To position Nigeria as a leader in global economic development, a comprehensive plan is needed—one that focuses on strengthening local communities, creating sustainable jobs and building robust infrastructure. Central to this vision is the idea of community-led development initiatives that harness the power of local knowledge and resources. These initiatives must prioritise inclusive economic opportunities, social cohesion and long-term sustainability. DANIEL ESSIET reports on ongoing campaigns centred on empowering communities, investing in the workforce and creating jobs which will serve as the foundation for the country’s economic resurgence.
The creation of quality jobs remains a major challenge in global economies. A persistent lack of decent work opportunities, coupled with insufficient investments, has contributed to the erosion of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, which, in turn, threatens to undermine progress, hinder job creation and stifle improvements in living standards. According to the United Nations, the situation places global communities under significant threat. The World Economic Situation and Prospects report for 2024 paints a sobering picture of the global economic landscape, highlighting multiple crises that continue to jeopardise progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Africa, Agenda 2063 serves as the Continent’s blueprint and master plan for transformation. This strategic framework seeks to turn Africa into a global powerhouse by fostering inclusive and sustainable development. It is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity—values rooted in Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.
The genesis of Agenda 2063 emerged from a realisation among African leaders that the focus of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which later became the African Union (AU), had primarily been on the struggle against apartheid and the attainment of political independence.
However, there was a growing consensus that Africa’s agenda needed to be redefined. The emphasis needed to shift from the past struggles to prioritising inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security. These pillars aim at repositioning Africa as a dominant player on the global stage.
As a testament to their commitment to this new path, African heads of state and government signed the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration during the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking the formation of the OAU/AU in May 2013. The declaration reaffirmed Africa’s dedication to achieving the Pan-African vision: an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens and represented as a dynamic force in the international arena.
Agenda 2063 is the concrete manifestation of this vision, outlining how the Continent intends to achieve it over a 50-year period, from 2013 to 2063.The importance of envisioning a long-term, 50-year development trajectory for Africa cannot be overstated. The Continent faces ongoing structural transformations, including a reduction in conflicts and renewed economic growth. Africa is also embracing people-centred development, gender equality and youth empowerment.
Moreover, the rapidly changing global context, including increased globalisation and the ICT revolution, has positioned Africa for greater unity; making it a global force capable of rallying support around its common agenda.
Emerging opportunities for development and investment abound, particularly in areas such as agribusiness, infrastructure development, health, education and the value addition of African commodities. These areas present significant prospects for furthering Africa’s economic transformation and securing a brighter future for its people.
Agenda 2063, the African Union’s (AU) strategic framework for the Continent’s development, envisions a prosperous and integrated Africa, driven by sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Crucial activities outlined in the 10-year implementation plans will ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers quantitative and quality transformational outcomes for Africa’s people. One of the most crucial sectors in realising this vision is infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. The gap in infrastructure is a widely recognised issue across Africa. Poor infrastructure impacts every aspect of life, from the ability to trade goods and services to access basic services such as healthcare and education. African countries, especially those south of the Sahara, rank among the least competitive in the world.
Infrastructure deficits are a key factor in holding back economic progress, with some studies estimating that Africa’s infrastructure challenges reduce its GDP growth by as much as two per cent annually. The lack of infrastructure in Africa is a continental problem that demands a continental solution. To address these challenges, coordinated efforts at all levels are necessary—continental, regional and national. This will ensure that infrastructure development projects benefit all African countries, regardless of their size or economic status. At the continental level, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NPCA) are responsible for guiding the implementation of infrastructure projects.
At the regional level, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) play a vital role in coordinating projects within their respective areas, ensuring that these initiatives align with local priorities.
National governments have the duty to ensure that infrastructure projects are constructed within their borders and benefit their populations. The PIDA (Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa) is a flagship initiative that aims at accelerating the development of infrastructure across the continent. The responsibility for updating PIDA lies with the NPCA, which works closely with the RECs and their specialised institutions. Together, they ensure that the infrastructure master plans are responsive to Africa’s evolving needs, particularly in the context of Agenda 2063.
In the coming years, the success of infrastructure initiatives across Africa will depend on continued collaboration among governments, regional bodies, the private sector and international partners. Only through coordinated action can the Continent build the infrastructure necessary to achieve its ambitious development goals and secure a brighter future for its entire people.
