What Is #TheAfricaWeWant? One That’s Prosperous, United and Fair, for Starters · Global Voices
Nwachukwu Egbunike

Screenshot from the African Union “Agenda 2063″ website
While commemorating 50 years of existence, the African Union (AU) rolled out an agenda for the continent entitled “Agenda 2063” to build “The Africa We Want”. This plan was described by the 54-member union as “a call for action to all segments of African society to work together to build a prosperous and united Africa based on shared values and a common destiny”.
The keys to achieving “The Africa We Want” are, according to the African Development Bank, are strategic policy leadership, regional integration, job creation for all Africans including women and young people, and managing conflict.
But what kind of Africa do Africans want? The AU put the question to social media to find out.
Share your visions for #Africa using #TheAfricaWeWant – if in Addis join us live, Apr 28, 6-9PM RSVP required pic.twitter.com/kaqqCDbJ6F
— AU Project 2016 (@AUProject2016) April 26, 2016
Naturally, this elicited reactions from African Twitter users. The AU chair, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, wanted a “vibrant economic community”:
#TheAfricaWeWant is one with a vibrant Economic Community, with nothing less than 70% intra-African trade. #AUProject2016.
— Dr Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) April 28, 2016
Obianuju Ekeocha, a Nigerian, tweeted:
#TheAfricaWeWant is one where the family is elevated and put at the core of human rights and development projects pic.twitter.com/Ix9O3eUHMW
— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) April 29, 2016
Tsonam C. Akpeloo evisaged an Africa that is self-reliant:
‘I envision an Africa where we consume what we produce and export the surplus of what we produce’ #AUCitizen #TheAfricaWeWant
— Tsonam C. Akpeloo (@Akpeloo) April 29, 2016
BlackGirlsPower wanted an Africa devoid of mediocrity, but powered by meritocracy:
#TheAfricaWeWant is where people get things on merit and not based on who they know
— #BlackGirlsRock (@ProfUkay) April 28, 2016
Ugandan correspondent for Global Voices, Pru Nyamishana, hoped for qualitative health care for all Africans:
I hope for an Africa with sustainable high quality healthcare #TheAfricaWeWant
— Pru Nyamishana (@nyapru1) April 28, 2016
Nebila Abdulmelik wants an Africa strong on solidarity and diversity:
#TheAfricaWeWant is one of Solidarity & Sisterhood, Beauty & Brotherhood, Unity but not uniformity. Where multiplicity of voices strengthen
— Nebila Abdulmelik (@Aliben86) April 26, 2016
Precious Kc George desired Africa without corrupt leaders and accessible Internet:
I envision an Africa where leaders are not corrupt, and internet access increased. @US_AU #TheAfricaWeWant #AUProject2016
— Precious Kc George (@PreciouskGeorge) April 28, 2016
Anand Madhvani was poetic:
my Africa:
proud strong confident
revelling in its diversity
goes beyond Western
personal consumerism
shows 🌎🌍🌏 abundance#TheAfricaWeWant
— Anand Madhvani (@dosima_org) May 2, 2016