AUC Deputy Chairperson Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa stresses the importance of results-based management to members of PAP

The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Her Excellency Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa has stressed the critical importance of shifting from process-driven approaches to results-based management in the implementation of Agenda 2063, emphasizing that achieving Africa's transformative goals requires focusing on tangible outcomes that directly impact citizens' lives. This she said, involves enhancing collaboration, ensuring accountability, and domesticating Agenda 2063's goals at national levels, with a particular focus on the Pan-African Parliament's role in driving and overseeing progress. The overarching message is that intentions must lead to measurable results for Africa’s sustainable development.

H. E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa stated this on Friday in her keynote address delivered virtually at a two-day High-Level Workshop on Result-Based Planning, Budgeting, Reporting, and the Domestication of the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063. The workshop, for the members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), focused on deepening the alignment of Africa’s development agenda with results-driven strategies, ensuring that the ambitions set forth in Agenda 2063 are realized through concrete outcomes that directly impact African citizens.

Dr. Nsanzabaganwa began her address by highlighting the critical importance of the gathering, noting that it served as a testament to the collective commitment to Africa’s transformation and the realization of Agenda 2063—a long-term blueprint envisioning a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa. “The realities of our time demand a shift—a shift from processes to results, from intentions to impact,” she emphasized. This, she noted, was not merely about fulfilling mandates but ensuring that the tangible outcomes of the African Union’s work are felt by the citizens it serves.

Lessons from the First Decade of Agenda 2063

Reflecting on the first decade of Agenda 2063’s implementation, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa recognized that while significant strides had been made, valuable lessons must inform the next phase of the journey. Among these lessons was the importance of coordination and alignment. She underscored that fragmented efforts had diluted the impact of various African Union (AU) organs and institutions, and moving forward, greater synergy would be crucial.

Equally vital was ownership and inclusivity. The Deputy Chairperson emphasized that success could only be achieved if there was broad-based ownership of Agenda 2063 at all levels—continental, regional, and national. All stakeholders, including the Pan-African Parliament, must be actively engaged in crafting and implementing solutions.

Another lesson was the need for accountability and measurement. Dr. Nsanzabaganwa stressed that tracking progress against set targets is essential for the AU’s transformative agenda, calling for the adoption of robust mechanisms for monitoring achievements—a core component of result-based management.

Recalibrating for the Second Decade of Agenda 2063

As the African Union transitions into the second decade of Agenda 2063’s implementation, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa outlined key areas where recalibration is necessary:

1.     Stronger Cross-Institutional Collaboration: Dr. Nsanzabaganwa called for enhanced collaboration between all AU organs in this new phase. She highlighted the need for the PAP to play a cross-cutting role in amplifying collective efforts, working in tandem with other institutions to ensure unity of purpose.

2.     Domestication of Agenda 2063: The Deputy Chairperson stressed that the domestication of Agenda 2063 at the national level is vital for its success. Member states must internalize the plan’s objectives, embedding them within their national development agendas.

3.     Performance-Based Culture: A fundamental shift toward a performance-based culture is required, linking budgeting to results, ensuring resources are used effectively, and measuring the impact of AU initiatives.

A Call to the Pan-African Parliament

Dr. Nsanzabaganwa emphasized that the PAP is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the success of Agenda 2063. She identified five specific roles that the PAP can fulfill:

1.     Clear Alignment with the Union-Wide 5-Year Strategy and STYP: As the PAP develops its next strategic plan, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa urged it to align closely with the AU’s strategic priorities, ensuring full involvement in driving the Union’s agenda.

2.     Enhancing PAP’s Role in Monitoring and Accountability: The PAP can serve as a powerful watchdog for the implementation of Agenda 2063, providing oversight across member states. The Deputy Chairperson stressed that this oversight role must be strengthened.

3.     Advocate and Popularizer of Agenda 2063: The PAP has the potential to be a strong advocate for Agenda 2063, helping to communicate its benefits to citizens and parliamentarians alike. Dr. Nsanzabaganwa emphasized the importance of active engagement with national parliaments and civil society.

4.     Catalyst for National Integration: The PAP can play a catalytic role in ensuring that Agenda 2063’s continental aspirations are turned into local realities. Dr. Nsanzabaganwa highlighted the need for national budgets and policies to be aligned with AU priorities.

5.     Bridge Builder Between the AU and National Governments: Finally, the Deputy Chairperson encouraged the PAP to act as a bridge between the AU and national governments, fostering stronger relationships and facilitating the implementation of AU policies.

Addressing PAP's Concerns

Dr. Nsanzabaganwa recognized some of the concerns raised by the PAP regarding its involvement in the implementation of Agenda 2063. She reassured the members that these concerns are being taken seriously and are being addressed at the highest levels of the AU. Moving forward, she expressed a commitment to ensuring that the PAP is fully consulted and involved in shaping the strategic direction of the AU.

In closing, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa expressed her appreciation for the commitment and collaborative spirit of the workshop participants. She voiced confidence in the outcomes of the deliberations, asserting that by working together, Africa can achieve more. "Thank you for your commitment and collaborative spirit. I look forward to the outcomes of our deliberations today, and I am confident that we will achieve more together," she concluded.

The workshop marks a significant step forward in recalibrating the strategies needed for the successful implementation of Agenda 2063, with the PAP positioned to play a central role in ensuring that the transformative vision of Africa becomes a lived reality for its citizens.