Through its unique capacities as the world’s premier vehicle for international cooperation, the UN system plays a crucial role in coordinating assistance of all kinds — to help Africa help itself. From promoting the development of democratic institutions, to establishing peace between warring nations, the UN is present on the ground supporting economic and social development and the promotion and protection of human rights.

In this effort, the UN works closely with Africa’s regional cooperation mechanisms and has five active peacekeeping operations at present. UN peacekeepers serve in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Western Sahara (MINURSO), South Sudan (UNMISS) and in the disputed Abyei area (UNISFA).

To advance its support for Africa even further, the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa was established in 2003 to enhance international support for African development and security and to improve coordination of UN system support. It also works to facilitate global deliberations on Africa, particularly with respect to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) — a strategic framework adopted by African leaders in 2001. In 2018, NEPAD's mandate was reformed and transformed into the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD). It is now serving as the first development agency of the African Union.

Africa Day is an annual commemoration of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. On that day 32 independent African states signed the founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2002, the OAU became the African Union. Africa Day is celebrated around the world.

Challenges for Africa

Africa is diverse, and challenges can vary widely across different countries and regions. Efforts by African governments, regional organizations, and international partners are ongoing to address these challenges and promote sustainable development.

Climate change

Africa is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events affecting various regions, impacting ecosystems and livelihoods, increasing water scarcity and contributing to desertification. It can lead to reduced crop yields, threatening the livelihoods of many who depend on agriculture. Adaptation strategies are crucial for building resilience in the agricultural sector.

Climate change disrupts ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and threatening the sustainability of natural resources. Coastal areas are at particular risk due to sea-level rise, affecting fisheries and coastal communities.

Hunger and malnutrition

Africa is facing a food crisis of unprecedented proportions. Millions are expected to be at risk of worsening hunger in the near future due to conflicts, climate variability and extremes, economic slowdowns and downturns, and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2023 report, entitled Africa, Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), states that the African continent is not on track to meet the food security and nutrition targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger for 2030. The authors hope that the report’s findings will trigger new momentum for agrifood systems transformation in Africa, creating more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for people and the planet.

The most recent estimates show that nearly 282 million people in Africa (about 20 per cent of the population) were undernourished in 2022, an increase of 57 million people since the COVID-19 pandemic began. About 868 million people were moderately or severely food-insecure and more than one-third of them – 342 million people – were severely food-insecure.

Healthcare

Many regions in Africa face challenges in providing universal access to healthcare. Rural and remote areas often lack sufficient healthcare infrastructure, making it difficult for residents to access essential services. Africa continues to grapple with infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases and faces the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. These diseases pose a significant burden on healthcare systems and contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates.

Many African countries have shortages of trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives. This shortage hinders the effective delivery of healthcare services and compromises the quality of care.

Regions affected by political instability and conflict face additional challenges in delivering healthcare. Displacement of populations, damage to healthcare infrastructure, and disruptions in the supply chain contribute to healthcare crises.

Peacekeeping and conflict resolution

Peacekeeping and conflict resolution in Africa face challenges due to the complex nature of conflicts, historical grievances, and the presence of non-state actors. Sustaining peace requires addressing root causes and fostering inclusive dialogue.

Effective peacekeeping and conflict resolution in Africa often require collaboration between the United Nations, the African Union, and other international partners and regional organizations. Coordinated efforts aim to build local capacities, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable peace.

Addressing the challenges posed by protracted conflicts and longstanding disputes on the African continent has been a major focus for the UN. Missions have been deployed to conflict-affected regions with the aim of maintaining peace, facilitating political dialogue, and supporting post-conflict reconstruction. In 1960 the first peacekeeping operation in Africa was deployed in the Republic of the Congo to ensure the withdrawal of Belgian forces and to assist the Government in maintaining law and order. Since then, thousands of peacekeepers have been deployed to more than 30 peacekeeping operations in African countries. The latest peacekeeping mission was established in 2014 in the Central African Republic.

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

The UN Security Council established the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to "prosecute persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda and neighbouring States in 1994". During its operation, the Tribunal indicted 93 individuals including high-ranking military and government officials, politicians, businessmen, as well as religious, militia, and media leaders.

With its sister international tribunals and courts, the ICTR has played a pioneering role in the establishment of a credible international criminal justice system, producing a substantial body of jurisprudence on genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, as well as forms of individual and superior responsibility.

The ICTR is the first ever international tribunal to deliver verdicts in relation to genocide, and the first to interpret the definition of genocide set forth in the 1948 Geneva Conventions. It is also the first international tribunal to define rape in international criminal law and to recognise rape as a means of perpetrating genocide, as well as the first international tribunal to hold members of the media responsible for broadcasts intended to inflame the public to commit acts of genocide.

The ICTR delivered its last trial judgement in December 2012. Since then the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals has assumed responsibility for the ICTR's residual functions including cases before the appeals chamber and the tracking and arrest of the accused who remain fugitives from justice.

