The Africa Governance Report adopted by the 16th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which invited Member States to promote the social and economic development and integration of African economies to achieve increased self-reliance and self-sustainment. The report focuses on four AU Agenda 2063 aspirations, namely: • Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; • Aspiration 3: An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law; • Aspiration 4: A peaceful and secure Africa; and • Aspiration 6: An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children. Each of the four aspirations has goals, priority areas, and targets.5 These aspirations are in line with the (global) United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which constitute the UN’s universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. In particular, Goal 16: “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”.6 Therefore, the AU aspirations 1, 3, 4 and 6 and UN SDG 16 are the basis for the report, and will be the foundation for future annual monitoring, assessments and review of the state of governance on the continent. This inaugural AGR therefore focuses on five key governance areas: • transformative leadership; • constitutionalism and the rule of law; • peace and security (Silencing the Guns); • development and governance; • the role of regional economic communities (RECs). The AU Assembly will decide on the scope of subsequent AGRs. 1.3 Purpose of the Africa Governance Report The objective of the Africa Governance Report is to assess the status of African governance and to provide a basis for tracking governance developments and analysing trends on the continent. It is intended as a useful tool for the Member States, AU Organs and other stakeholders and as a source 5 Briefly, the priorities of: Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development: ending poverty, inequalities of income and opportunity; job creation (youth employment); resolving problems of rapid population growth and urbanization; habitation and access to the basic necessities of water, sanitation, electricity; social security and protection; developing Africa’s human and social capital and health care services; economic transformation; productivity and competitiveness; food self-sufficiency; harnessing the potential of Africa’s ocean economy; sustainable management of biodiversity, forests, land and waters and addressing climate change. Aspiration 3: An Africa of good governance, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law: consolidating democracy and improving the quality of governance; respect for human rights and the rule of law; institution building for a developmental state; development-oriented and visionary leadership. Aspiration 4: A peaceful and secure Africa: strengthening governance, accountability and transparency; strengthening mechanisms for securing peace and reconciliation; addressing emerging threats to Africa’s peace and security; and implementing strategies for the continent’s financing of security needs. Aspiration 6: An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children: full gender equality in all spheres of life; and engaged and empowered youth and children. 6 UN, 2015. Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (A/RES/70/1). Page 22 of 96