s role is to create the political, policy, and institutional conditions necessary to attract greater public and private investment for the continent’s development.”
Institutional Reform and Financial Discipline
Outlining measures to overhaul AUC internal operations, Youssouf announced the completion of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA) process, an initiative aimed at restructuring the workforce and improving organizational efficiency.
The chairperson reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to prudent financial management, stronger internal accountability, and results-based monitoring across AU organs.
To strengthen the union’s legal foundation, Youssouf appealed to member states to accelerate the signing, ratification, and domestic implementation of outstanding AU treaties, particularly those vital to the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063.
Global Crises and Continental Solidarity
Youssouf noted that the ministerial session comes during a challenging international period marked by geopolitical instability, economic shocks from the Middle East conflict, severe terrorism in the Sahel, and public health emergencies such as the DRC Ebola outbreak.
Highlighting the work of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), the chairperson commended diplomats and development partners for maintaining momentum on continental priorities.
He concluded by urging AU member states to maintain a unified diplomatic front by endorsing African candidates contesting positions within international organizations, stressing that continental solidarity remains essential to amplifying Africa’s voice globally.