Achievements

Africa has attained significant achievements across various sectors over the years.

Decolonization

African nations, previously under colonial rule, achieved independence through diplomatic negotiations, nationalist movements, and, in some cases, armed struggles. Decolonization led to the establishment of sovereign African states, each with its own government, constitution, and institutions. This ended direct political control by European colonial powers. The process of decolonization fostered regional unity and cooperation. The Organization of African Unity (OAU), later succeeded by the African Union (AU), was established to promote solidarity and address common challenges.

Independent African nations actively engaged in global diplomacy, participating in international organizations and establishing diplomatic relations. They became important players in shaping global affairs.

Independence allowed for a cultural renaissance, promoting the preservation and celebration of indigenous languages, traditions, and arts. African nations redefined their cultural identities.

Decolonization was largely driven by the efforts of African nations and their leaders, but the UN provided a platform for dialogue, principles of self-determination, and international norms that facilitated the process. The United Nations played a role in decolonization efforts through various mechanisms:

  • The UN established the Trusteeship System to oversee the transition of colonies to independence. This involved guiding nations towards self-governance and assisting in the development of political institutions.
  • The UN General Assembly adopted resolution 1514, also known as the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, affirming the right to self-determination and independence for colonial territories.
  • In some instances, the UN facilitated peacekeeping missions during the transition to independence, helping maintain stability and prevent conflicts that could hinder the decolonization process.
  • Through resolutions, sanctions, and diplomatic efforts, the UN contributed to the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic South Africa.

In 2011, South Sudan became Africa’s newest country when it gained independence from the rest of Sudan.

Economic Growth

The continent's economy grew by roughly 3.4 percent in 2019, creating one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted positive economic expansion in Africa's history. As a result, a growing number of Africans have joined the middle class each year. Despite a contraction in 2020, its GDP grew again and according to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024, the continent's economic growth is expected to quicken slightly, with average GDP possibly inching up to 3.5 per cent in 2024. However, the global economic slowdown, tighter monetary and fiscal conditions, and high debt sustainability risks will remain a drag on the region’s growth prospects. The unfolding climate crisis and extreme weather events will undermine agricultural output and tourism, while geopolitical instability will continue to adversely impact several subregions in Africa, especially the Sahel and North Africa.

Technological Advancements

Despite disparities in access to technology and digital infrastructure that contribute to a digital divide, Africa has seen notable advancements in technology, particularly in the areas of mobile telecommunications and digital innovation:

  • Africa has experienced a rapid increase in mobile phone penetration, with mobile technology serving as a key driver of connectivity and financial inclusion. Mobile banking and payment systems have become widespread.
  • Several African countries have established digital innovation hubs and technology ecosystems to support startups and entrepreneurs. These hubs foster collaboration, innovation, and the development of tech solutions.
  • Various African governments have implemented e-government initiatives to improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and promote citizen engagement. Digital platforms are being used for public services, including healthcare and education.
  • Technological advancements in renewable energy, such as solar power, are prominent. African countries are increasingly investing in sustainable and clean energy solutions to address power challenges.
  • Technology is playing a crucial role in transforming agriculture in Africa. Innovations, such as precision farming, mobile apps for farmers, and agri-tech solutions contribute to increased productivity and efficiency.

Advancement of Women

Progress has been made in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment:

  • Many African countries have made strides in enacting legal reforms to promote gender equality. This includes laws addressing issues such as domestic violence, child marriage, and discrimination in the workplace.
  • Efforts have been made to improve access to education for girls. Increased enrollment and retention of girls in schools contribute to narrowing gender gaps in education.
  • Some progress has been observed in increasing women's political representation. In 16 African countries, women hold close to one-third of the seats in parliaments, according to Women in Politics: 2023. With 61.3 percent, Rwanda has the highest proportion of women parliamentarians in the world. It also belongs to the top ten of the most gender equal countries, according to the 2023 World Global Gender Gap Report.
  • Initiatives to economically empower women have been implemented, including microfinance programmes, entrepreneurship support, and efforts to enhance women's access to financial resources. Africa has the highest regional female entrepreneurial activity rate in the world. One in four women starts or manages a business.
  • Women in Africa have achieved significant milestones in leadership roles across various sectors, including business, academia, and civil society. More women are taking up leadership positions and breaking gender barriers.

Agenda 2063

In January 2015 the Heads of State and Governments of the African Union adopted Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the African continent. It aims to guide Africa towards a future of inclusive and sustainable development and emphasizes the importance of unity, self-reliance, and the active participation of African citizens in shaping their continent's future.

Agenda 2063is organized around seven aspirations that represent the collective vision for Africa's development: a prosperous Africa; an integrated continent; an Africa of good governance; peace and security; a renaissance of the African culture; a full gender equality in all sphere of life; as well as a globally influential Africa.

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