In an attempt to present the continent's strategic framework that aims to deliver the goal of inclusive and sustainable development, the Agenda 2063 was born. Agenda 2063 is Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a future global powerhouse. It is the continent's strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal of inclusive and sustainable development. It is a tangible manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity pursued by Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.

Agenda 2063 emerged from African leaders' recognition of the need to refocus and reprioritize Africa's agenda away from the struggle against apartheid and the attainment of political independence for the continent, which had been the focus of The Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union. This initiative prioritises inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security amongst other issues aimed at repositioning Africa to becoming a dominant player in the global arena

The need to envision a long-term 50 year development trajectory for Africa is important as Africa needs to revise and adapt its development agenda due to ongoing structural transformations; increased peace and reduction in the number of conflicts; renewed economic growth and social progress; the need for people centered development, gender equality and youth empowerment; changing global contexts such as increased globalization and the ICT revolution; the increased unity of Africa which makes it a global power to be reckoned with and capable of rallying support around its own common agenda; and emerging development and investment opportunities in areas such as agri-business, infrastructure development, health and education as well as the value addition in African commodities