th #AfricaIntegration 7 July www.au.africa Publishing information This work is published under the sole responsibility of the Internet https://au.int/sa African Union Commission / AU Directorate of Information Twitter @_AfricanUnion and Communication and the Department of Trade and Industry. Editing Department of Trade and Industry/ The user can copy, download or print the contents of Directorate of Information and Communication this book for individual use, including excerpts from this guidebook for non-commercial use for presentations, Design blogs, websites and teaching materials, provided that the Ira Olaleye, Eschborn, Germany user acknowledges the author of the Guideline and does not infringe on the copyright of the author. All requests for Photo credits public and commercial use and translation rights should be Back cover: AU building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. © African submitted to [email protected] Union. All other photos: see information below photo Suggested citation: Brochure on the commemoration of Africa Integration Day, 7 July 2020. African Union, Addis Maps Ababa, 2020 The maps printed here are intended only for information purposes and in no way constitute recognition under © African Union Commission international law of boundaries and territories. AU nor the Authors accept any responsibility for these maps being Addis Ababa, June 2020 entirely up to date, correct or complete. All liability for any damage, direct or indirect, resulting from their use is Supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale excluded. Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Addis Ababa, June 2020

African Union Commission P.O. Box 3243 Roosevelt Street Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel +251 11 551 3822 Fax +251 11 551 9321 AU anthem

Let us all unite and celebrate together O Sons and Daughters of Africa The victories won for our liberation Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky Let us dedicate ourselves to rise together Let us make Africa the Tree of Life. To defend our liberty and unity. Let us all unite and toil together O Sons and Daughters of Africa To give the best we have to Africa Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky The cradle of mankind and fount of culture Let us make Africa the Tree of Life. Our pride and hope at break of dawn.

Let us all unite and sing together O Sons and Daughters of Africa To uphold the bonds that frame our destiny Flesh of the Sun and Flesh of the Sky Let us dedicate ourselves to fight together Let us make Africa the Tree of Life. For lasting peace and justice on earth.

3 Africa’s journey towards an integrated of the Continent noting that integration Background continent is closely linked to its was a prerequisite for the economic Leaders’ vision of a strong and united emancipation of Africa. continent following its fragmentation during the second Conference of Berlin The enabling instruments for the in 1884. continental integration agenda included:

Even as African countries were • the Resolutions and Declarations of preparing to accede to national Algiers of 1968 and the Addis Ababa sovereignty, there was a recognition Declarations of 1970 and 1973, that as newcomers in the international recognizing economic integration of Africa Must Unite system, their strength and survival lay the Continent as a prerequisite for in their unity. the realisation of the OAU; Dr. Kwame Nkrumah As Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, then • the Lagos Plan of Action for the President of the Republic of Ghana Economic Development of Africa and one of the Founding Fathers of the 1980 – 2000, and most important; Organisation of African Unity (OAU) forcefully put in a monumental piece, • the Treaty Establishing the African “Africa Must Unite.” African Leaders’ Economic Community of 1991 aspiration, vision and commitment (Abuja Treaty). The Abuja Treaty to continental integration led to the represents a landmark legal creation of the OAU in 1963. framework as it outlines in a very comprehensive way the roadmap Soon after the creation of the OAU, towards achievement of Africa’s African Leaders embarked on several full integration by creating a single initiatives and adopted several key market with a common currency instruments to realise the integration (African Economic Community).

4 At the dawn of the 21st Century three The Founding Fathers of the OAU in 1963 Abbé Fulbert Youlou, Abdirascid important Decisions significantly Scermarch, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, strengthened the movement towards Ahmadou Babatoura Ahidjo, Ahmed Ben Bella, Ahmed Sékou Touré, Apollo the goal of Pan-African political and Milton Obote, Coutoucou Hubert Maga, economic integration. The first was David Dacko, El Ferik Ibrahim Abboud, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, François the Decision to transform the OAU Ngarta Tombalbaye, Gabriel Léon M’ba, Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein, Grégoire into the African Union (AU) in 2001 and Kayibanda, Habib Bourguiba, Haile the second was the Decision to fast Selassie I, Hamani Diori, Hassan II, Joseph Kasa-Vubu, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, track the Establishment of the African Kwame Nkrumah, Léopold Sédar Senghor, Continental Trade Area in 2012. The Maurice Yaméogo, Milton Margai, Modibo Keïta, Mohammad Idris al-Sanousi, third was the adoption in January 2015, Moktar Ould Daddah, Mwambutsa IV of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, Bangiricenge, Philibert Tsiranana, Sylvanus Epiphanio Olympio, William V. S. Tubman. which encapsulates the Pan African Photos: © African Union Vision of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”

The Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force on 30 May 2019, aims to significantly accelerate growth of Intra-Africa trade signing of the Abuja Treaty] and use trade more effectively as an engine of growth and sustainable development by doubling intra-Africa trade, strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade Young African Leaders Initiative. Photo: © Flickr, creative commons/GPA Photo Archive, licensed under CC BY 2.0 negotiations. It is a flagship programme

5 of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. It will be a tool to boost intra- Africa trade and provide opportunities for industry, manufactures, small and medium sized enterprises, youth and women.

