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What Is #TheAfricaWeWant? One That's Prosperous, United and Fair, for Starters

Categories: Sub-Saharan Africa, Citizen Media, Development, Governance
Screen Shot from the African Union "Agenda 2063" website

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 [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.

Naturally, this elicited reactions from African Twitter users. The AU chair, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, wanted a “vibrant economic community”:

Obianuju Ekeocha, a Nigerian, tweeted:

Tsonam C. Akpeloo evisaged an Africa that is self-reliant:

BlackGirlsPower wanted an Africa devoid of mediocrity, but powered by meritocracy:

Ugandan correspondent for Global Voices, Pru Nyamishana, hoped for qualitative health care for all Africans:

Nebila Abdulmelik wants an Africa strong on solidarity and diversity:

Precious Kc George desired Africa without corrupt leaders and accessible Internet:

Anand Madhvani was poetic: