Future Prospects of Sustainable Development in Africa

Abstract

AbstractThis final chapter provides a brief outline of the future prospects for sustainable development in Africa. Some prominent challenges to be faced as well as opportunities that exist for sustainable development and the attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are briefly reviewed. The progress so far on the implementation of the SDGs and targets has been uneven across Africa. A huge challenge therefore lies ahead for Africa if it wants to stay on track to meet the SDGs. Africa needs to accelerate reforms and implementation. With its emphasis on self-reliance and self-determination, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 provides a framework for the attainment of sustainable economic development, social prosperity and well-being, lasting political stability, security and protection, and regional integration in Africa. Achievement of success with sustainable development and the attainment of the SDGs in Africa requires linkage with the lived-experiences, indigenous knowledge systems, and contextual realities of the ethnic groups of Africa. Furthermore, increased recognition of development initiatives that consider local perceptions and ways of doing and thinking are more likely to be successful and relevant to people’s needs, are needed to support sustainable development.KeywordsSustainable developmentAfricaResourcesChallengesOpportunities