Association for the Advancement of Africa, Inc.
Redefining Africa's Identity for Reconstruction of a New Africa
Our Collective Persuasion and Pledge
We, the people of Africa and her Diaspora, united in diversity, deeply conscious of our history, filled with a deep appreciation to all generations of Pan-Africanists who have bequeathed us an Africa with exemplary successes in the fight against slavery, colonialism and apartheid, do commit ourselves to the African Union Agenda 2063 for the realization of an Africa, united in one Government, with one Currency, one Federal bank, an Integrated Transport system, one Passport, one Military command, Intra-Africa Free Trade Zone, an African Official language, Open borders with Visa-less travel across Africa, an Enabling Education Curriculum, efficient Control and Management of our natural and human Resources and a Leadership Devoid of Corruption, so help us God
African Union Vision Agenda 2063: A Vision for Regional Integration
Science and Technology
Immigration
The widening economic gaps between nations is linked more and more to corresponding gaps in science and technology. Africa is making great strides in narrowing this as evidenced by the ground-breaking South African Large Telescope which has become a typical multinational achievement that is being used for this purpose of promoting and increasing awareness. Association ofr the Advancement of Africa holds the view that to be effective, science and technology must be relevant and have a sufficient resource base that is aligned to the needs of the people. In order to maintain relevancy and garner support from prominent sectors, science and technology research and development need to be set by those who understand the local needs of every sector within the local society. By maintaining relevancy and gaining support, research and development ought to contribute more effectively to economic development and influence emerging national policies. It is essential therefore that partnerships and linkages be established between various sectors within each nation and between African nations, aligned to the tertiary curricular. These interactions involve, among others, exchange programs, cooperation between industry and educational institutions, linkages in research facilities, and identification of other mechanisms and sources of assistance and support. These interactions should be promoted at all levels: international, national and regional. With this understanding in, we strive to highlight innovative ideas and projects and celebrate the advances that have been made are being made within Africa by Africans. Our team is working each and every day to make a positive impact.
The greatest Migration in the 21st century is going to be the African Diaspora going back to engage and rebuild Africa. In the past, we were led to believe that leaving Africa, was a Brain-Drain. However, Africans of the Diaspora have become a Brain-Gain for their Countries and the African continent as a whole. 50 years ago, Brain-Drainage was a fact, today those same individuals have now become great intellectual, economic, political, academic and cultural contributors to the welfare of Africa. Our forefathers, 60 years ago, believed that Africa had the potential to become the most powerful continent if its people united to advance self-reliance and self-determination. The redefining of Africa requires all people of African decent (The African Diaspora), regardless of when they left Africa or where they now live, to engage with Africa economically, politically, spiritually, culturally and academically. At the time of independence, they were not many Africans with degrees based on Western Education. Today we have millions who are vast in Western Education. We must allow our acquired knowledge to benefit Africa today. Africa is looking for men and women of vision who have the capacity and resources to harness the abilities of the people for Africa's advancement. Africa has the capacity to determine its own destiny on its own terms. AFRICA IS CALLING, WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?
Women Empowerment
For far too long, women and girls in the world, especially in Africa, have faced discrimination and inequalities in the workforce which have not only hurt them, but their families, communities and their countries as a whole. Research shows that without gender equality in the 21st century, Africa wil not reduce poverty. Educated girls and women with equal access to opportunities can grow into strong leaders and can form a cadre of leadership to help develop Africa. In leadership positions, women can also help to develop policies that support women and girls, and continue to provide greater opportunities for jobs, education and health services.
In countries such as Rwanda and South Africa, an increase in the number of female lawmakers helped advance legislation promoting gender equality such as providing equal land rights to women and ensuring reproductive rights. In Rwanda, improved land tenure security led women owners to increase their investments in land by 18 percentage points, twice the level observed for men. While the continent has one of the highest rates of female labor participation ─second only to Asia─ vulnerable employment (such as unpaid family work) remains the norm. African women work longer hours than men and perform most of the (unpaid) household work. Research shows that women’s average daily hours in agricultural work in four Sub-Saharan African countries is almost 467 minutes a day, compared with about 371 minutes a day for men.
Gender gaps in education are very pervasive. Although there has been a significant increase in enrollment rates for girls at the primary level in Sub-Saharan Africa, boys are still 1.55 times more likely to complete secondary education. In contrast, girls are more likely to drop out, if they are able to attend secondary school all. With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities and provide information that empowers women to continue participating fully in the New Africa. With access to the right resources, women are being empowered by their own abilities and are gaining the confidence to fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work by getting in touch with our team today.
Business
Over the next few decades, there will be a surge in the number of young people, understanding that 60% of Africa’s population is under 35 five years of age, to enter the market place. As the ratio of people of working age to dependents rises, economic growth could get a further boost – a demographic dividend. Multiparty democracy is now firmly established. Africa is pulling itself out of the conflict trap – the vicious circle in which conflict has hampered growth, thereby breeding conflict and underdevelopment. Globalization has lowered the communication gab with IT becoming a reckoning force on the continent. Economic blocs are being formed with the talk of integrated economies, common currency and armies. A wave of oil and gas discoveries challenges a new group of countries with the need to manage resource contracts and revenues wisely. There are also striking growth rates in countries that lack such resources, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, that are pointing the way to a more stable, more prosperous future in which growth is built on a more diversified base. AFRICA IS ON THE RISE.
All of these factors have contributed to a steadily improving business environment, helped by a range of global and regional initiatives aimed at improving transparency and stemming corruption. African countries need investment partners to help them confront and exploit the particular mix of challenges and opportunities they face. With youth unemployment already high, Africa needs to create jobs fast. The private sector is now the major source of jobs for Africans. Expanding trade and investment is vital to ensure sustained and equitable job creation.
The Diaspora must help rediscover Africa’s potential. AFRICA NEEDS YOU TODAY. At Association for the Advancement of Africa, Inc., we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in mobilizing the African Diaspora to engage with this new Africa and to be part of this unparalleled phenomenon. We are always striving to make a difference, and invite you to learn more and lend your support BECOME AN EMPLOYER IN AFRICA