During the launch of the operational phase of the AfCFTA in Niamey, Niger on 7 July 2019, AU Heads of States and Government decided that 7 July of each year be designated as African worker at a manufacturing factory in Awassa Industrial “the Africa Integration Day” without Park in Ethiopia: the future life in Industry 4.0. Photo: © African Union it being a holiday to commemorate the operationalisation of the AfCFTA Agreement and popularise economic integration across the Continent as a lever of inclusive sustainable development.

7 July of each year be designated as ‘the Africa Integration Day ’

AU Heads of States Launch of the Operational Phase of the AfCFTA. Photo: © African Union and Government

6 This is a day on which Africans on What is the Continent and in the Diaspora solemnly observe and celebrate the achievements of the AfCFTA in the the Africa preceding year; fully aware that the destiny of the AfCFTA is in their Integration hands and reminding themselves and reaffirming their commitment Day? to continue the journey towards the African Economic Community established by the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community.

Photo: © Flickr, creative commnons/ALAMAU 2018, licensed under CC BY 2.0

7 As Africa continues its journey towards • Disseminate and popularise the Why structural transformation through the AfCFTA vision the new mindset AfCFTA, one of the most important among all segments of African element of this transformation is mind- society, both on the continent and in an Africa set change. the diaspora with a view to increase their participation in the realisation Integration Africa Integration Day seeks to: of Africa structural transformation and its inclusive and sustainable Day? • Celebrate the AfCFTA and its economic development as outlined achievement, as a powerful tool in Agenda 2063: The Africa We that will shape Africa’s future, by Want. increasing trade and investment, creating job opportunities for millions • Galvanise and mobilise Africans of Africans, and in this respect, within the continent and abroad offering alternatives to young African around the subsequent steps entrepreneurs. towards the Establishment of the African Economic Community.

12th Pan-African Parliament Conference on Women’s Rights on the margins of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the fifth Parliament of the PAP (October 2019). Photo: © Pan African Parliament

8 The 33rd Ordinary Session of the c. Seminars at national, regional How is Summit of AU Heads of States and and continental levels, panel Government held on 9 and 10 February discussions, symposia, briefings 2020 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, called to students; the Africa upon Member States to come up with commemorative activities to observe d. Art, book and photo exhibitions Integration and celebrate the achievements and competitions; of AfCFTA in the preceding year. Day commem- Celebratory activities can include: e. Film screenings;

a. Issuance of Joint Statement by f. Media and social media orated? Chairperson of the African Union, campaigns, interviews and Leader of the African Continental supplements in national and Free Trade Area and Chairperson pan-African media; of the African Union Commission; g. Rallies and commemorative b. Ceremonies involving statements street walks, sporting events, by the Chairperson of the African food festivals, music and dance; Union, Leader of the African Continental Free Trade Area, h. Distribution of promotional Chairpersons of the Regional materials like tee-shirts, golf shirts Economic Communities and and caps; and Chairperson of the African Union Statements, at the continental level. Similar i. Messages of support and goodwill ceremonies, seminars, ceremonies can be done at from international cooperating exhibitions, films, national and regional levels; partners. rallies, promotional material, messages

9 Africa Integration Day is for all Africans, Africa Integration Day: including those in the Diaspora, and especially the African youth, who a people-driven represent 65 per cent of its population 1.56 and whose number is forecast to increase by 42 per cent by 2030 and celebration by 1.13 double from current levels by 2055 0.78 according to the United Nations Fund ordinary Africans at for Population Activities. The African private sector, academic institutions and civil society organisations as key the grassroots level 2020 2030 2055 Population of African youth stakeholders are also expected to (65% of 1.27 bn. in 2020) play key roles in the commemoration and forcast, in billions. of Africa Integration Day. Institutions of learning, particularly at primary and secondary schools are also encouraged to form African Union Clubs where they do not yet exist and use Africa Integration Day to mount debates among students and youth on pan-Africanism, regional and continental integration. The Pan- African Parliament can also use the day to organise workshops or seminars aimed at building momentum towards its transformation into a legislative assembly once the African Common

UNMISS marks day of the African child. Photo: © Flickr, creative commons/United Nations Photo, licensed under CC BY 2.0 Market and deeper levels of integration are attained.

