AGENDA 2063 is the strategic framework where Africans themselves declared how they want to see their continent change in the next decades. This is how it reads:

“WE WANT

1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development

2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance

3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law 4. A peaceful and secure Africa

5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics

6. An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children

7. Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner”.

In order to achieve this vision, the African people will have to ask their governments to face, with long-term policies, the many challenges of the continent, the most urgent of which are:

1. Relentless population growth
2. Food security
3. Climate change
4. The fourth industrial revolution.

Relentless population growth: a 2019 UN report estimated that worldwide population growth could reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.9 billion by 2100. the population of Sub-Saharan Africa could account for more than half this figure. It is very important that Africa’s political leadership is willing to promote forms of family planning, starting with the education of women and young girls and their awareness of the consequences of uncontrolled population growth, food insecurity and nutritional deficits on the future of their families and Africa as a whole.

Food security: there are many plagues contributing to the African population undernourishment, such as HIV/AIDS, conflicts and wars, wrong policies imposed in the 80s by the international community. In order to address food security, Africa needs inclusive and people-centred economic policies, support strategies for farmers, distribution initiatives and food banks established in every town of Sub-Saharan Africa, the involvement of the richer African élites in such programs, investment in technology and policies that pursue peace. (read our article on Agricultural Production and food security – link to blog)

Climate change: food security is intertwined with climate change, as changes in rainfall, soil quality, weather patterns, floods and droughts destroy agricultural production capacity, pushing people to migrate towards urban areas without having the right means, culture or habits to live with dignity in such a stranger context. African governments and communities should invest in food production and transportation infrastructure to connect rural areas, where the food is produced, to urban areas, where the large majority of food is consumed and encourage smart and clean solutions to be implemented in most cities.

The fourth industrial revolution. Investing in Africa’s industrial development could be the solution to many of its problems. For this, there are some collateral goals to be achieved, such as education access, technology enhancement, and investment in the youth. Africa is a ‘young’ continent: in 2019, young people below 25 have accounted for over 60% of the continent’s population. They are eager to access new technologies and improve their living conditions. Failing to respond to such needs would mean to leave young people with no other choice than being part of issues that foment migration crisis, violent conflict and insurgency.

SOARising’s mission is to fund community development projects which will address some of the challenges identified. SOARising provides a simple and affordable way to invest in the development of Africa whilst making a return. SOARising is investing in Africa through community projects and smart city developments and is trying to ensure a brighter future for young people promoting education-related initiatives.

If you want to find out how to be involved, visit our website and read the section on how to Get Invited.

Synopsis: Africa is facing major issues which, if left unsolved, could affect the rest of the world by 2050. To Establish food security, combating climate change, promote policies aiming at curbing the rapid population growth and make the fourth industrial revolution happen is possible if specific strategies are implemented. Find out how SOARising is playing an active role.