While it may sound like stating the obvious, it is important to note that one factor we can be certain about is that data-
information, analysis and strategic planning will increasingly be cardinal in Africa’s successful development formula.
The factors and trends that need to be taken into account in determining development policy and investment choices
are not just increasing in number, but are characteristically dynamic and highly inter-dependent (across sectors, disciplines and geographical spaces). Therefore, it is obvious that strengthening analysis and strategic planning capacity in Africa’s national and regional systems is essential and should not be taken for granted. It requires deliberate effort to
develop and nurture as an integral part of catalysing development planning and implementation.

In the context of the AUDA-NEPAD—specifically fulfilling the role of catalysing the implementation and delivery of
transformational economic growth and development results—this study on local and global transformations is an important contribution to Africa’s development efforts. The transitions identified here are now at a stage where they have picked up their own momentum and will continue at a pace and direction that for the foreseeable future that maybe outside human control in the short-term. Their momentum will directly impact economic growth and development trajectories–either as “energy” that could be leveraged to speed-up economic growth and development trajectories (i.e. positive energy) or hinder economic growth and development trajectories (i.e. negative energy).

Within the context of Africa, in general, and Agenda 2063 (also linking to the Sustainable Development Goals of
the UN) specifically, this study broadly identifies four of these transitions. The AUDA-NEPAD, working with the Frederick
S. Pardee Centre for International Futures, have, in this study, brought out evidence and insights on the “pace
and direction” of these transitions and what implications they have on the choices Africa (collectively and as individual
member states) make in determining their economic growth and development pathways. This study brings out easy
to digest and use analytical information that could feed directly into integrated development planning in pursuit of
Agenda 2063 goals and targets.

The forecasting element in the study – using the International Futures model – aims to support member states into
policy and investment choices which, while responding to “immediate needs” and also directly address the normally
structural “medium to long-term needs”. For a 50-year development plan, this report also brings attention and planning
capability to determine inter-generational timeframes and related actions that would lead to not just to economic
growth, but also to sustainable development – in the context of human well-being.

Northern, Southern, and Western Africa are projected to experience less rainfall, the distance between potential and actual production – could range from 10 to 90 percent across the continent.
Climate change will exacerbate this problem. Many crops grown on the continent are already close to their thermal limits, which will strain the production of these crops further. Africa is also projected to lose, on average, 4.1 percent of cropland by 2039 and 18.4 percent by 2100.
Africa is expected to experience the largest negative impact on agricultural yield compared with other global regions. By 2063, the Current Path suggests that African yield will be five percent less compared with 1990 levels (using the same technology and agricultural inputs). This is supported by a meta-analysis that projects that average crop yields in the continent will fall eight percent by the 2050s.

Challenges and opportunities in Africa;
1. Urban Population Growth
2. Youthful Population
3. Demographic Dividend
4. Improved Education
5. Improved Health
6. Middle Class Growth
7. Improved Infrastructure
8. Growth in Inequality
9. Poverty
10. Growth in Inequality
11. Renewable Energy Growth
12. Growth in Automation and
13. Artificial Intelligence
14. Climate Change
15. Urban Environmental Challenges
16. Biodiversity Loss
17. Water Stress