10 Africans on the Continent view their In countries outside the continent What does brothers and sisters in the Diaspora where there are no AU Permanent as the sixth African region after the Mission, the Dean of the African Group five designated on the continent. The should mobilise the African Diaspora to celebrating celebration of Africa Integration Day is commemorate the African Integration therefore a moment of celebration for Day. Africa Integra- Africans in the Diaspora too. African * Union Permanent Missions abroad* Washington DC [email protected] tion Day mean will coordinate activities to mobilise and ensure active participation and New York City [email protected] contribution of the African Diaspora for Africans in Brussels in the commemoration of the African [email protected] / [email protected] Integration Day. Geneva the Diaspora? [email protected] / [email protected] Beijing [email protected]

African Diaspora in the USA. Photo: © Flickr, creative commons/ African Union Rep Mission to USA, licensed under CC BY 2.0

11 The Abua Treat: Six stages oer 34 ears

2007 207

Establishing RECs armonisation of Free Trade Area Strengthening RECs RECs activities Customs Union General Stabilisation of tariffs in each REC 1980 Sectoral integration 20 202 202

overview Integration of Lagos Coordination and African Common harmonisation of Market all sectors RECs tariffs and Common policies African Central Bank Plan of non-tariff systems African currency of the Action Pan-African Parliament journey and 973 , 1 0 next steps 7 1 9 9 1 Algier and 9 Abuja

, 1

towards 8 Addis Ababa Treaty

6

9 Resolutions and 1 999 Africa Declarations 1

integration Strengthening 63 19 of Regional Economic Creation Communities of the OAU

Ph ot o: 12 © AU 2019

Establishment of the African Customs Union (to be done with the African 2017 Common Market) 2023 Establishment of a continental Establishment Free Trade Area of the African and Customs Common Union in each Market RECs 007 2 8 202 AU © o: Coordinate Phot Consolidation and harmonise of the African activities and Common Market gradually eliminate and setting up of tariffs and non- the organs of the tariff barriers Community

10th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union,Kigali, 21 March 2018. Photo: © Flickr, creative commons/ 13 Paul Kagame, licensed under CC BY 2.0

SAVE THE Contribute to DATE! JULY 7, AFRICA or follow the INTEGRATION discussion DAY on Africa Integration Day

www.twitter.com/ www.facebook.com/ au.int/en/ti DTIinfo@africa- www.youtube.com/ AUTradeIndustry AUTradeIndustry union.org AUTradeIndustry 14 The COVID era has reminded us that Africa European Union. • In the coming ten years, I How is stronger when united. While “locked wish I could see Africa as a land of opportu- away” at home, Africa had an opportu- nities, proud of itself and which people will do you nity to relook at a number of key issues, not be willing to risk their lives by illegally notably the implementation of the AfCFTA, crossing the sea for a hypothetical wealth in Industrialization, Digital Trade, Vulnerabilities the western countries. The effective imple- envisage on Commodity Dependence, and the Free mentation of the African Continental Free Movement of People. A bit of Critical Think- Trade Area (AfCFTA) will definitely provide Africa in ing was required here from our policy mak- African people with a number of opportuni- ers. Scholarly articles allude to the fact that ties, including infrastructures development, Africa is the next growth centre, and it is health and wellness projects, jobs creation 10 years? time to put our act together. We need each and lives improvement for young people and other more this time, bearing in mind that women across the Continent. • Within the nations cannot prosper in isolation. Together next 15 years, we have a continent, where We Will Prosper. • Digital trade and digital we can move from East to West, from North payments will certainly play a key role in the to South. • I hope my kids will not have to continent’s integration efforts to achieve the go through the same hassles I have to go milestone of the African Economic Commu- through to travel and settle in any part of nity (AEC). More needs to be done on the the continent and all that will matter, is the digital economy front where weaknesses qualifications and expertise and not where have certainly been exposed by Covid19. they come from. • My vision of Africa is an • In a post Covid-19 World #AID2020 is an Africa that produces its own value added opportunity to rebuild strategies & to create goods and is a part of the entire value chain a mechanism 2 reboost our economies 4 of production • I want an Africa that is no better Trade integration by putting in place longer forced to be the price taker on the online platforms which will serve every time pretence of fair partnerships, an Africa that everywhere 2 promote trade in transparent, does not present itself as the demandeur • fast & efficient manner. • Intra-regional In 10 years, basics necessities need to be a Trade must grow from 14 – 17% to 40% like human right. Department of Trade & Industry African Union Headquarters P.O. Box 3243, Roosvelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 77 00 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 78 44