The New Partnership for Africa’s Development: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

In 2012, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) was 11 years old. In its early years, it recorded a number of successes, particularly due to the decisiveness of its political leaders. Over the years, the dynamism that gave NEPAD global recognition as a ground-breaking African initiative began to wane, for many reasons, putting its future at huge risk. This article discusses where NEPAD is coming from and where it is going, and will also analyse its early successes, lost opportunities, current status and prospects. It will also offer some recommendations for ensuring that NEPAD regains some of its lost glory, and refl ect on how the changes in leadership in the African Union (AU) may be an opportunity for it.