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

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.

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.

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.

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.

STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS On Document - Pages 12 STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The process started with a review of the Strategic Plan 2009-2012 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

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

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 2014-2017 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 2014-2017.

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

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.

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

On Document - Pages 50-81 AUC STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 - 2017 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.

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

AUC STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 - 2017 Foundation of Plan The foundation of the Third Strategic Plan (2014-2017) 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.

Foundation of the Strategic Plan On Document - Pages 52 Foundation of the Strategic Plan Figure 1: AUC Strategic Plan 2014-2017 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

Mandate as stated in the Constitutive act of the African Union Table 1: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION THIRD STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-2017 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

Table 1: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION THIRD STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-2017 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

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

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;  

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

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

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

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

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.

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 2018-2021

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Thank you