Annelie de Man
Senior lecturer and coordinator of the advocacy division of the Free State Centre for Human Rights, University of the Free State
The African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want is the continent's strategic framework to attain inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development. The Agenda is based on the Pan-African ideology, which calls for [a]n integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.[1]
This is based on the recognition of the fundamental right to self-determination of the African people. The importance of participation and people-centred development approaches is repeatedly highlighted throughout the framework document of Agenda 2063.[2]
Specifically, Agenda 2063 emphasises the participation of citizens and stakeholders in the “concept, design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of Agenda 2063” as a critical success factor.[3] One of the aims of Agenda 2063 is an Africa where, by 2063, “all citizens will be actively involved in decision-making in all aspects of development, including social, economic, political and environmental”.[4]
Over the last few decades, the importance of participation in achieving sustainable economic development has gained increased recognition. The principle of participation has been part of the international discourse on development since the 1950s. For Africa, it formed part of the calls for decolonisation and respect for the rights to self-determination and sovereignty over natural resources as contained in Article 21 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.[5] Article 1 of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development[6] recognises the right to participate in and contribute to development as a critical human right. Article 2(3) places the duty on states to formulate development policies based on free, active and meaningful participation. Proponents of a human rights-based approach contend that everyone has a right to participate and have an input into decisions that affect their well-being. The World Bank has also equated the lack of a voice to the denial of fundamental human rights. People should therefore be allowed to play an active role in formulating development policies that meet their needs rather than being viewed as passive beneficiaries of externally developed programmes.
Unfortunately, participation by all stakeholders is often reduced to a quick consultation exercise and checklist item to be merely ticked off. The true meaning of participation and what it entails is overlooked, and the voices of the most vulnerable can become lost. Moreover, the rise in corruption and impenetrable one-party rule democracies in countries across Africa have hampered the ideals of self-determination relied upon during the decolonisation era.
Genuine participation requires more than mere consultation as a means to seek validation of a pre-determined development agenda. It covers a range of processes, for instance, acquiring information from all stakeholders regarding their needs or inviting people, particularly the beneficiaries of development projects, into the decision-making process and capacitating them with genuine bargaining power. Specifically, popular participation in development requires all stakeholders and beneficiaries to be capable and empowered participants in all stages of the development process. Empowerment of participants requires “a process of fostering critical consciousness and decision-making as the basis for active citizenship”.[6] Therefore, meaningful participation will sometimes require building the capacity of people to analyse and understand development processes and goals, identify risks and challenges, and negotiate around different goals and processes. Moreover, people that are the beneficiaries or subjects of development programming must be able to participate in all four stages of development programming: (a) expression of needs and preferences; (b) formulating and choosing the most appropriate policy and allocation of resources; (c) implementation of chosen policy; and (d) monitoring and evaluation of outcomes to hold relevant duty bearers accountable for any failures.[7]
To foster genuine participation, various participatory processes must adhere to several requirements. There must be a dedicated space where participation can take place. All relevant information should be made available to those wishing to participate and to which they have easy access. The value of local knowledge must be respected. Moreover, the right to meaningful participation, as required by Article 2(3) of the Declaration on the Right to Development, is intimately linked to several democratic principles. This includes the rights to political participation, association and assembly, access to information, and freedom of expression. These rights must be promoted via public policies to ensure equal, capable and empowered participation.
Furthermore, discriminatory practices which prevent some from participating must be addressed. All stakeholders must be able to participate on an equal basis. This requires special attention to be paid to the most vulnerable and socially excluded. Values and strategies cannot be imposed. Instead, it should emerge through a process of self-determination which can only occur if everyone involved can participate in equal capacities.
To determine whether the quality of participation meets the above requirements, it should be measured to what extent people have a genuine capacity to influence the economic and political agendas of development agencies and actors. If these requirements are met, meaningful participatory processes can hold various advantages for sustainable and inclusive development, as envisioned by Agenda 2063.
To achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the various bodies of the African Union must formulate new and innovative ways to bring all development stakeholders, including regional organisations, governments, business and private sector actors, non-governmental organisations, civil society, and excluded and vulnerable groups together. Genuine participation of empowered stakeholders on an equal footing is crucial for achieving Agenda 2063. Therefore, all state parties of the African Union must formulate national development goals and targets in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 through a transparent, open and participatory process to ensure that all members of society, including the most vulnerable, are included.
Cite as: de Man, A. (2023) The importance and meaning of genuine participation in achieving agenda 2063Annelie de Man, African Network of Constitutional Lawyers. Available at: https://ancl-radc.org.za/blog/the-importance-and-meaning-of-genuine-participation-in-achieving-agenda-2063 (Accessed: [date] [month] [year])