Leadership and the Success of African Integration and Development Agenda: Juxtaposing the African Continental Free Trade Area - AFCFTA and Agenda 2063

Abstract

After achieving independence from slavery and colonialism, African countries implemented various developmental policies, including import substitution, industrialization, and structural adjustment programs, among others. However, political instability, civil wars, poverty, bad governance, and environmental degradation hindered the continent's progress. This paper focuses on how leadership impacts the success of African regional integration and development, specifically the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and Agenda 2063. The study uses content analysis and secondary sources to analyze leadership's role in achieving integration and development. The paper finds that visionary, competent, selfless leaders are crucial for achieving sustainable integration and development. These leaders should be committed to disentangling from neocolonial dependence and promoting mutual cooperation. The paper supports its findings with good governance theory and regional integration theories. Furthermore, the paper highlights the need for African leaders to unite, be disciplined, and pursue integration with integrity and transparency. This requires leaders to prioritize the continent's interests over their personal gains and reduce their reliance on foreign aid. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the success of African integration and development depends on the quality of leadership, which must be accountable, transparent, and committed to promoting the welfare of African citizens.