In Nigeria, the need for federal investment in both physical and human capital is immense. The country must invest trillions of dollars in infrastructure maintenance and expansion projects to bridge the widening gaps in its infrastructure.
The Chief Executive of SMEFUNDS, Femi Oye called for a renewed focus on enhancing national resilience by expanding investments in clean energy technologies. He indicated that new physical infrastructure should be energy-efficient and existing infrastructure should be upgraded to improve energy efficiency where possible.
One of the primary advantages of community-driven economic development, according to Oye, is its ability to generate new job opportunities, support entrepreneurship and foster innovation.
The Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Oluseye Oyeleye emphasised that Community Economic Development (CED) is more than just economic growth-it’s about creating resilient, inclusive and equitable communities.
“It’s not just about attracting external investments,” he explains, “it’s about nurturing local entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and ensuring that the benefits of development are shared by everyone.”
This philosophy resonates with several of the UN’s SDGs, including the goal of reducing inequalities (SDG 10), promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and building sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
In a world grappling with economic disparities and an urgent need for sustainable growth, CED has emerged as a beacon of hope. In the ancient town of Ara, a transformative partnership between the DAWN Commission and the Ara Global Development Foundation (AGDF) is demonstrating how local empowerment can drive profound and lasting change, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ARA2035 Agenda, launched by the AGDF embodies this vision by focusing on community rejuvenation through a bottom-up approach that empowers residents to actively shape their future. A key initiative in this transformation is the COLDET project, spearheaded by the DAWN Commission, which signifies a crucial shift from traditional top-down development models to more sustainable, community-driven approaches.
Segun Balogun, who leads the project, emphasised the importance of empowering local stakeholders to assess their community’s assets, prioritise needs and implement sustainable projects.
The approach aligns with the UN’s focus on participatory governance and inclusive decision-making; ensuring that development initiatives respond to local needs and priorities.
By employing an integrated framework that combines systems practice with other methodologies, COLDET equips communities with the tools to engage in self-assessment and development planning.
At the heart of the CED approach is the identification and leveraging of a community’s existing assets.
In Ara, these assets include physical infrastructure, natural resources, cultural heritage, human capital and social networks. By investing in these assets, the project aims at creating sustainable, locally-rooted economic opportunities.
The collaboration between the DAWN Commission and the Ara Global Development Foundation is not just about transforming Ara, according to Oyeleye. It’s about creating a model for community empowerment and sustainable development that can be replicated in other parts of the world.
Through CED, Ara is becoming a shining example of how local solutions can drive global progress, one community at a time. He also stressed the importance of strong economic development in facilitating infrastructure improvements. As businesses invest in local communities, they not only contribute to the local economy but also generate funds for infrastructure projects. These projects may include the construction of roads, bridges, public transportation systems, parks, recreational facilities and utilities.
Improved infrastructure not only enhances residents’ quality of life but also attracts more businesses, creating a virtuous cycle of prosperity that benefits all.
The Chairman of AGDF Steering Committee, Dr Tunji Olugbodi highlighted the vast potential of rural tourism in Southwest Nigeria. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, according to him, the region stands poised to become a key player in the global tourism industry.
“Investing in the necessary infrastructure and promoting the region’s attractions will not only bolster domestic tourism but also draw international visitors, creating a sustainable economic impact,” Olugbodi said.
He emphasised that initiatives such as eco-tourism, the preservation of historical sites and support for local crafts and cultural events are essential. These measures could lead to jobs creation in sectors such as hospitality, tourism and related industries, benefiting the local economy and fostering community development.
The traditional ruler of Ara, Oba Olubayo Adesola Windapo, emphasised that the Ara Project goes beyond tourism to prioritise social development.
According to him, it ensures that local residents have access to public services, job opportunities and a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their communities.
The traditional ruler further emphasised the importance of community-based tourism as a driver of local economic growth. The community’s development plan focuses on promoting cultural initiatives that celebrate Ara’s unique heritage. This includes organising festivals, supporting local artisans and promoting businesses that reflect the region’s rich traditions.
“By leveraging our cultural assets, we can attract visitors and increase revenue which will benefit the entire community,” Oba Windapo said.
