ASDR 2024 Report: Africa faces major challenges for sustainable development

The Africa Sustainable Development Report (ASDR) 2024, launched today by UNDP, ECA, and AfDB, reveals the critical challenges facing the continent in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report was unveiled at the High-Level Political Forum in New York.

Entitled "Strengthening the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 to End Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises," the report calls for expanded access to concessional financing, strengthened early warning systems, and urgent economic reforms. It also highlights the need to strengthen partnerships and seek innovative solutions to address current challenges.

The 2024 ASDR indicates that Africa is on track to meet fewer than three of the 32 targets assessed. Key challenges include high debt, high inflation, and limited access to finance. Official development assistance (ODA) to Africa remains below the donor target of 0.7% of gross national income. Despite efforts to reduce poverty and improve access to clean water, hunger remains a major problem, with 281.6 million people affected in 2022. Moreover, only $29.5 billion has been mobilized for climate action out of the $2.8 trillion needed.

The report recommends strengthening data systems to better assess sustainable development needs, intensifying support from development partners, and improving local capacities. It also calls for increased domestic resource mobilization through tax reforms and the digitalization of tax administration systems.

Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union, stressed that while progress has been made, it is essential to accelerate sustainable development actions and strengthen partnerships to overcome persistent challenges and build the Africa of tomorrow.

The editorial staff