Background to the Agenda Africa is set on a course towards a different and better Africa. The vision that inspires this course is captured in the African Union (AU)’s Agenda 2063. Because the ideals in Agenda 2063 will not be achieved overnight, young people – and children, in particular – have to be the drivers of Africa’s renaissance. Securing future progress, peaceful co-existence and welfare lies in their hands. In order to allow them to take charge of Africa’s future, their full potential has to be unlocked by fully protecting and realising their rights. Agenda 2063 lists the following ‘aspirations’ for the Africa ‘we want’: ● a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; ● an integrated continent, politically united, based on the ideals of PanAfricanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance; ● an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law; ● a peaceful and secure Africa; ● an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics ● an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children; ● Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner. By 2015, 25 years have lapsed since the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government (AU Assembly), adopted the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (African Children’s Charter) on 1 June 1990. This landmark moment provided an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments over a quarter of a century, to identify the remaining challenges and to plan ahead. Much was achieved between 1990 and 2015, but much remains to be done. Over the 25 years between 1990 and 2015, the African Children’s Charter 1