The question for many African countries is not how to reduce their carbon footprint as the continent’s overall contribution to GHG emissions is low at less than 4 per cent. Instead, they are looking innovations to sustainably harness Africa’s resources to meet energy demands for economic development while following a sustainable path to a net-zero future.
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The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a potential game-changer for promoting Africa’s inclusive growth and sustainable development. Some of its benefits are already being realized, although more still needs to be done to harness its full potential. A year after its operationalization, OSAA and the AfCFTA Secretariat look at its progress, challenges and state of implementation.
Free trading under the auspices of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) began in 2021. Africa Renewal interviews Mr. Wamkele Mene Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, on the crucial role of women and young people in free trade, a finance facility for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and a compensation mechanism to cushion the fiscal impact of a loss of tariff revenues.
Our Mandate
The Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) was officially established on 1 March 2003 by the Secretary-General Bulletin (ST/SGB/2003/6), in line with General Assembly Resolution A/RES/57/7 of 4 November 2002 and became operational on 1 May 2003. In accordance with the above resolution, OSAA was initially mandated to:
- enhance international support for Africa's development and security through its advocacy and analytical work,
- assist the Secretary-General in improving coherence and coordination of the UN System support to Africa, and
- facilitate inter-governmental deliberations on Africa at the global level, in particular relating to the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). Read full mandate »»
The Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) strives for coordinated, effective and sustained UN and international support for Africa’s transformative efforts for inclusive sustainable peace, security, socioeconomic development and justice for all in the continent. Read full vision and mission statement »»
OSAA aims to enhance international support for Africa's development and security through its advocacy and analytical work, assist the Secretary-General in improving coherence and coordination of the UN System support to Africa, facilitate inter-governmental deliberations on Africa at the global level... Find out more »
OSAA produces a number of publications within its mandate. These range from mandated Secretary-General’s reports to policy briefs on various issues affecting Africa. The reports provide the research needed for OSAA to carry out its advisory, advocacy, coordination and monitoring roles. Read the reports »