While commemorating 50 years of existence, the African Union (AU) rolled out an agenda for the continent entitled “Agenda 2063 [1]” to build “The Africa We Want”. This plan [2]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 [3], 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 [4] using #TheAfricaWeWant [5] – if in Addis join us live, Apr 28, 6-9PM RSVP required pic.twitter.com/kaqqCDbJ6F [6]
— AU Project 2016 (@AUProject2016) April 26, 2016 [7]
Naturally, this elicited reactions from African Twitter users. The AU chair, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, wanted a “vibrant economic community”:
#TheAfricaWeWant [5] is one with a vibrant Economic Community, with nothing less than 70% intra-African trade. #AUProject2016 [8].
— Dr Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) April 28, 2016 [9]
Obianuju Ekeocha, a Nigerian, tweeted:
#TheAfricaWeWant [5] is one where the family is elevated and put at the core of human rights and development projects pic.twitter.com/Ix9O3eUHMW [10]
— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) April 29, 2016 [11]
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 [12] #TheAfricaWeWant [5]
— Tsonam C. Akpeloo (@Akpeloo) April 29, 2016 [13]
BlackGirlsPower wanted an Africa devoid of mediocrity, but powered by meritocracy:
#TheAfricaWeWant [5] is where people get things on merit and not based on who they know
— #BlackGirlsRock (@ProfUkay) April 28, 2016 [14]
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 [5]
— Pru Nyamishana (@nyapru1) April 28, 2016 [15]
Nebila Abdulmelik wants an Africa strong on solidarity and diversity:
#TheAfricaWeWant [5] is one of Solidarity & Sisterhood, Beauty & Brotherhood, Unity but not uniformity. Where multiplicity of voices strengthen
— Nebila Abdulmelik (@Aliben86) April 26, 2016 [16]
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 [17] #TheAfricaWeWant [5] #AUProject2016 [8]
— Precious Kc George (@PreciouskGeorge) April 28, 2016 [18]
Anand Madhvani was poetic:
my Africa:
proud strong confident
revelling in its diversitygoes beyond Western
personal consumerismshows 🌎🌍🌏 abundance#TheAfricaWeWant [5]
— Anand Madhvani (@dosima_org) May 2, 2016 [19]