1. The African Union Commission The 2014-2017Strategic Plan
September 2013

2. Introduction
The second Africa Union Commission Strategic Plan came to an end in 2012, and Policy Organs dedicated 2013 as a transition year in which the outstanding results areas are to be finalised.
Consequently, the AUC has successfully developed the successor plan, that runs from 2014 – 2017, which was adopted at the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly.
This plan marks a paradigm shift from the normative approach to actually engaging stakeholders.
It is the aim of the Commission to widen and strengthen understanding of its work for her stakeholders to appreciate immediate benefits inherent in the plan.
It is against this background that the Commission felt the need to engage stakeholders with a view to deepen their general understanding of AUC’s vision and strategy.

3. Introduction cont.
It is only through a clear understanding that the principles of subsidiarity and complementarity will be put to practice.
AUC Stakeholders, including partners and beneficiary, will identify their respective roles to pursue and support AUC strategic direction/intentions.
The Commission is in the process of developing a popular version of the plan, which will be widely available and edible to the wider audience. Professional media houses will be involved to design and reproduce the version that will be visually appetizing.
The popular version will accompany the technical and bulky report for sectors of the society who may be interested to understand the foundations of the plan.

4. Introduction cont.
It is the view of the Commission that for the continent to prosper, be on a positive trajectory and avoid relapsing into one of the less desirable scenarios, Africa needs to among other things:
Accelerate Continental integration process including infrastructure development
Strengthen intra-African trade
Enhance agricultural productivity and put in measures to address chronic food insecurity,
Strengthen economic and political governance systems,
Devise strategies to exploit its vast comparative advantages in raw materials (including by adding value) ,
Consolidate peace and security
Develop human capital
Find service solutions to improve the welfare of its citizens.

5. Introduction cont.
However, the bulk of the effort rests with member-states as approvals, integration and implementation of all proposed programmes rests with them.
Sub-regional and regional bodies such as the RECs and the African Union Commission (AUC) have an important facilitating role especially with respect to:
Policy and strategy setting,
Coordination and catalyzing socio-economic and integration agenda,
Consensus building &advocacy,
Experience and information sharing, and
Setting the framework and putting in place the enabling conditions necessary for peace, security, political stability and growth – i.e. the creation of continental and regional public goods.

6. STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
On Document - Pages 12
STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The process started with a review of the Strategic Plan in February 2012
Review revealed the following
The Plan overall was judged a good response to the vision of the Union
Strategic Plan was highly relevant and collectively its programs addressed all the issues identified as priorities for Africa under the Constitutive Act
the Commission had made a good effort to implement the various programs identified in the Plan
However the review also revealed the following
Over ambitious and limited prioritization
Vague and impractical strategies (most lying outside the remit of the AUC)
Lack of detailed implementation plan
Inadequate attention paid to role of other stakeholders, particularly those responsible for translating outputs into outcomes – RECS, MS, NEPAD, Partners, CSO, Academia, etc

7. STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Stakeholders’ workshop, involving AUC Directors, representatives from the RECs , other AU organs, and the NPCA was convened.
Among other things, the workshop reviewed the pillar configuration and proposed 5 Pillars as opposed to 4 in the previous Strategic Plan. The modified Pillar configuration is as follows
Peace & Security
Social, Economic & Human Development
Integration, Cooperation & Partnerships
Shared Values
Institutions, Capacity Building and Communication

8. STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The workshop recommendations were endorsed by the Commission.
Thereafter, inputs were sought from all departments and divisions into the process, and these were used to formulate a results framework containing outcomes, outputs , strategies, actions and indicators.
Draft 1 of the AUC Strategic Plan was presented to a joint meeting of Commissioners and Directors.
At that meeting, the Commission provided guidance that the Strategic plan should be developed on the basis of 8 priorities identified during their retreat, that helped to frame the overall goal and the specific objectives for

9. On Document - Pages 21-49
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
In order for the Commission to position herself to implement the plan, a SWOT analysis was conducted to scan the environment in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This was undertaken at both macro and thematic levels covering the following
Economic Development, Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction
Regional Integration, Trade and Infrastructure Development in Africa
Peace, Security, Stability and Good Governance
Human Capital Development, Science, Technology and innovation
Agriculture, Environment and natural Resources
Gender Equality and Women and Youth Empowerment

10. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
The emerging picture from the situational analysis can be summarized as follows :
At the start of the 21st Century the image of Africa was that of a lost continent characterized by low economic growth rates, instability, poverty, hunger, corruption, …etc.
Since early 2000, there has been a turnaround of fortunes with Africa showing considerable economic vigor and resilience in the face of uncertainty triggered by the global financial and economic crisis and recession in the Euro zone
Growth has averaged around 5% , a rate higher than any other period since the early 1970s
Between 2000 and 2011 six of the ten fastest growing countries in the world were in Africa (Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Rwanda)
Notable progress is being made in MDGs, improved governance
Lower costs of doing business, expanding middle class, youth bulge.

11. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
Increased inflows of FDI and remittances; ICT revolution
Africa is making steady progress across a broad front, spanning economic growth, social development & democratization, development of human capital and fostering peace and stability.
Many of the gains made have elements of sustainability, and are likely to be maintained unless significant disruptive forces emerge to derail the path to progress and self-reliance.
However, notwithstanding these gains, significant challenges lie ahead.
The growth has not been inclusive and has been commodity driven
The growth has not created sufficient jobs, especially for Women and Youth, and has not translated into poverty reduction
Income inequalities has increased
There has been a process of de-industrialization, declining agriculture productivity, rising food and nutrition insecurity

12. On Document - Pages 50-81
AUC STRATEGIC PLAN
The Commission reviewed the previous Strategic Plans and scanned the environment in an effort to design Strategic Priorities that address Africa’s problems.
The priorities that emerged from analysis are grouped into eight clusters to form the eight priorities as presented below;
Promote peace and stability ,including regional initiatives, good governance, democracy and human right as a foundation for inclusion, security and the development of the continent and its people
Expand Agricultural production, developing the Agro-processing and businesses sectors, increase market access and attain Africa’s collective Food self-sufficiency and nutrition through promotion of smallholder agriculture, sound environment and natural resource management, including climate change.
Promote inclusive economic development and industrialization through the acceleration of infrastructure development projects that will aid economic integration and utilization of the continent’s mineral and other natural resources.

13. AUC STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 - 2017 Priorities Continued
Build Africa’s human capacity through the prioritization of Primary Health Care and Prevention; Education, skills development and investment in science, research and innovation, access to clean water and sanitation with inclusion of the vulnerable groups.
Mainstream the participation of women and the youth in all priorities and activities of the Union and the continent
Implement strategies of resource mobilization, with special emphasis on alternative source of funding, and/or additional funding to enable Africa to finance its programmes and development.
Strengthen a people centered Union through active communication of the programmes of the African Union, the branding of the Union and participation of Member States and other stakeholders in defining and implementing the African agenda.
Strengthen the institutional capacity of the AUC, the RECs and other organs, and its relations with strategic and other partners

14. AUC STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 - 2017 Foundation of Plan
The foundation of the Third Strategic Plan ( ) of the African Union Commission is:
AU Constitutive Act, which sets out the vision of the African Union to “build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, an Africa driven and managed by its own citizen and representing a dynamic force in the international arena”,
Mandate and mission of the African Union Commission; and
Strategic priorities defined by the Commission and highlighted in the previous section.
The linkages between the AUC Third Strategic Plan and the various statues and instruments of the Union and Commission are depicted in Figure 1 and Table 10.

15. Foundation of the Strategic Plan
On Document - Pages 52
Foundation of the Strategic Plan
Figure 1: AUC Strategic Plan Map
AU Vision
Mission
Mandate
Strategic Pillars of the Commission
8 Priorities
Goal of Strategic Plan
Outcomes, Outputs and Targets
Constitutive Act and Statutes
Stakeholders’ Workshop
Commission Retreat
Technical work with Departments

16. Mandate as stated in the Constitutive act of the African Union
Table 1: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION THIRD STRATEGIC PLAN AND THE AU VISION AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
On Document - Pages 54
Vision
“An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”
Mission
To become “an efficient and value-adding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union member states, the Regional economic Communities and African citizens”.
Mandate
Mandate as stated in the Constitutive act of the African Union

