Nigeria has outlined various strategic approaches toward the achievement of Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU).
Some of the proposed measures include the establishment of centres of excellence at the subregional levels to build capacity in technology; the need for innovative financial models; and the creation of appropriate incentives for public, private partnership (PPP) arrangement for the development of infrastructures under the flagship.
The country’s propositions were advanced by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and leader of the Nigerian delegation, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on Thursday to the ongoing 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa.
Agenda 2063 is a 50 year Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future.
Signed in 2013, the agenda is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development.
It encapsulates not only Africa’s aspirations for the future but also identifies key flagship programmes which can boost Africa’s economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent.
Speaking at the session, Kalu who reacted to a paper presented on the subject-matter urged the Parliament to strive to make agenda 2063 a house hold name in Africa.
The Deputy Speaker also underscored the need to adequately fund the project to achieve the desired results.
“I want to commend you for that beautiful presentation. The idea is wonderful, we are pursuing it but we are struggling. We are struggling because of the gaps you have mentioned.
“The issue of financing. You also agreed that financing is an issue with regards to this agenda. So, the question becomes, how do we make it a household project. A household agenda without fund? It will be difficult, and you’ve highlighted that the we cannot depend on external bodies to be able to push this project, we need to own it, finance it.
“Will it be a good idea for Africa to look at PPP, Private Public Partnership in raising funds for the fulfillment of the objectives of this agenda. As legislators in our various parliaments, legislating that those who participate especially in infrastructure development that’s in line with this agenda 2063, to incentivize maybe through a tax break for some of them.
“Another one is that it appears to me that there’s a strong overlap between agenda 2063 and SDGs. I heard you talk about health facilities and rest of them, which is also one of the agenda of SDGs. Are they not overlapping so much if they are and SDGs is taking care of some of these responsibilities, do we not to prioritize the ones that are outside the list of SDGs to be able to drive efficiency in a better form. With regards to implementation and oversight, how it is being done in various countries especially in my country where I come from, Nigeria is that SDGs implementation is being executed by the ministry in charge of that and also, the parliament oversights it.
“For us to drive 2063, there’s every reason for people to have the right capacity to drive it. We cannot go to Europe and borrow from people that will help us implement our agenda. To achieve that, what are we doing about the knowledge that’s lacking, the capacity that’s lacking?
“Will it be a wrong proposal for us to say, let’s us establish centers known as centres of excellence across the various regions in Africa where we can build capacities in technology and knowledge so that we’ll be able to own this project”, Kalu proposed.