By IRENE MBANGA
The New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) planning and coordination Agency was changed into the African Union Development Agency (AUDA). Their decision to transform it was reached recently at the 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of state and Government in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
This transformation is aimed at making it possible for AU to deploy its programs more effectively in the service of Africa continent development.
Being that NEPAD is a technical implementation agency of the AU, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, presented a report to recommend the transformation of NEPAD into the African Union Development Agency.
During the session in Nouakchott, the Assembly approved the body of the AU with its own legal identity, defined by its own statute. The statue will be developed and presented for adoption at the next African Union summit in January 2019.
Giving a comment on the development today, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO of the NEPAD Agency, said: “A core aspect of the current reforms is to streamline and improve effectiveness and efficiency in delivery in the implementation of AU decisions, policies and programs across all AU organs and institutions.”
NEPAD is an economic development program of the AU. Its primary objective was to eradicate poverty, promote and empower women through genuine partnerships at country, regional and global level. It acted as a blueprint for Africa’s development in the 21st century. It provides unique opportunities for Africa to address the critical challenges affecting the continent.
The Assembly commended the leadership of Senegalese President Macky Sall, chairperson of the NEPAD heads of state and Government Orientation committee, for reinforcing the credibility of NEPAD that has been acknowledged in the International community, including the G20 and the G7.
The current African Union reforms are to affirm member states of their commitment to the NEPAD Agency as the Union’s own instrument established to champion catalytic support to countries and regional bodies in advancing the implementation of the continent’s development vision. It is articulated in the seven aspirations and 20gaols of Agenda 2063.
Therefore, revolutionizing NEPAD into the African Union Development Agency will spearhead the activities and services provided by the African Union.
