Speaking to Channel Africa on Monday, on the AU’s Moonshot 3 initiative, Deputy Director for the Real and Social Sector at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research, James Mulenga, said stronger action was needed to advance democracy, human rights, justice and the rule of law.
Moonshot 3 forms part of Agenda 2063 and aims to promote accountable leadership, responsive public institutions and corruption-free governance systems across Africa.
Mulenga said the initiative establishes critical conditions for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
“We cannot achieve anything as a continent if we do not achieve what is outlined under Moonshot 3,” Mulenga said.
Mulenga acknowledged that some countries have made progress in strengthening democratic governance but noted that advances remain limited and inconsistent across the continent.
According to Mulenga, many African governments are willing to sign and ratify continental governance instruments but are often slow to incorporate them into national legislation or provide the resources required for implementation.
Mulenga said reluctance to enforce governance commitments is often linked to concerns that stronger accountability measures could limit the powers of ruling administrations.
Despite widespread ratification of democratic charters, public confidence in key institutions remains low in many countries. Mulenga pointed to findings from Afrobarometer surveys showing that only about 38% of Africans trust electoral management bodies.
Mulenga added that trust in courts and political leaders also remains weak, while corruption continues to affect public institutions across the continent.
“Transparency is impossible without a free press,” Mulenga said, stressing that media freedom is essential to achieving the objectives of Moonshot 3.
Mulenga called for reforms to restrictive media, cyber and non-governmental organisation laws that are often used against journalists and civil society organisations advocating for transparency and accountability.
The governance expert also highlighted the growing importance of youth participation in shaping Africa’s future. With young people making up the largest share of Africa’s population and facing high unemployment levels, Mulenga said governments must do more to engage younger generations in policymaking.
Mulenga said meaningful consultation with young Africans is necessary to address economic challenges, promote social stability and ensure the continent remains on track to achieve the ambitions of Agenda 2063.
–ChannelAfrica–
