As we get closer to 2030, the urgency to reassess and reinvigorate our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has never been more pressing.
The global landscape has undergone unprecedented transformations over the past few years, marked by pandemics, economic upheavals, and escalating environmental crises.
Despite these challenges, pursuing a more equitable and sustainable world remains an imperative we cannot afford to abandon.
Within this context, we must scrutinise our progress and strategies for the future, ensuring that the vision of the SDGs is not just an aspirational target but a tangible reality.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, progress has been made in healthcare. Recent assessments reveal that less than 20 percent of the SDGs targets will be met by 2030.
These targets include combating malaria and tuberculosis, improving maternal and infant health through nutritional supplements, and enhancing basic literacy in the poorest countries.
However, significant challenges remain, and efforts are needed to maximise progress towards these goals. However, it is envisaged that many goals may not be met by 2030.
The Foresight Africa 2025-2030 report by the Brookings Institution’s Africa Growth Initiative reveals that several factors have contributed to this shortfall, including the Covid-19 pandemic, economic downturns, geopolitical conflicts, and the escalating climate crisis. These challenges have collectively hindered advancements across various SDGs, notably those related to health, education, and inequality reduction.
To accelerate the achievement of the SDGs in Africa, a multipronged approach is essential, addressing both immediate challenges and long-term structural issues.
Experts suggest continued focus on combating diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, improving maternal and infant health through nutritional supplements, and enhancing basic literacy in the poorest countries.
Such targeted approaches could offer substantial returns on investment and accelerate progress toward the 2030 agenda. In addition, emphasising scalable, proven initiatives and fostering partnerships across governments, private sectors, and other stakeholders is crucial to making meaningful progress by 2030.
Enhancing climate resilience is also imperative. Significant investments are necessary in areas such as sustainable agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Further, investments in sustainable infrastructure should increase. Governments, alongside private sectors, should prioritise funding for renewable energy and green technologies.
Such investments stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and significantly reduce environmental degradation, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The most basic of all interventions is building a culture of data-driven decision-making and leveraging predictive analytics and focus where the outcomes foster the achievement of the SDGs within the remaining timeline. Policymakers across the continent need to leverage data analytics to inform their strategies effectively.
The digital agenda in Africa plays a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of public services. Additionally, digitising government services will promote transparency, reduce corruption, and foster greater citizen trust in institutions.
Addressing gender equality must be at the forefront of these efforts. Empowering women economically and politically is essential for sustainable development, as their active participation is critical in realising the SDGs.
Legal reforms that enhance women’s rights and facilitate access to resources will profoundly impact economic growth and social stability.
These must be complemented by strengthening policy implementation to improve governance and institutional capacities, ensuring that the SDGs are effectively realised. This may involve bolstering judicial independence and promoting accountability within governance structures.
The Secretariat of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area should embrace continental cooperation and resource mobilisation efforts to build cross-border infrastructures like payment systems and other infrastructures to facilitate the free movement of people.
Enhanced collaboration between countries, sectors, and organisations can streamline efforts to secure SDG financing. Current efforts to reform global financial institutions should be stepped up to better support African nations, allowing them to harness resources that respect their sovereignty rather than relying solely on aid.
Due to recent global disruptions and persistent structural issues, attaining the SDGs by 2030 faces significant hurdles. Accelerating progress will require a multifaceted approach, including targeted health interventions, increased investment in sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience, leveraging data analytics, fostering gender equality, and enhancing continental cooperation.
Engaging communities and ensuring inclusivity in development processes are also crucial.
The continent has failed to address inequality and marginalisation. The World Bank's 2024 Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report reveals a stark reality. Despite representing only 16 percent of the global population, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to an overwhelming 67 percent of those living in extreme poverty. Policymakers must actively work to decrease disparities that obstruct progress toward the SDGs.
Ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are included in the development process promotes social justice and mitigates tensions, contributing to increased stability.
More than ten years into the implementation of SDGs, public awareness about these critical targets is absent. Development is about engaging communities in the development process to cultivate accountability and grassroots support.
Citizen involvement is vital in ensuring that initiatives are relevant and responsive to local needs. It is not too late to step up community engagement and review what is lagging and how quick measures can be taken to improve the achievement rate of these goals.
The Writer is Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mission to the European Union
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