The theme of Africa Week 2017, “Supporting an Integrated, Prosperous, People-Centred and Peaceful Africa: Towards the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, will allow for substantive discussions on a range of issues that are in line with the implementation of goals set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These two Agendas are mutually reinforcing as they focus attention on inclusive and sustainable structural transformation across all dimensions of sustainability including governance, peace and security and sustainable development.

A prosperous African continent is one where the different national economies are seamlessly integrated and the economic and social participation of all citizens is guaranteed and promoted. Governments and partners should work to ensure a fertile environment for entrepreneurship to take root and flourish, and to impede and reverse illicit financial flows, as means to stimulate economic growth and with a focus on peace and security.

The international development partners, private sector and civil society each add significant value in support of Africa’s aspirations. The events of this Week represent an opportunity for open discussion on topics central to the overall theme.