17. Table 1: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION THIRD STRATEGIC PLAN AND THE AU VISION AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS…[Contd]
On Document - Pages 54
Strategic Pillars of the African Union Commission
Peace & Security
Social, Economic & Human Development
Integration, Cooperation & Partnerships
Shared Values
Institutions, Capacity Building and Communication
Overall Goal
The overall goal of the strategic plan is to: “Accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission”
Outcomes
Outcome 1: Peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as foundations for development and stable societies promoted
Outcome 2: Policies and institutions for increased agricultural production, expanded value addition and market access, and sound environmental and natural resource management for increased incomes and improved food and nutrition security in place
Outcome 3: Inclusive economic development and industrialization driven by economic integration, continental infrastructural projects, and private sector - led intra African Trade and Global access and sustainable utilization of the continents natural resources promoted
Outcome 4: Policies and Programmes to enhance health, quality education and employable skills underpinned by investment in services, science, research and innovation in place
Outcome 5: Strategies for resource mobilization, including alternative and additional sources of funding, to enable Africa to finance its programmes and development in place
Outcome 6: A People–centred Union with the participation of Member States and other stakeholders in defining and implementing the African Agenda attained
Outcome 7: Institutional capacities of the AUC strengthened, and relations with RECs and AU Organs and with strategic and other partners enhanced

18. The African Media in the AUC 2014-2017 Strategic Plan
Priority Area
Strengthen a people centered Union through active communication of the programs of the African Union, the branding of the Union and participation of Member States and other stakeholders in defining and implementing the African agenda.
Outcome
An AUC that communicates with and engages Member States/Stakeholders in defining and implementing the African Agenda
Output
Rebranding of the AUC, effective communication and increased visibility achieved

19. Strategies – The Media in the AUC 2014-2017 Strategic Plan
Set up and implement communication and advocacy campaigns and thematic media plans to raise awareness and ensure stakeholders‘ / citizens‘ involvement and ownership
Put in place and implement a Union-wide Strategy for Communication and outreach in collaboration with member states and other stakeholders to improve the image of Africa;
Design and implement thematic and specific media plans to raise awareness and ensure ownership of the AU vision and missions;
Enhance AUC capability to deliver effective communications and output, develop, coordinate, and implement a continental communications strategy to inform and influence audiences across Africa;

20. Strategies – The Media in the AUC 2014-2017 Strategic Plan (cont.)
Build and enhance AUC capability to broadcast, and sustain comprehensive communications plans and associated programs in line with AU objectives;
Support effective communication of AU policy, objectives and missions across the AU member states, and across the international community;
Put in place Measures to preserve and promote use of the Commission‘s publications, information and archival materials
Promote through communication the cultural diversity and multilingualism

21. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS
On Document - Pages 82-85
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS
The implementation framework for the Strategic Plan proposes the internal structures to oversee implementation and the linkages between them and their respective roles and responsibilities in planning, monitoring and reporting.
The framework aims to improve:
Accountability and Transparency: as it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the various actors and identifies the products to deliver at each level to ensure smooth implementation
Integrity: as it provides an integrated framework that cascades down to the individual staff work plans which will be organically linked to the overall strategic plan. This way, the framework will improve accountability for delivery for all the levels within the Commission.
Vertical and Horizontal coherence: by enhancing inter-departmental collaboration and encouraging joint planning, monitoring and reporting on implementation.
Efficacy: Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the work of the Commission to create desired results. i.e. Performance Evaluation, Result Based Management

22. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS
The M&E structures propose establishment of the following for successful implementation of the plan;
Internally within the commission
Chairperson of the Commission
Members of the Commission and the Chief Executive of the NPCA
The Steering Committee
Technical Clusters
AUC Departments
Divisions and Units
Individual Staff
The NPCA will serve on the steering committee and provide the critical link with RECs and Member States, and play an oversight role (in close coordination with SPPMERM) in the monitoring and reporting process

24. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING
On Document - Pages 86-87
MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING
The proposed monitoring and evaluation framework is centred on five factors,
Hierarchy levels within the AU,
M&E responsibility appropriate for each level in the hierarchy,
M& E cycle for each M&E action/strategies,
Activities to be undertaken as part of the M&E process and the formats/ processes to be used in undertaking the monitoring and evaluation.
Development of this framework is further underpinned by four key principles as follows;
Participation
Transparency
Accountability
Smart

25. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING
MID TERM REVIEW
There will be a mid-term review to;
assess the reasonableness / continuing relevance of the outcomes, outputs and their associated indicators and targets
assess the progress made towards the attainment of the outcomes / outputs and
potentially reformulation of the results matrix
The first two years actuals will form a basis for revising the targets for the last two years since most of the base line information at the time of the preparation were not readily available and intelligent guesses had to be made in setting the targets.

26. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING
END OF PLAN IMPLEMENTAION REVIEW
The updated results matrix proposed by the Midterm Review will form basis for the end of plan implementation review.
The insights gained from the review will be incorporated into the preparation of the next four year strategic plan

27. On Document - Pages 87
ENABLING CONDITIONS
Key stakeholders institutions on the continent as well as ordinary African citizens must be made aware of what the Commission, through its Third Strategic Plan, is setting out to achieve in order to strengthen their ownership and involvement. Measures to popularize the Strategic Plan should therefore be undertaken, involving press, TV, brochures, etc.
Member States need to ensure adequate funding (domestic resources) and legal instruments for the programmes of the Strategic Plan
The programmes of the Third Strategic Plan must be fully owned by Africa, including the continent progressively playing a bigger role and assuming leadership in the financing of these programmes.
Operational efficiency, synergy and collaboration of AUC departments
Adherence to the principles of subsidiarity and complementarity between the AUC, other Organs and RECs

28. On Document - Pages 87
ENABLING CONDITIONS
Within the Commission a culture of integrated thinking should be nurtured and strengthened such that the Commission acts one entity in pursuit of the goal and priorities of the Third Strategic Plan
To enhance streamlining, coordination, harmonization and reduced transaction costs, the Commission’s donor partners need to move towards full direct budget support.
There is a need to explore new and innovative sources of funding in partnership with government and the private sector. Contributions from MS have to be increased to support programme budget.
The Commission must endeavour to ensure that partners and Members States are approached early and that all prerequisites for triggering the release of funds are addressed in good time. It should also ensure that all departments, in particular the PBFA and SPPMERM, in a timely manner make available the fund utilization reports every quarter to AUC Management for their attention, decision making and direction, and to partners for their information.

29. On Document - Pages 87
ENABLING CONDITIONS
The Commission must move from focusing on predominantly normative work to a more proactive involvement in implementation of many of the complex inter- regional frameworks, policies and programmes: assessments/feasibility studies, design, negotiations/brokering agreements, putting in place governance frameworks, monitoring frameworks, mobilizing resources, etc., so as to accelerate progress towards realization of the continental agenda.
The Commission must acquire critical capacities and competencies required to advance the continental agenda; the technical complexity of multi-country projects and investment negotiations will require new skills which the Commission must acquire or grow.

30. On Document - Pages 87
ENABLING CONDITIONS
Within the Commission Information and Communication Directorate will facilitate publicity through various channels that are at available.
A hyperlink within the AUC Website will be created for access by all stakeholders.
Existence of a robust Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism

31. WAY FORWARD
The Commission will move to consolidate initiatives to implement change management system. Moving from activity based management to a results based management system requires gradual and continuous implementation of a change management plan and improved systems and processes
A change Management Plan has to be prepared prior to implementation for AUC staff sensitization to address the following questions;
why the plan?
what it is supposed to achieve?
What the responsibilities of the departments are?
what the governance framework for the plan implementation is
Updated Systems and processes: The results framework, work plan and monitoring formats will require input, analysis, and generation of information, that may not be consistent with the existing management information system.

32. WAY FORWARD
The Need To Link Plan Implementation To A Performance Management System
The targets set for the indicators in the results matrix is to be attained through the joint efforts of members of staff in the department / units. This task is divided through;
the preparation of a departmental work plan and
staff developing their individual work plans from it.
The attainment of the departmental / individual targets within the context of the results matrix should be reinforced by rewards and sanctions
It is necessary that the AUC reinforces a performance management system through the following processes;
staff develop work plans based on the results matrix
staff appraisal is done based on the work plan + other factors
reward / sanctions to reinforce the desired behavior.

33. Conclusions
The world is undergoing breathtaking changes in all spheres of life, and African countries need to embrace this fact and take charge in order to remain competitive.
The AUC must shift from the normative approach to proactively support accelerated implementation of continental integration and socio-economic agenda.
African continent is on a sustainable path that will lead to realisation of the vision.

34. Thank you