With just five years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda, African leaders and development partners have sounded a clarion call for a shift from merely diagnosing problems to executing bold, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions that deliver results.
At the Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11), currently underway in Kampala, Uganda, the continent’s leaders are making a strong case for urgent and unified action to avert missing critical targets.
Sobering statistics provided at the forum painted a concerning picture: out of 144 measurable Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets, only 10 are currently on track. A staggering 106 are progressing too slowly, and many more risk being missed altogether. The forum, themed “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and AU Agenda 2063,” is therefore positioning itself as a turning point for Africa’s development agenda.
The urgency is particularly critical for five SDGs under review in 2025 – Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). These were emphasized as strategic priorities requiring immediate investment, policy reform, and collaborative action.
Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, put it plainly: “With only five years to 2030, the clock is ticking. We must move beyond diagnosis to implementation – bold, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions are our only options.” He called for mobilizing domestic resources, curbing illicit financial flows, and leveraging pension and sovereign wealth funds to finance Africa’s transformation. “Aid is no longer sustainable,” he warned.
Echoing this sentiment, Robert Rae, President of the UN Economic and Social Council, noted that regional integration must also be fast-tracked. He reaffirmed his support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stating, “Africa for the Africans” was a slogan of the 1950s and 1960s, but it still needs to be a slogan today, to show how we’re going to achieve prosperity.”
The ECA and the broader United Nations system have pledged continued support, urging African nations to forge strategic partnerships, demonstrate strong leadership, and accelerate action on the SDGs. “The next five years must be marked by bold leadership, decisive policies, and strengthened partnerships,” the forum resolved.
Earlier during the opening, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda made a strong case for value addition to Africa’s natural resources, noting that exporting raw materials equates to exporting jobs and wealth. “If we can’t process the minerals, they must stay in the ground. Our grandchildren will process them,” he said, reinforcing the message that Africa’s path to sustainable growth must be grounded in self-reliance and long-term vision.
Ghana has made notable strides in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since adopting the 2030 Agenda in 2015. However, significant challenges remain that require urgent attention to ensure the country stays on track to meet its commitments.
Education (SDG 4)
Ghana has achieved gender parity in kindergarten, primary, and junior high school levels. School attendance and completion rates have improved, with more schools accessing basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation. However, challenges persist, including absenteeism and dropout rates among girls, largely due to menstruation-related issues, and low proficiency in English and Mathematics.
Health (SDG 3)
The country has made progress in reducing maternal mortality and improving child health outcomes. Nonetheless, neonatal mortality remains a concern, and efforts are needed to enhance perinatal care and address disparities in healthcare services.
Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Women’s participation in parliament and local government has increased, reflecting progress toward gender equality however gaps remain to be filled to reach optimum.
Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Access to improved drinking water services has expanded, contributing to better health and well-being. Despite progress in infrastructure development and policy implementation, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. These challenges underscore the need for systemic reform across Ghana’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector.
Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
The electrification rate has improved, with more communities gaining access to electricity, supporting economic activities and quality of life.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Financial inclusion has advanced, with more individuals accessing banking and financial services. However, youth unemployment remains high, posing a significant challenge to sustainable economic growth
