African countries are on track to meet only three of the 32 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, according to the 2024 Africa Sustainable Development Report (2024-ASDR). The report was presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York.
The report reviews Africa’s progress on five SDGs: ending poverty (Goal 1), eliminating hunger (Goal 2), combating climate change (Goal 13), promoting peaceful societies (Goal 16), and strengthening global partnerships (Goal 17). It highlights setbacks for eight goals and slow progress for the remaining targets. Key recommendations include increased access to concessional financing, improved climate information, and economic reforms.
ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete noted that while advanced economies have rebounded from COVID-19, many African countries face high debt, inflation, and limited development funding. Disparities in the Human Development Index are widening.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Africa increased by 2% in 2023 but remains at 0.37% of donors’ combined Gross National Income, below the 0.7% target. Matthias Naab, UNDP Africa Deputy Regional Director, emphasized the need to reinforce partnerships and find innovative solutions to get back on track towards the Global Goals.
Despite some progress, Africa still faces significant challenges. Poverty rates remain high, and social protection systems cover only 17.4% of the population. Access to drinking water and sanitation has improved, but efforts to combat hunger and climate change need urgent support.
Al Hamndou Dorsouma, AfDB Climate Change and Green Growth Division Manager, highlighted the need for $118.2 billion to $145.5 billion annually to implement climate action commitments. Governance challenges, such as corruption and illicit financial flows, also hinder progress.
The report calls for improved data collection and capacity building to better understand and address Africa’s development needs.
