The Africa Governance Report should: (a) sign, ratify and domesticate all the relevant international instruments; (b) improve harmonization of functions between the AU and RECs; and (c) fast-track the deployment capability of the Africa Standby Force. Nexus between Development and Governance 20. The AU Agenda 2063 is closely related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN SDGs). Many AU Member States formulate national development plans that aim to translate national visions into programmes and projects to boost national development as well as enhance social and human progress. However, the implementation of these plans is often hampered by challenges, which sometimes result from the fact that they are not adequately aligned with the AU Agenda 2063 aspirations and the UN SDGs objectives. 21. As part of recommendations, Member States should: (a) align their national development plans, national visions, and in some cases, national action plans (cf. APRM Country Review report) with the AU Agenda 2063 and UN SDGs; (b) draw up plans and programmes that promote inclusive human development; and (c) formulate realistic plans that ensure a prudent and sustainable use of scarce natural resources. Role of the RECs in African Governance 22. Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are voluntary bodies that have as objective to foster continental unity, development, economic cooperation and integration, democracy, peace and security. The AU also works with Regional Mechanisms (RMs) that promote continental efforts to realise shared values. 23. Although they are considered as the building blocks for continental unity and development, there is need to further harmonise and coordinate the functions and responsibilities of these RECs with the AU. 24. The recommendations are that there is need to: (a) enhance collaboration between the AU and RECs, in line with the decisions of the African Union Assembly, in particular, that of the Eleventh Extraordinary Session of November 2018, and (b) ensure that all RECs align development plans with the AU Agenda 2063 and UN SDGs. Page 14 of 96